Adding RAM to computer

[SuperSteeler]

Need some help. We have an old(er) computer, a Dell Dimension 2400. It does everything we need it to but it's a little slow. Currently it has 256MB of DDR SDRAM. I'd like to upgrade it to 512. I need to look but I think it has 1 open slot memory slot. How hard is it for someone with minimal computer knowledge to do this? From what I've seen online the memory can be bought for around $30. Thanks in advance.

 

[JApol]

Some computer manufacturers have proprietary claims on what ram can go into their computers. Some times the ram that wasn't bought from the manu. will not work in the computer. What t hey charge for that ram is enough to build one yourwelf

 

[Todd G]

Go to the Kinston site here:



Kingston Technology Company - Kingston Memory Search - Search Results for:

 

[SuperSteeler]

I've found a couple sites where I can buy it, I just want to know how to install it.

 

[E7mack96]

Just shut down the computer, then unplug it. THere should be some release tabs that are at each end of the memory module in the pc. If you are replacing that one, push the tabs and it will unseat the memory. then gently press in the new piece in the same orientation as the other one came out. It will need to have the tabs locked back into place. THey only fit in one way, so you should have no worries there.



THen put the cover back on, and plug it in. It should boot up, and do a test of sorts for the new memory being added.

 

[fest3er]

Be sure you ground yourself (by touching some metal part of the computer frame) before touching the bare memory sticks; static electricity is bad for integrated circuits. Generally, try to handle the memory (or any computer part for that matter) by the edges only as much as is possible. RAM modules are keyed to fit only one way.

A quick link to review: Google Answers Link.

Get the slower PC2100 RAM (266 MHz; non-ECC, non-buffered); it's what the Celery processor can use. Toss the stick that's in there and get 2 512MB sticks. Win XP will run on 512 MB of RAM, but 1GB will give it adequate breathing space. And it appears that RAM is shared with video, so the extra RAM will also help.

You should be able to find the memory for $30-$40 per stick. For example, Newegg has Kingston memory for $32. 50 per stick with shipping: Newegg RAM. This should make the computer as fast as it's ever going to be. (Well, you *can* make it faster, but it involves removing all vestiges of Norton and/or McAfee from the computer; they are absolute PIGS and will slow a brand new dual CPU system to a crawl. )

Good luck, and post again if you have more questions!

N

 

[SuperSteeler]

Thanks for the great info. I will do like you said fest3er and order 2 512. Can you explain though why the 266 non-ECC is better than the 333 ECC? Or will the answer just make my brain hurt? :-laf

 

[ACoyle]

Every time I put RAM (Memory) in a Dell, if two different speeds of RMA are possible, IE: 266 and 333, If I use the faster one it has never worked for me. Even if I replace all the RAM. I would suggest exactly what fest3er suggests.



AC

 

[fest3er]

Thanks for the great info. I will do like you said fest3er and order 2 512. Can you explain though why the 266 non-ECC is better than the 333 ECC? Or will the answer just make my brain hurt? :-laf

The Celery processor (which I believe you said you have) has a a 'slower' front-side bus; it runs memory only at 266 MHz. The Pentium has a 'faster' front-side bus; it'll run memory at 266MHz or 333 MHz. So buying faster memory is a 'waste'.



The memory in the link I supplied has a CAS latency of 2, which is a *little* faster than RAM with a CAS latency of 2. 5. 1/2000000000

Latency is the time it takes for the data to be presented to the system. A lower number is better; it yields a marginal difference that you might or might not notice. But since the price is the same and it can't hurt, you might as well go for the tCAS=2 RAM.



[Warning! Digression follows! (But is related to 'slow' computers. )]



I was going to say you should toss that computer and get a new one, like the dual-core Athlon Dell in today's Parade magazine for $450. That's a price you almost can't afford to pass up. But $100 for more memory is still cheaper, provided the computer still does what you need. Shoot, until last year, an 866 MHz PIII with 512MB RAM handled all my needs (email, browsing, printing, typesetting, image manipulation, et al). But I now have a quad 2GHz Opteron system; it has room to grow into.



And again, if you have Norton or McAfee installed, delete them, then find the instructions on the internet to completely remove them. They market paranoia. They get in and check EVERYTHING that goes into and out of your computer, which is why a dual-core 2GHz CPU will be no faster than a 400MHz PIII. Then install Spybot (and its Teatimer realtime registry protector), Trend Micro or AVG anti virus, and the free ZoneAlarm firewall. These plus care and common sense will prevent most 'damage' to your computer.



If you have kids using the computer, find a good ad blocker. I've never investigated them, so I'm of no use there. Maybe someone else reading this thread has some suggestions. But, I *can* say that kids do not need to be exposed to all the flash and hype of Madison Ave. and their ilk. Kids don't know and won't remember that they shouldn't click pretty links, or click links that promise them free stuff. Middle-schoolers and many high-schoolers are too easily distracted by racy pictures of the opposite sex and pictures of racy cars and motorbikes (the 'sensuous' stuff), when they should be concentrating on research.



If you teach them only to go to sites they (and you) 'know and trust' and remove the temptation by blocking the flashy stuff, your computer will stay cleaner a whole lot longer. Give them a 'restricted' login that has the ad blocker installed, and leave the ad blocker off your login. I learned long ago to not see ads unless I'm researching a product purchase, in which case I might visit sites related to that product.

 

[BNH4221]

I unplugged the 256K ram "bar" from the old Dell, took a ride to the local Staples, matched it up to a 1 gig bar and drove home with the new Ram in the old Ram (?).

Reinstalled it, cranked up the computer and continued to march. Computer automatically recognizes the new memory. Easy as pie.



Ditto to Fest3er - Dump Norton and install Spybot. I've had pretty good luck with MacAfee.





Steve

 

[SuperSteeler]

Installed mine last night and it worked great. Thanks again Fest3er.

 

[rkressg]

If you turn off Virtual memory, it will run faster.

You will need at least 1GB of memory to do this on XP.

This is a variable under:
Right Mouse Click My Computer --> Properties --> Advanced --> Performance --> Settings --> Advanced --> Virtual Memory --> Change
put bullet to No Paging File for all drives (if you have more than a C Drive) and hit set.

Click OK a bunch of times and restart the PC. It should run faster.

 

[Heavyweight]

If you must order RAM for your computer, use Crucial.com



If your system is generic, they have a scan tool to help you select the correct RAM for your computer.





They make the best RAM out there.