Putting new ram in an old system.

[essential]

My father has an older Gateway 500C, and it's only got a 40gig HD and 256meg of RAM. I know a new HD will be compatible because it's IDE is all the same. My question comes with the RAM. I tried to upgrade one of our families oldest computers, a Compaq from like 1999, and when I put new RAM in it, it fried something, even though on paper it was compatible. Based on these specs, do you think I should be okay?

Gateway 500C:
Memory:
MEM DDR 256-MB PC266B 16X8 R0 [Part #5000582]
This is a 184 pin, 256 megabyte (MB) DDR-SDRAM (Short for Double Data Rate-Synchronous DRAM) module, that supports data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle, effectively doubling the memory chip's data throughput. DDR-SDRAM is also called SDRAM II.

Motherboard Part Number: 2515568
Type of Memory Modules (shipped):
MEM DDR 256-MB PC266B 16X8 R0
Number of Memory Slots on Board: 2 (2 banks of 1)
Maximum Amount / Type of RAM that can be Installed:
1024MB DDR PC2700

I was going to order this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16822144422 (HD)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145450 (RAM)

It's PC3200, but I assume it'll just default to PC2700 when installed, but other than that, based on the information I provided, does anyone see any issues I could run into?

I was planning on installing the new RAM and HD at the same time, and installing a clean copy of windows from the restore disc that came with the comp. Ideally I would install the RAM first to make sure it works, but I don't want to risk the data on the old HD incase something misfires.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Bozo Galora]

well, I went to crucial.com and entered in your Gateway, then 500 series, PC2100, and they have 3 sizes of RAM all the way up to 512MB sticks
It says guranteed compatible with your PC - but who knows.
a search for PC2700 (333) - same PC - brings up some to 1GB.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts....l=500+Series+%28DDR+PC2100%29&tabid=AM

the 512 sticks are 64X64
however in the search window for Gateway, there is only a 500 generic series shown.
I never have any luck on replacing RAM on older PC's, since the stuff manuf today has higher density drams, then theres the single sided/dual sided issue.

overe here they actually have a 500C model and say the thing used both SDRAM PC133 and DDR PC2100
http://www.upgradememory.com/?AFID=3

Quote:
System Notes: The Gateway 500 Series supports PC133 SDRAM or various DDR technologies. Please consult your owner?s manual for your specific system requirement.
(Unquote)

16X8 two sticks of 128MB seems a little slim for DDR - are you sure they are not SDRAM in there? What are you using to see whats already installed? Have you installed SiSoftSandra (free version 2007) to check your mem system? Knowing your CPU might help. There is also a 500C destination and a 500C CTO

On Corsairmemory.com search there are no 500"C"s only L's S's XE's, X's and XL's etc.
not much help

then theres this guy
http://www.memoryx.net/ga500deseme.html

I would call crucial and/or corsair on phone and get a firm answer from some guy that sounds knowledgable.

 

[jackschmittusa]

I have never seen the Crucial recommendations not work. If you enter the correct info, I would trust what they suggest.

 

[Old Hippie]

I would call crucial and/or corsair on phone and get a firm answer from some guy that sounds knowledgable.

:thumbsup:
I ran into the same problem as the OP when upgrading a friends "vintage" Gateway system. A call to the Crucial hot line was informative and reassuring.

 

[essential]

well, i did a chat session with a gateway tech, he told me that it's PC2100 in the computer, even though the gateway and crucial sites list PC2700 as upgrade options, and he also said the max HD size supported is 200gigs, which i don't understand since it's a windows xp machine, i thought only 98 and below had trouble recognizing larger HDs cause of the FAT32 system. i am sure it's ddr sdram because when i enter the computers serial number on the gateway site it tells me what's in the machine.
Gateway 500C:
Memory:
MEM DDR 256-MB PC266B 16X8 R0 [Part #5000582]
This is a 184 pin, 256 megabyte (MB) DDR-SDRAM (Short for Double Data Rate-Synchronous DRAM) module, that supports data transfers on both edges of each clock cycle, effectively doubling the memory chip's data throughput. DDR-SDRAM is also called SDRAM II.

i found some pc2100 corsair valueselect 512 sticks for only $43 each on new egg, i think i'm going to pick up two of them over the crucial because the crucial site only lists pc2700 ram, and either a maxtor or western digital 200gig HD. i wanted the 250gig maxtor cause it has 16meg cache for only like $10 more than the 200gig model, but oh well, anything is better than the 40gig he has in their now.