What type of RAM can I buy?

[Mr.Diggler]

Okay, I haven't really paid attention to RAM since RDRAM was used on the first P4 systems and all the new terms are confusing me.

I'm trying to upgrade a friend's computer, a Dell Dimension 4500 from 2002 about. It currently has 128MB (with WinXP!), runs around 2.2GHz. He is in another state so I can't put my hands on the computer.

So I need RAM for a desktop, not laptop.
I would like one or two sticks of 512MB.

Dell's Documentation

Crucial Memorator Page

Here is what is confusing me...when I originally helped him buy this computer, I am almost positive it took PC2100/DDR266 (or something like that, I just remember clearly the numbers 2100 and 266.

The Crucial link is showing PC2700 and PC3200 as well as DDR333 and DDR400, not PC2100 or DDR266. Are all of these compatible with the system?

If the current 128MB stick is PC2100/DDR266, can I mix that with a stick of 512MB PC3200/DDR400? Should I just have him chuck the 128MB stick if I cannot find PC2100/DDR266?

Am I looking for 184 pin?

On a side note, what's with the price of this stuff? It seems almost as much as four years ago.

Thanks,
Diggler.

 

[mechBgon]

184-pin DDR333 (PC2700) would be a safe bet. It appears that the system has two DIMM slots, one of which is occupied by the present 128MB module. This motherboard doesn't do dual-channel, so you can mix the modules without an issue (famous last words) or just put in two new modules in place of the old one.

Anyway, he should see a major increase in performance over 128MB!

 

[Mr.Diggler]

Thanks for the help, mechBgon.

Would a casual user notice any difference between DDR266/PC2100 and DDR333/PC2700?

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: Mr.Diggler
Thanks for the help, mechBgon.

Would a casual user notice any difference between DDR266/PC2100 and DDR333/PC2700?

Nope. And actually, the PC2700 will get clocked down to PC2100 if the CPU's bus speed calls for that, which it sounds like it does. What the user should notice is that the darn thing isn't churning its hard drive like crazy due to insufficient RAM

If it's possible that your friend has been poking along with long-expired antivirus that came with the PC, then you might also want to suggest that he:

• switch on the Automagic Updates in Control Panel
  
• run it through Windows Update until it's clean
  
• run it through Office Update, if it has any MS Office software on it
  
• remove out-of-date antivirus and install free AOL-sponsored Kaspersky AntiVirus, and max out the settings (narrated Windows Media Player screencapture movie)
  
• run it through the free Microsoft Live OneCare safety scanner for an additional virus/spyware check, patch check, firewall check, registry cleanout, junk removal and a disk defrag
  
• slap on Windows Defender, SpywareBlaster and Spybot Search & Destroy
  
• and go through and uninstall old versions of WinAmp, QuickTime, Sun Java, Adobe Acrobat Reader, any IM programs, and then install the latest versions of them (if they're needed) to eliminate as many known vulnerabilities as practical. Ditto for any alternative web browsers he may have.

Hope it works out good

 

[Quench]

Dell also has a site specifically for updating their machines. Check out www.dellupgrades.com.

Select Dimension, 4500, etc., and it should give you a listing of all compatible hardware.

 

[ValJP]

The processor is starting to slightly get dated.. but should be fine for now.

As those above mentioned, the ram increase will be a big boost.
Maybe 1-2 more years and his processor may start having issues with newer software.. especially if you try to put Vista on it(and the way they are marketing Vista that I've seen.... everyone will want to try to install it /sigh), just as a forewarning.

My 1800XP back in February was having issues in some games with heavy numbers of units and processing them all as far as their movements and taking commands(assuming thats processor, as a video upgrade did nothing, but a mobo/proc/ram upgrade(1gb to 2gb) helped alot...

And yes, 128 is a horribly low amount of ram....

Windows XP SP0 with no anti-malware products = minimum 128mb, recommended 256mb
Windows XP SP2 with no anti malware products = minimum 256mb, recommended 512mb
Windows XP SP2 with anti-malware/other software = minimum 512mb recommended 1024mb
by malware, i mean spyware, adware, and viruses.

Just in my opinion

I think microsoft is 64mb/128mb for SP0 and I think they recommend 128 strongly for SP2, 256mb as "good" but I can't remember.

 

[xgsound]

I've always found Xp running with less than 256 MB to be painfully slow on any cpu. Even a 500 Mhz machine becomes usable (still slow) with 256 MB or more if you limit startup programs and use low impact anti malware.

I'd say don't go over $100, so that means 1 stick of 512 MB. The difference should be very noticable from 128 MB in all aspects of use. Compaq and Acer have retail units under $400 with 3000+ Semperons so it will be hard to justify going further.


Jim