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794796
Max memory in a Dimension 2400
I'd like to add more memory to my 5yr old Dell Dimension 2400.
I've currently got 2x256Mb in DDR1 and DDR2 (512Mb total) and my owners-manual suggests a maximum of 1Gb (512Mb in each slot). But, is that just an old maximum dictated by how memory was available 5yrs ago? Can I actually put a 1Gb DDR into each slot and give it 2Gb in total? Or is there really a limitation due to the motherboard etc? Some websites selling memory give conflicting opinions on this. Thanks. John
lacwaron
1 Message
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October 1st, 2009 00:00
Chris_UMD
7 Posts
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October 2nd, 2009 00:00
I'm glad either you or dell deleted your post, because you just pasted information that clearly said it is an optiplex board and that's why you could get 4gb of ram in there. Also, the description you gave said it had 4 slots for memory, and the dell 2400 only has two ram slots.
The max memory is definitely only 2GB in the Dell 2400. It is coming time I think I am bout to upgrade it, because it feels really slow compared to my HP tx2z tablet laptop which has an AMD Turion X2 Ultra Dual Core ZM-84 2.4GHz processor, which is exponential amounts faster than the best processor that is possible to put in the dell 2400, which I have in there, which is the 3.06GHz Pentium 4 Hyper-Threaded processor, which I researched and installed myself. It will not take any better processors. Also I researched and against Dell's advice, but following someone else's advice, I put 2GB of RAM, which the manufacturer of the 2400 system board says is compatible, and have been running it ever since I first wrote this post. Both work magnificantly, and have had zero issues (no issue at all). However, the board will not support any more RAM, and also consider the fact that the Dell 2400 only supports DDR ram, and DDR3, which is almost standard in new computers, is much faster than DDR2, and DDR2 ram is exponential amounts faster than DDR ram. Needless to say, DDR is speechlessly slower than DDR3, and beyond comprehension times slower than DDR4.
My 2400 desktop is still useably fast considering I have it completely maxed out both aspects of speed (processor and ram), even considering I have a dual-monitor 19" lcd setup, and as a student still can't find justification enough to get a new desktop, considering: a) my laptop is my primary computer b)the 2400 is very stable and has zero hardware issues, c) fast enough to keep up with current times (being upgraded as it is, and having a dual-layer dvd drive and 250gb hard drive and 1tb[1,000gb] external hard drive), - with heavy use I still only get a lag in relation to my laptop of maybe a noticeable 10-18 percent (JUST a reasonable guess by PURELY my judgment -- note that in numbers it is probably 80 percent slower than my laptop, but I was meaning it is NOTICEABLE at about 10 to maybe 18 percent).
HOWEVER, I do have my reasons for upgrading, although I probably won't for another year or two or maybe 3 or 4 more years. Then I'll just pass it along to some college student who's really poor and running something from the stone age.
Reasons to get a new one:
SOUND.
I have Windows 7 running on both my dell 2400 and my laptop. (WONDERFUL!!!!!! BY THE WAY!)
I say sound because there is no sound driver for the 2400 for windows 7 that I have found. (UPDATE: Yes there is.) Maybe someone will make one, maybe > I ! < will make one because I am a double major and one is Computer Science and programming. BUT consider that Windows 7 allows XP to be run in a virtual environment (without even a dual boot or even the OS, which I DO have because I bought it for the computer). It only allows it with Virtualization-enabled computers, and the Dell 2400 DOES HAVE THIS CAPABILITY, at least it does with the processor I put in there (stated above).
ALSO it's not too difficult to set up a Windows Vista Dual-boot with Windows 7 (I am not about to downgrade!) (UPDATE: No it's not if you know what you're doing. But don't - Vista is terrible!)
