Dell: can you replace with any type ram?

[rcomo]

Fixing a computer for extended family. Problem: Random reboots. Most likely fix: replace ram. Want to get a same-stick off Newegg, but unsure if Dell "allows" for other type ram. In fact, I was gonna replace the hard drive for them too, just a small upgrade, and now that I think about it, can you replace HDs from Dells as well, or do they use something other than the IDE standard? Thanks for the help in advance.

EDIT: a little more advance help too to determine the exact type of ram so I replace it with the same stuff. This is what the label on the ram reads:

PC2100U-25330-A0
MY
256MB, DDR, 266MHz, CL2.5

This is 184pin DDR ram, right? And this ram is single sided, should I ensure any replacement is single sided too?

 

[imported_jzimo]

On my old dell I replaced all the memory and it works fine.

 

[CheesePoofs]

I think everything from dell's is standard except their Power supplies (in older systems) and some of their mounting devices. My friend has a dell and he has replaced both the ram and HD, so it should work ..... but you never know with dell.

 

[coejus]

Their motherboards and cases are kind of weird... if you do buy memory to add, make sure it's a good brand name. My friend tried to use some generic stuff in his Dell box, and it wouldn't work.

 

[LTC8K6]

The ram and HD will be standard stuff.

Go to Crucial.com and use the memory configurator.

 

[Hurricane Andrew]

Three cheers for Crucial. Their memory selector is wonderful for older systems (and newer ones, as well). It's guaranteed to work if you buy through them, and I've never had a problem with any of hte RAM I bought from them.