RAM for Dell

[ScottyB]

I ordered a Dell for my mother today and I am getting some more RAM off Newegg. There are four slots (2 x 2) for RAM on the motherboard that can hold 1GB each. I was thinking of getting 1GB more, and since there are only two slots left I thought I might get a 1 GB stick and have room for expansion later. However, I looked at Crucial's website and it said RAM will work in 1 slot, but that it is better to have matching sets (in which case I will get a 2 x 512MB set). Can anyone tell me the validity of that statement?

 

[SuperNaruto]

which dell did u get

 

[ScottyB]

Originally posted by: SuperNaruto
which dell did u get

I got the Dimension E521. The website said it requires dual channel memory, though. So I am going with the 2 x 512MB. 2GB should be enough for my mother anyway.

 

[cubby1223]

Won't work.

Dual channel works only when all memory sticks are identical. The 2x512 pair you buy from Newegg is highly unlikely to be a match to the 2x512 pair you get from Dell.

You're best way to go would have been to buy 2x1gb from Dell.

What you could do is buy 2x1gb from Newegg and sell the 2x512mb Dell set on the forums here, memory usually fetches near retail value.

 

[SuperNaruto]

no, it'll work in non dual channel mode

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/s...s/dime521/en/SM_EN/parts.htm#wp1184464


For best performance, memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. (See the label on the module to determine the module's capacity.) For example, if you install a mixed pair of DDR2 533-MHz and DDR2 667-MHz memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.

I installed my desktop in non dual channel mode tempoary... amd x2 3800, no problems..

 

[cubby1223]

Originally posted by: SuperNaruto
no, it'll work in non dual channel mode

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/s...s/dime521/en/SM_EN/parts.htm#wp1184464


For best performance, memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size, speed, and technology. If the memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will operate, but with a slight reduction in performance. (See the label on the module to determine the module's capacity.) For example, if you install a mixed pair of DDR2 533-MHz and DDR2 667-MHz memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.

I installed my desktop in non dual channel mode tempoary... amd x2 3800, no problems..

Many motherboards do not offer the option to specify single or dual channel mode. Even so it's still a gamble whether it will work or not.