LASTLY regarding the sound, it's pretty easy to get a sound card - they are so cheap for a 2400 because the computer is so [not new]. (UPDATE: you DO NOT need a sound card. Use the Vista audio drivers)
p.s. THERE IS A FULLY WORKING SOUND DRIVER FOR VISTA FOR THE DELL 2400! fyi. (UPDATE: Which ALSO WORKS FOR Windows 7. I've meant to update this for a couple years - The Vista soundblaster audio driver DOES work on Windows 7! Just download it from the Dell site- it's updated. Stupid me, I had the sound turned off in the BIOS; worked perfect after turning back on the sound in the BIOS.)
VIDEO:
The BEST graphics card for the 2400 is what I have in there, it is a 2x256mb dual-monitor graphics card. The NVIDIA GeForce 6200 OC, and I don't have it overclocked (never took the time to learn). OC stands for overclocked. EXCELLENT graphics card, by the way.
There are several things to know about this.
a) 256mb is the MAX the Dell 2400 supports. this is REALLY slow compared to any current average gaming desktop. I don't game, so it's no big deal. But I went on what is it called Entropia (had to google! been awhile lol), and it works great and smoothly with the 6200 OC.
Nevertheless, 256 is far behind times, especially when 256 is the ceiling for upgrading. Modern computers, 256mb is the floor for graphics memory (note this is SEPARATE from RAM!) (UPDATE: it's 2x256mb, total of 512mb)
b) in vista, even with that graphics card which should play all video perfectly, for some reason on the Dell 2400, video on some sites is choppy and skips when the screen is maximized. NOT a problem when playing movies from the hard drive or dvd drive., however. (UPDATE: if you doaul boot windows 7, use XP, not Vista. Vista is terrible!)
c) in vista ultimate, dreamscene doesn't work like it's supposed to. it skips about evey second, making it impractical to ever use dreamscene at all. On the other hand, Windows 7's huge innovation of rotating picture files, also corrects this issue. Understand that video play uses up large amounts of system resources (on any computer). The other problem with dreamscene that has nothing in particular to do with the 2400, is that it also uses a lot of battery life for laptops. A further issue is finding good videos to play in the background.
Thus, having Windows 7 makes this last video issue back to not an issue again.
d) PCI slots. no one uses PCI slots. new computer users might not even realize that the old technology of PCI even exists! PCI was replaced by PCI-e, ages ago, and standard PCI-e is about equivalent to USB 2.0 data transfer speeds, at about 500mbps vs USB 2.0's 480mbps, and is overall more stable and efficient - and thus faster than - usb 2.0. However, the ancient old PCI slots transfer data at a quarter of the speed of PCI-e, at 133mbps. Note that 3.0 version of PCI-e has a data transfer rate of 1GBps! Thus, especially in the future when blue-ray and higher quality video becomes standard, the 2400 will be quite useless for any of that. Keep in mind that could be 10 years from now. NOTE: PCI as opposed to PCI-e or PCI-X, which are both different, is called "PCI bus", or just "PCI".
e) External video card is unreasonable (virtually impossible). Trust me, I've done my research. Maybe a few years from now it will be an option.
PCI slots
yeah so I already talked about that one! lol
But one more thing is that there is also a limited number of slots. That's a problem because you can only have one or the other or the other PCI card, but there's only three slots to use, and you want more (at least, I do). It is not reasonable to try to get an external PCI box. It costs like a thousand dollars. a hundred would be pushing it, but come on. A THOUsand?? Ridiculous.
Keep in mind:
A) my in-board Wired LAN (ethernet plug) has been broken for 5 years. It cannot be replaced because it is fused to the motherboard. Thus, I have an ethernet PCI card.
B) a wireless LAN card is much more efficient than a USB Wireless LAN.
C) I have my Dual-Monitor graphics PCI card.
D) I'm out of slots.
E) I (UPDATED: DO NOT) need a sound card. What will I have to take out! I don't even use the wireless much because I keep it hard-wired anyways.. always back to the USB option...
F) No room for a sound card or something else essential, nevermind ANOTHER PCI card I might or might not need.
RAM
2GB max. already discussed this one. Will be an issue in the future. But maybe not now, nor anytime soon. (UPDATE: It is now September of 2010, almost 2011, and 2GB DDR ram is still more than enough for most anything!)
