|
|
 |
|
|
Pages: 1
Question about RAM
(Click here to view the original thread with full colors/images)
Posted by: Yblitzka
MY PC (a Dell Optiplex GX260) is about 2.5 years old now, and is in need of a RAM upgrade. I'm looking through Newegg, but I have a question: The computer's current RAM is DDR 266 (PC2100). There are some slightly cheaper modules out there, mostly in the DDR 400 (PC 3200) range.
I have every intention of getting two modules the exact same - I won't be using the old one that's in there now. THe question is (and it's a dumb one, I'm sure, but I wanted to check): can I use the DDR 400 modules in my PC or do I have to stick with DDR 266?
~Yb
Posted by: goranpaa
Hi!
From what I can see, looking at the RAM upgrades for your Dell. It seems it is limited to PC 266.
So getting a faster memory stick(s) than that, would just be a waste of money. As PC 3200 RAM still will run at the speed of the 2100. Due to motherboard limitations.
But what you CAN do, is to get better quality of RAM than the orginal ones.
Here is some suggestions:
CORSAIR ValueSelect 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 266 (PC 2100) System Memory - Retail $48.00
Kingston ValueRAM 512MB 184-Pin DDR SDRAM Unbuffered DDR 266 (PC 2100) System Memory - OEM $45.99
prices from newegg, webshop.
Posted by: Yblitzka
Well, speed isn't an issue so much as price - the 2100 is a shade more money than the 3200. I'd be getting the 512MB DIMMs anyway, (128MB is standard - ugh... I require at least 256.) If I wanted speed, I'd get a new PC - but this one was given to me, so I'm just upgrading it bit by bit. (First was the processor - got .2 more GHz now! - then RAM, hard drive, and finally an AGP 4X video card....mmmm).
Just so long as the other PC ratings (2700, 3200, etc) will work with the system - that's my main concern. The only thing that sucks more than spending more than you need to on something is not having the something work.
Thanks man!
~Yb
Posted by: chainlink
Currently using a GX260 here at work, PC3200 should be OK (by scaling down to PC2100) but there's a very small chance it won't. Look's like you've got two DIMM slots each with a max capacity of 1GB. Typical crappy Dell set-up using a MOBO that supports PC1600 & PC2100 memory with a 400 or 533MHz processor option!
Posted by: Yblitzka
That's nothing. I don't care that it's a little slow - I'm not going to be playing Diablo on it or anything, plus this PC will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER go on the internet. EVER. That will keep the performance up as well. The slow RAM speed limitations don't bug me an awful lot.
What ticked me off is the 20GB Maxtor they put in it. What a waste of a HD bay - at least put a 40 GB in there. Puh-lease. I'm getting a Seagate U-ATA 100 HD to put in it as a slave, strictly for data. I'd love an SATA, but it ain't gonna happen. Will probably upgrade the PSU too, to a nice NewEgg deal that pops up... But that's another month - I've spent enough money on this one for a while. I have 4 PCs at home now!!!! I so happy!
Gateway Media Center
Dell Optiplex GX260 (sturdy little devil!)
Acer Travelmate 739 (school issued, top of the line model... 4.33333 years ago.)
Plain Jane Win98SE machine (still works, just not so pretty...)
Oh, how fun it is to be me! (and my family who puts up with all of these)
~Yb
Posted by: taco_fox
No need to spend a lot of money on a PSU for your computer. A Fortron 350W PSU can be had for $26 plus shipping at Newegg. And I'll swear by Fortron PSUs. They're superior performers for the price.
Posted by: thtadthtshldntb
If you are going to put the higher rated ram in and run it at a slower rate, make sure that you have the latest bios version. Sometimes first ed. bios have problems with doing what you are intending.
Also for scale down purposes, see if DDR333 can be had cheaper, you may even be able to save some cash.
|
|
|
|
|
