Which RAM does this 2008 Dell Optiplex 570 need?

[GoodEnough]

Win7 SP1. 32bit OS (Came with Vista)
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_755_techspecs.pdf

This link says DDR2
http://www.amazon.com/Dell-755-Inter.../dp/B00465QFEA

What do you think is in there now?
Two 1GB sticks?

I want to upgrade to two 2GB sticks.
Can I get DDR3, or only DDR2 ?
Best deal?

 

[MustISO]

If it uses DDR2 that's all you can use, you can't put DDR3 in DDR2 slots. Simplest way to see what you have is to open up the system and take a look.

Another option:
http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

 

[ArisVer]

According to the manual it uses DDR2 at 667 or 800 MHz. Run CPUz to check what frequency you are running. It should be listed in the BIOS too. You must open the case to check if you have spare slots.
Some Dells use buffered non-EEC memory. The manual just says non-EEC.

 

[GoodEnough]

Best place to buy the ram it needs?

 

[Blain]

Win7 SP1. 32bit OS (Came with Vista)
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/optix/en/opti_755_techspecs.pdf

Best deal?

Best place to buy the ram it needs?

Are you looking for the "Best place" or "Best deal" on memory for your Dell?
Best place implies quality of memory and vendor, best deal implies cheapest price.

 

[ArisVer]

Wait, I got a little confused now.

This is your title:
Which RAM does this 2008 Dell Optiplex 570 need?

This is the link you provided for us:
http://www.dell.com/downloads/global..._techspecs.pdf

The link is about the Dell Optiplex 755.

Kindly reply with your correct model.

 

[GoodEnough]

Optiplex 755

 

[Blain]

Optiplex 755

Is it an Ultra small form factor case, small form factor or tower?

The Ultra small only takes up to 4GB (2 slots), but the others can handle up to 8GB (4 slots)... All are DDR2.
A 32bit OS would limit your memory to 4GB total.

 

[GoodEnough]

Opened the case. Pics below. Has two 1GB sticks. 2 empty slots left.

What are my options? Add a single 2GB stick? Add two more 1GB sticks?

What speed of ddr2 can I use?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I always use Crucial MemoryFinder for this stuff.

Even if I don't buy from Crucial, at least I know the specs.

 

[ArisVer]

As others have pointed out the 32bit version supports only 4GB.

Do not get a single stick.

You could get 2x1GB and install them alongside your current sticks. You can get 667MHz or 800MHz. If 800MHz just run them at 667MHz (downclocking is usually acceptable) if the mainboard does not support running different RAM speeds.

You could get 2x2GB for a few (more than a few?) dollars more, remove the old sticks and install these. This way you can jump to 800MHz and avoid compatibility problems.

If you are planning on upgrading the OS, go for 2x2GB.

A quick ebay search shows that prices are high enough. Maybe you have better luck in the local market. Make sure you can return the sticks if they are not compatible.

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/2GB-DELL-OPT...1958159?pt=US_Memory_RAM_&hash=item4d2453df0f

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/2GB-2-X-1gb-...0827370?pt=US_Memory_RAM_&hash=item25956e5aea

 

[GoodEnough]

I can buy 2x1GB sticks for under $10.
So, I will try running 4 1GB sticks, and see if it works.

What is the 5300 mean?
Can I get RAM that is rated higher than 5300?

What is the 667 mean?
Can I get RAM that is rated higher than 667?

As a general rule, you can use higher GHZ sticks with no problem?
Like in the photo above, I am running PC2-5300 DDR2.

 

[ArisVer]

Basically a PC2-5300 DDR2 runs at 667MHz frequency.
See the chart at this page.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM

I think get those sticks and try them. Arrange for a return if they are not compatible.

 

[GoodEnough]

The price of 2x1GB is about the same as 2x2GB (About $10) ...So, I think I will remove the 1GB sticks, and just install 2x2GB to remove compatibility issues. Sounds like the right move?

 

[GoodEnough]

I MUST use non-ECC, correct?
For my desktop, I can not use server memory tagged as "ECC"
Right?

 

[Blain]

Right, no "ECC", "Buffered" or "Registered" memory.

 

[GoodEnough]

If there are 4 RAM slots,
can I remove both 1GB sticks,
and install a single 2GB stick, and leave the other 3 slots empty?
Or does RAM need to be installed in pairs?

 

[ArisVer]

There is no point in doing that.