Easy memory question

[mikef07]

I have a dimension 8400. I see that mine has 2x256MB of ddr2 (PC3200 memory). I want to use the dual channel mode. WIll any ddr2 sticks work as long as i put them in pairs or does it have to say dual channel? Under deals I see a lot of deals for ddr2 memory but I am not sure if all ddr2 is the same or if some are dual channel capable and some are not. Thanks in advance.

 

[xsilver]

I think you are mistaken with your ram ....ddr2 is 533 not 3200.... anyways matched or near identical sticks will be detected as dual channel when put in the appropriate banks on the motherboard... eg. if there are 4 rams slots 1+2 /3+4 or 1+3/2+4 will be the dual channel banks.... but your dell system should already be running in dual channel mode
if you want to check ... download cpuz
http://www.cpuid.com
.... under the memory tab , should say dual channel or not

 

[mikef07]

My memory on my packing slip says 400mhz (or PC3200)? It also says dual channel. If it has to be 533mhz how is this possible?

Here is what it says:

512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 400MHz (2x256M)

 

[xsilver]

sorry .. my bad ..... didnt realize that ddr2 ram was ALSO available in pc-3200..... 533mhz ram is the most widely used ddr2 ram now though....
anyways pertaining to your original question, yes it should already be running in dual channel, and if you want to use the free slots, as long as the ram is similar/identical then they will also be running dual channel

if you want more info on your ram, download the program I suggested earlier

 

[imported_Kensai]

PC2-3200 was the earliest variation of DDR2 as was DDR200 to DDR.