PROCESSOR
maxed out at a relatively really old processor which barely holds to the current standards, and only because it was top-of-the-line and novel when it came out (like literally ten or fifteen years ago)
BUT! reasons to keep:
none of the above matter too much at the moment; no one knows my dektop is outdated, because it works great, I have windows 7, the shell is hidden in the cabinet in the desk (there's a space in my desk, with a door, and it's a new desk and really nice), and I have a dual 19" flat screen LCD monitor setup, and designed a bunch of awesome exotic car dual-monitor backgrounds, which I have rotating every 10 seconds through the folders, and everyone compliments me on my computer setup when they come in or look in my room.
So since I'm always complimented on it, it has relatively perfect functionality for what I use it for, and since it is not my primary computer, and because I spent like$500+ upgrading it and only because I shopped economically (would have been like $1,000 not including the work, which I did myself) (also price is not including the Operating Systems), and since I have spent so much time and energy researching and modifying and learning about, and upgrading, and further since I have had this computer ever since I moved out on my own when I graduated from high school in 2003 (7 years ago!! ahhhhh!), this computer has a lot of sentimental value I think. So in lieu of all these reasons, I don't see a reason to get rid of it. Also it is an extremely stable system, and considering that the RAM and hard drive are relatively new, and both can last up to 20 years, then this computer has more than enough life to physically last far longer than it will technologically. I think it took an hour and a half to write this. I hope it helps people who own a Dell 2400.
REVIEW:
My Dell 2400 (and thus all Dell 2400's are capable of):
RAM: 2GB DDR RAM (Two 1GB of RAM)
PROCESSOR: 3.06 Pentium 4 Hyper-Threaded processor
VIDEO CARD: 2x256mb (Total of 512MB) NVIDIA GeForce 6200 OC Dual-Monitor Graphics Card
SOUND CARD: (UPDATED) Don't need one. Vista sound drivers work for Windows 7.
2x 19" Dell LCD monitors
250GB Internal Hard drive (you can do better!)
1TB External Hard Drive
Dual-Layer DVD Burner (Sony)
CD Burner
4-Port USB Hub
Wireless Desktop (Get the "Cordless Desktop Wave", I love it. Just bought it a couple months ago.)
Don't try to change the case (trust me, did lots of research)
Don't bother upgrading the motherboard - might as well buy a new computer
Good luck!
publicsectorsla
8 Posts
0
January 26th, 2010 21:00
Thanks for the comprehensive post.
My kid called me at work earlier today and said the 'puter in the living room was acting funny. Looks like a fried a 1GB Kingston DDR (about 4 years old) and was wondering about buying a new desktop, looks like I'm buying 2x 1GB or ram this time (albeit not Kingston). Faulty RAM courtesy of Memtest86 and Windows Memory Diagonistics.
Appreciate all the keystrokes.
Have a GREAT day/night!!!!!
(psst I'm happy running a stable version of XP still)
Chris_UMD
7 Posts
0
January 26th, 2010 23:00
Hey how are you.
Wanted to give some updates on my Dell 2400 computer:
All are still the same, except now I'm running Windows 7 Ultimate. Previously I ran many versions of Windows Vista, from legit ones to hacked ones, all worked great - there is a Sound Blaster Pro sound driver you can download to work 100% effectively with Windows Vista. However, I have not been able to get sound to work with Windows 7, and although this is a small problem, not too big of a deal.(UPDATE: actually I had turned off sound in the BIOS and forgot about it - after turning back on sound in the BIOS, the Vista audio drivers work perfectly for Windows 7!) I got rid of my sound card because both I never used it and I never got it to work because I don't know anything about music production. I don't have the time to learn, I'm a college student still.
Turns out I still have my trusty 2400, running excellent, never any [hardware] issues for the past 7 years or so; the 2GB in there works great, and I cannot imagine having any less.
