Need help... with Dell Dimension 8100

[kitman41]

Just got the Dell Dimension 8100 computer 1.4Ghz, 128MB RDRAM, running Window ME...

My questions...

1. Why does it run like my old generic 500Mhz with 128MB SDRAM... no noticeable difference... why?
2. Maybe I need more RAM, but gosh RDRAM cost $$$$. I heard that they might phase out RDRAM, is that true?
3. Also, if I upgrade, the people at DELL in their infinite wisdom has added 2 X 64MB RDRAM. Now should I get 2 X 64MB RDRAM to get to 256 RDRAM which will cost $300.00 or should i just get 2x128 RDRAM at $500.00 and end up with 384MB RDRAM... the thing is if i go for 2x64, i have to replace everything... later... will the price go down on RDRAM?

The crappy thing is that I don't even notice any improvment with this RDRAM thing...

 

[hans007]

well first off winME is slow. install win2k on that thing and it'll feel 25% faster just for that. But then you'll need 256mb ram. I'd buy two 128mb sticks, and just egay the 64mb ones off. You could use 384mb i supposed, but that is not really needed. 128mbpc800 rimms are around $200 so you will only be spending around $400, or you could try to get them on the forsale trade forum, probably cost you around $300 there from what i've seen.

 

[kitman41]

Thanks!! Well can i get 128MB PC600 for $200? I looked, they all cost around $250 each..

 

[Dameon]

If you'd been reading the site for awhile, you'd know RDRAM won't give you much, if any boost... unless you talk to FLOKSTER.

 

[hans007]

you need pc600? There was a guy in forsale trade selling a single pc600 128mb samsung rimm for $129. I dont think anyone bought it yet either

 

[hans007]

it was actually $120 shipped for the pc600
http://forums.anandtech.com/message...329758&highlight_key=y&keyword1=pc600


here is another guy selling a stick of infineon 128mb rambus for $100 shipped. Doesnt say what speed. But i suppose if youdidnt care that the modules didnt match, you could run them both at pc600 and upgrade for only $220

http://forums.anandtech.com/message...04971&highlight_key=y&keyword1=rambus

 

[bacillus]

<< Why does it run like my old generic 500Mhz with 128MB SDRAM... no noticeable difference... why? >>


what applications are you using in making this statement?
if you want more rdram get pc800 not pc600!

 

[Slapstick]

My experiences with Dell is that they load so much performance sucking apps out of the factory they don't run mear as well as they should. The first thing to do is see what?s loading at startup and get rid of what you don?t need, i.e. Dell resolution Assistant, keep Norton Anti Virus from starting at boot up, Microsoft Office startup, (if you got small business installed) etc. etc. You will be amazed at how much better it will run after you jetison all that garbage.

 

[Ezark]

I had the same experience. As Slapstick said, you have to disable some stuff at your startup and may disable some of Norton Antivirus' function. You may call the Tech service and ask what you have to keep and what you don't need to. (Or you may be able to figure out by yourself.) When I first got my PIII 600 it was slower than my 4-year-old P200.