What kind of RAM can we upgrade to?

[WAZ]

Here is my brother's PC:

http://reviews.cnet.com/deskto...7-3118_7-31555136.html

RAM
* Installed Size = 512 MB / 4 GB (max)
* Technology = DDR2 SDRAM
* Memory speed = 533 MHz
* RAM form factor = DIMM 240-pin
* RAM features = Two DDR channels

We'd like to get a 4GB (2x2GB) kit. It's obviously 240-pin DDR2, but my question is about the speed. Do we need to get DDR2-533? Or can we get DDR2-800 or 1000 or 1066?

Are there limitations based on my system/motherboard, or does the 533 just happen to be the default it came with?

 

[Krynj]

IMO, kind of hard to say without knowing what type of motherboard you have.

 

[WAZ]

Yeah, all I know is what's in the specs list:

Dell Dimension E510
* Manufacturer: Dell, Inc.
* Part NumberE51L1

Mainboard
* Chipset type Intel 945G Express
* Data bus speed 800 MHz

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Download SiSoft Sandra to find out the make and model of the motherboard. Then you can go to the manufacturer's website to get more details.

 

[RebateMonger]

Since it's a Dell, you won't be overclocking it. Either DDR2 533 or DDR2 800 will work just fine. Don't bother with -1000 or 1066. The first two speeds are dirt-cheap right now. Frys has had Crucial 2x2 (4 GB) Crucial DDR2 800 modules for $20 after rebate for two months now.

You can also go to Crucial.com and run their remote memory analyzer. It'll tell you what your options are.

 

[imported_wired247]

Chances are just about any DDR2-667 will work in the mobo, and it is almost always possible to run RAM at a lower speed so it maintains compatibility.

 

[bamacre]

The E510 probably does not support 2GB modules.

There are 4 dimm slots. I highly recommend getting 4x1GB DDR2-533 or 667. As long as it runs at 1.8V, it should work.

My suggestion...
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820148240

 

[yh125d]

Anything DDR2-400 or higher is fine, since you're running at 200FSB (FSB x 2 = ram speed)

Since theres slim to no improvement by using ram faster than FSB, just get whatever is cheap. http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820161183 x 2 would be good

 

[yh125d]

I'd also recommend you upgrade to an e5200, but that motherboard won't support any dual cores I'm pretty sure, and definitely not the C2D lineup. The 945g chipset does, but this motherboard doesn't. Dang you Dell!

 

[WAZ]

Okay, I ran the memory configurators at Crucial, Newegg, Tiger Direct, and Corsair... and none recommended 2x2GB modules, just as bamacre suggested... and all recommended both DDR2-533 and DDR2-667. So looks like I'll be grabbing a couple 2x1GB kits to get my 4GB. Thanks for the help everyone.