With such an awesome and reliable desktop, I do not see a need to upgrade to a new desktop. Where any money on computing is spent, it will be on new laptops or laptop upgrades - I will be keeping this trusty Dell 2400 until the day either it dies, or something terrible happens to it, or when I get rich -- hopefully the latter. There's nothing more to upgrade, and thus also nothing more to worry about. I use my 1TB external HDD, whereas the internal 250GB HDD I put in there a few years ago is still fine.
Oh, also I have recently successfully set up a dual-boot with Windows 7 and Kubuntu. Works great, very happy with everything. Also Firefox is about 8 times faster on Kubuntu than on Windows(anything)! FYI
Keep in mind to get 2GB in your Dell 2400. As I said, still works perfect, zero issues. Even Dell's website has since updated their site to show the Dell 2400 can be upgraded to 2GB RAM. You also may want to upgrade to the aforementioned processor, and make sure to buy what is called "thermal grease". I bought both off ebay, got my processor used for about $50, and from a different seller I bought a new tube of thermal grease in a syringe for I think about $5 to $10. Note that the thermal grease is IMPERATIVE for a new processor.
Hope this helps
JNagarya1
39 Posts
0
September 18th, 2010 07:00
concerns memory:
The specs for the Dimension 2400 on memory has discrepancies --
First, they correctly note that there are only two (2) memory slots.
Second, they state that the capacities of the slots are 128, 156, and 512 MB.
Third, the stated maximum memory is 512 MB.
It isn't clear whether that "maximum" is per each slot, or both added together. If it means per each slot, then the total maximum would be 1 GB.
However, it then explicitly states -- discrepant with the above stated figures -- that
The maximum allowed memory is 2 GB.
So let's assume that the "512 maximum" is per slot. That means a total of 1 GB is allowed. But then it explicitly states that the maximum is 2 GBs.
And as we've seen here, the maximum is actually 2 GB. NOW I find I can up the memory beyond the 512 "maximum" to which I had raised it. And that means I can probably upgrade from XP to 7.
Chris_UMD
7 Posts
0
September 18th, 2010 16:00
Hi, I'm the original guy who posted about a confirmation of the maximum memory being 2GB. I have had my Dell 2400 for 7 YEARS and not one hardware issue. I have now had 2GB of ram for about maybe two or three years, never a problem. I did NOT buy the ram from Dell. I bought the DDR sticks on eBay (1GB each), I think they are Kingston, and not one single issue. I think I spent $50 total for both of them together. I also spent $90 on a 3.06Ghz pentium Extreme Hyper-threaded processor, about 6 months after the ram upgrade. I also bought that on eBay. I've been running Windows 7 for over a year now, maybe two. All the Vista drivers work for Windows XP and can be found on the Dell Drivers site for the Dimension 2400. Hyper-threaded, the computer runs just as smooth and fast as any dual-core laptop with 2GB of ram. I also upgraded to an NVIDIA 6200 OC (overclocked) internal graphics card; I never bothered to overclock it. it's 512mb of video memory, I think, and runs like a charm.
A couple things to note: I installed a dual-boot with Windows XP because when it comes to playing Blu-ray video, extra-high video formats are choppy on Windows 7, but work perfect with XP. This is because the graphics driver from NVIDIA for the 6200 OC is not updated to Windows 7, but the Vista version works, although not perfectly. every so often, the screen flashes when using intensive video, and the pop-up says that the 196.xx version of the NVIDIA video driver "had crashed, but recovered successfully". This only happens when running intensive video in Windows 7 using the NVIDIA 6200OC.
As for the audio drivers, and all other drivers, they all work perfect on any operating system. For the Windows XP I added the Windows 7 Transformation Pack and it looks like Windows 7. I use it when watching super-high-quality Blu-ray videos from the hard drive. A veteran of the 2400, and still confident in it's ability to do the most intensive daily tasks of most any user, I would recommend this excellent desktop (which goes for uber-cheap on ebay) to anyone.
