Help me guess at what RAM is in this computer

[Ilmater]

Computer is a Dell
Bought about 2 years ago, maybe less
It's a Dimension, but I don't know if it's an XPS or not

I don't know much about it, but I'm assuming that if I buy PC3200 DDR it will work. Do you think that's right? Can anyone think of another type of RAM that this computer might need? I'm pretty sure they weren't using RDRAM any more when it was bought, but I don't know what kind of RAM is in it FOR SURE.

Thanks for your help all.

 

[ForumMaster]

check here.

 

[n7]

Download CPU-Z.

Or open your case & remove the dimm to see what it states.

How is that hard to do?

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
check here.

Can't. Like I said, I don't know what model it is other than I'm sure it's a Dimension or a Dimension XPS. That's it. I don't remember the processor exactly, just that it's quite a bit newer than my parents' 1.7 GHz P4.

 

[bamacre]

What model Dell is it? Dimension 8300, 8400? 4600, 4700?

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: n7


Download CPU-Z.

Or open your case & remove the dimm to see what it states.

How is that hard to do?

I don't have the computer near me... it's not even in this state. I just remembered I need to order RAM for it by the time I get home this weekend, and I can't get ahold of anyone that can look at it for me.

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: bamacre
What model Dell is it? Dimension 8300, 8400? 4600, 4700?

Again, no idea. I said everything I know in my first post. I know it is newer than a P4 1.7GHz, but that's as much as I can remember about when it came out. It was at least 6 months newer than that 1.7.

 

[ch33zw1z]

open it up, check what it is. SDRAM is double notched, DDR SDRAM is single notched. gl finding memory to work w/ dells...

 

[Ilmater]

Originally posted by: ch33zw1z
open it up, check what it is. SDRAM is double notched, DDR SDRAM is single notched. gl finding memory to work w/ dells...

What does that mean? Do I need to get Registered memory?

Also, again, I do not have the computer anywhere near me. It's in a different state entirely.

 

[dakels]

If you dont know the exactly what type of ram that is in there you're taking a big risk buying blindly...
The dimensions from that time mostly used DDR333-400mhz. XPS I believe had a fancier blue trimmed case. Still a date around 2 years ago isnt exactly defining either as a 3 month difference and model change could have meant a significantly different RAM module.

My best guess would say it is probably DDR400 or close to it, 433/400/333. Since those are cross compatible it is a fairly safe bet but if you buy 333 and there is 433 in there, the entire system will have to downgrade to the 333 speed. I highly doubt its RDRAM either. I dont think common model dimensions in that time frame had that anymore.

While a DDR400/PC3200 could most likely work, it's an educated guess at best. Timing is most likely the default loose 3.0 CL samsung memory they used alot.


And PS I dont see why not wait till it gets to you? RAM can be either bought locally, or much cheaper ordered online and recieved next day or 2-3 days at most.

 

[Fast Fingers]

edit: Ah bummer...so it's not physically anywhere near you. Hmm...I checked my Dad's comp, which is a first-gen XPS, and it had DDR PC3200. So, you should be good.

 

[Ilmater]

Oooh, found out it was an 8400. I think that's probably DDR according to Dell's site, so I'm going to hope PC3200 is enough.

If anyone knows better, please let me know

 

[Pens1566]

There should be a 6 character service tag on it that you can use on Dell's website to find out for sure. Can't someone get that for you?

 

[SuperNaruto]

According to Dell's manuals


http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/specs.htm#wp1052308

Dimension 8400 uses DDR 2 unbuffer SDRAM

 

[bamacre]

Yes, the Dim 8400 uses DDR2 400mhz and 533mhz memory, non-ECC. Pentium 5x0 and 6x0 series processors. Four DIMM slots.

The memory in your system is very likely to be Samsung, Infineon, Nanya, or Micron. If you can find the same brand, you're good.

However, you could dump what you have now and get some Corsair Value Select which will run great in the Dim 8400, but might not play well with what you have in their now. Corsair Value Select runs great in all Dell DDR2 based systems, but I have had some bad experiences running it with the original system ram, which is why I recommended dumping what you have now.