All in all, here is the cost of my Dell Dimension 2400 over the past 7 years (still running as fast as any modern laptop, and 100 times more reliable):
(2003) - $250 - bought the 2400 at a pawn shop
(2005) - $100 - upgraded the 40GB hard drive to a 250GB hard drive
(2005) - $FREE - was given an internal Sony Dual-Layer DVD-RW/CD-RW burner
(2006) - $300 - upgraded CRT screen to two 19" Dell LCD monitors; bought together for $150 each from craigslist
(2007) - $50 - upgraded the 128mb RAM sticks to 2x1GB RAM sticks
(2008) - $FREE - Internal Linksys Wireless PCI card 2.4GHz 802.11g
(2008) - $90 - upgraded the processor from a Pentium 4 2.5GHz single-core to a 3.06GHz Pentium Extreme Hyper-Threaded with Virtualization (same as most modern dual-core processors)
(2008) - $90 - upgraded video card from built-in integrated video to an NVIDIA 6200 OC Dual-monitor PCI card with 2x256mb (512mb total) of video memory
(2010) - $FREE - painted the front black.
So not counting the monitors, I have spent a total of $580 for my desktop over the past 7 (almost 8 now) years! Try to get a $580 PC that is top-of the line (at the time of buying), with a 5 year payment plan that lasts 7 years with no issues and still be up with the modern computers in speed and graphics! Not going to happen. In fact, most people have spent thousands over the period of a decade in new desktop PC's, while I've always had my trusty Dell 2400. I am finally maybe looking to sell it, but only because I don't want a desktop at all anymore. It runs perfectly and is fast. I won't put a sale link here, to enforce the solidarity of my claims about the 2400. Because of this desktop, I went the Dell laptop route as well (after 6 HP laptops had broke - no joke!), with an Inspiron 1545 I just bought yesterday. With a 2.1GHz dual core x64 processor and 4GB of RAM, I hardly notice a difference between it and my trusty old Dell 2400! Only difference is that intense gaming (I mean, INTENSE gaming) is possible on this laptop, while it is not on the 2400. Unless you are looking for intense gaming, get a 2400 (used)! Or keep yours and upgrade it. I'm not sure it's worth spending the same amount on a new desktop that will break in a year. I wish I could keep mine forever - it's the only thing I own that has lasted since high school! No joke. It has been with me all these years, I am having a hard time convincing myself to sell it. I still might actually keep it for a backup in case my laptop breaks. I could always set it up as a server and put in a 1TB hard drive (or two). And with the newly painted front, it looks very modern. P.S. I bought this Inspiron from a Pawn shop for $300 and it's in mint condition and currently goes new for $600. Looked for months before I woke up one morning and the posting had just been listed; I grabbed it up quick. It sold 30 after they posted the ad. Said they priced for a quick sale.
Jeff Hoffman
881 Posts
0
September 18th, 2010 19:00
I think it is great that you are so pleased with the 2400! I have one also that still works just fine, for what it is. What concerns me is some of your claims since who knows who might read this thread in the future:
1) No matter what you do/upgrade/add it is still old technology. Extremely old in computer years.
2) "it's as fast as any modern laptop" That is just not possible. It may very well do everything you need it to do but the speed claim is just incorrect. The bus, memory, and processor speeds have increased by leaps and bounds.
3) My six month old system is not fit for "intense gaming" by any stretch of the imagination! By gaming standards my video card (with 1GB of memory) is junk. Since I am not a gamer I don't care. For what I do it is lightning in a box.
4) I am all for tweaking/tinkering and saving money. But there comes a point where I firmly believe that the money (whatever amount) is put to better use towards a newer system with newer technology.
I don't mean to insult you or your Baby but for most folks enough is enough after a while. The $100 you spent on the 250GB HDD could easily buy an entry level 1TB drive now. Once again I think it's wonderful you have been able to use the system for so long while spending so little money on it. As of today it makes little sense to spend more than about $10 on a 2400.
I would suggest to anyone considering an "upgrade" of this kind to think twice or three or four times! I had to save for quite a while to get my new system - I am very happy that I did so. Not to mention the whole warranty thing.
Jeff :emotion-22:
kcblair
5 Posts
0
March 26th, 2011 20:00
Hello Chris, Glad to see someone upgrading the 2400 to the max. Recently bought a Inpr. 570 AMD X4 core. Since then, been upgrading my 2400. Replaced the 2.2 Celeron with a Intel 2.8 P4, what a difference. Found 2 of them on Ebay, $12 a piece. Wished I'd researched more for a 3.06, maybe later. I was glad to read your posting, dealing with 1gb vs. 2gb of memory. I'll jump on the 2gb band-wagon now. Got 2x WD, 7200rpm, 250gb HD's. Using 1 nVidia 6200/256mb video, however , I just bought from NewEgg a nVidia 8400GS/512mg card to help with gaming a little. Spec's suggest a 300watt min. PSU, so I found a 480watt PSU just for the 2400 ($28), from a place called 911forpcs.com This computer has served me well since 2003, not going to ditch it. Going to get all the kid's stuff off, and will use it for image processing and light gaming. Only the MoBo is original. Still running XP, SP3, don't plan on upgrading the OS, as my new 570 has Windows 7. But going from a celeron to the 2.8 P4 was a bug jump in performance. And yes, I have had "zero" issues with this 8 yr. old PC.
DecadeOfDell
32 Posts
0
April 21st, 2011 17:00
hi, I just upgraded my 2400 to 2 gigs of ram today and gave it a good blast with some compressed air. Its running great. I also have a 4600 which i am going to install a DVI port on and upgrade to 4 gigs of ram. since these computers are basically the same can i upgrade to windows 7 i have the discs from a new 1545 laptop i purchased. and how would i go about doing this and what about the sound???
Jeff Hoffman
881 Posts
0
April 21st, 2011 17:00
Well let’s start at the end of your post: If you install Windows 7 from the disk that came with the laptop you will, of course, be breaking the law. You need to purchase separate licenses for each and every machine. With that in mind I can’t see many people around here trying to help – if it is even possible or beneficial for those old machines to run Win 7.
Jeff :emotion-22:
osprey4
34.2K Posts
0
April 21st, 2011 18:00
Hi Jeff,
I can tell you that my daughter's Thinkpad T510 runs circles around my old Dimension 4550. So I think a few contributors in this thread are getting a bit carried away just because they can run Win 7. What the 4550 has going for it is that I only do one thing at a time, mostly video encoding. But I queue up my list of projects and let it run all night.
PudgyOne
9 Legend
9 Legend
•
30.3K Posts
0
April 22nd, 2011 02:00
DecadeOfDell,
The copy of Windows is only good for use on one computer. If there is a product code and it wasn't used, then it can be used. If the product code was used, then Microsoft will tell you that the version of windows is NOT Genuine. You will then need to purchase a key for Windows 7 to work.
My son had a Studio and he did not want his upgrade, so I installed it on my computer. Once the key was used, it could not be used on another computer.
Make sure to run the Windows 7 Compatible Hardware, Device Drivers & Downloads to make sure that everything will be compatible before switching to another operating system..
Rick
sugarbear18
2.3K Posts
0
April 22nd, 2011 08:00
Chris_umd, we do not call any one losers on here!
Anyone and every one is welcome on the forum for help or to learn. There are no losers or dummies here and we are not paid for providing help.
The correct answer for decadeofdell is to run the Microsoft advisor to find out for certain if Windows 7 will work. I see by the logs a couple of things that he will have trouble with, if he converts to 7.
You seem to have some expertise, which is welcomed here. But you do not know it all, so settle down.
Regards,
Teddi
osprey4
34.2K Posts
0
April 22nd, 2011 16:00
Chris, please try a slightly more positive tone in the forums.
Chris_UMD
7 Posts
0
April 23rd, 2011 17:00
DecadeOfDell,
You can use whatever copy of Windows 7 you want. They will all work on your Dell 2400. Don't listen to anything anyone else tells you, they are lying. I had Windows 7 on my Dell 2400 and it worked perfectly.
Chris