RAM Options for Dimension E521

Question

Other than the Dell-supplied memory options, what specific brands / part numbers for DDR2 512Mb or 1Gb sticks or dual-channel kits have people had success with in getting to run with their Dimension E521's?   Thanks Message Edited by Van_Isle_Inspiron on 01-28-200703:12 PM

europa303 · Answer

Many Dell forum regulars recommend this guaranteed compatible memory: http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension+E521

Van_Isle_Inspir · Answer

Thanks europa303   What I hope to get going here is a listing of those RAM modules, other than the, shall we say, 'premium priced' models that have been identified to date.   I guess the on-line, direct pricing for Crucial is not too bad.  I certainly have not found any of those model numbers listed in any Canadian retailer's web-site.    I have found listings for Kingston.  KTD-DM8400A/512 at NCIX.com for $102.46/ea and KTD-DM8400A/IGB for $212.84/ea (ouch!).  DirectDial.com also has the 512Mb module listed at $118/ea.   NCIX.com has Mushkin memory listed for Dell's (and I confirmed on Mushkin's web site that they are compatible units).  971465D 512Mb DDR2/667 for $85.57/ea and 971381D 1Gb DDR2/667 for $170.99.  Course these are 'special order' items 'to be shipped when available'.   TigerDirect.ca has Corsair CMSS512MB-533 modules for $102.99/ea.   I'm just wondering if others have had any luck with more commonly available single DDR2 modules or DDR2 kits from Kingston (i.e. Value Ram series), OCZ, Mushkin, Crucial, Corsair, etc.  For example, one poster here on this forum identified they were running OCZ DDR2/533 in a Dell E510, which I believe were a more commonly-available product....but another poster indicated his OCZ would not boot in his E521.   By the way, as a side note....can anyone tell me what the status of orders to Canada from Crucial web-site in terms of duty?....do we just get hit with PST / GST and shipping or ?   Thanks.

Flytyer06076 · Answer

I bought a pair of the mentioned ram from Crucial for my E521. When I got them they were the exact Samsung that Dell installed. I was curious so I contacted Crucial and they told me on some computers, especially Dell they do that so they will be 100% compatible like they advertise. It was good because it was on sale at the time. The Samsung label was on them and they also put the Crucial label on it too. One thing for sure if you own a Dell you can not go wrong with Crucial.

Van_Isle_Inspir · Answer

My Dimension E521 (open box from www.DFSdirect.ca) has arrived.....and I just picked up 1Gb of DDR2-533 RAM that works fine in it.  It is a Patriot Signature Series Dual Channel kit (2x512Mb) model PSD21G533K.  Comprised of 2 model PSD251253381 Cas 4 (4-4-4-12) modules.  Patriot's memory Configurator at www.patriotmemory.com has other modules that are compatible as well.  I picked mine up at TheSource (Radio Shack), currently on sale (to end Feb) at $129.99 (CAN) after rebate.  Found it in-stock at local store (last one).  This is, I think, a pretty good deal for DDR-2, especially given pricing of other guaranteed compatible memory.  I had to call the local Source store to get them to check the RAM for the exact part number, as that information is not on their web site.  However, there stands a good chance that the other modules (single 512's and 1Gb's) they have would also be same as identified on Patriot's web site.   The other lead I had on memory at decent pricing was www.canadaram.com.  Their Certified brand (house brand) memory made with Micron, Samsung, Hynix or Elpida chips at CL4 for DDR2-533 was quoted to me at $83/each for 512Mb modules (P/N 50626).  Also Kingston KTD-DM8400A/512 at $115/ea, Corsair CMSS512MB-533 at $114/ea, or Transcend TS512MDL5073 at $112/ea.  Shipping not included (although they are local here in Victoria).   The 512Mb DDR2-533 module that came with the E521 has been removed and is a Samsung M378T6553CZ3CD5, also a 4-4-4-12 module.   I guess either I will sell it or I will look for a twin to it to take the machine up to 2 Gb.   However, again if anyone has had success in upgrading memory, please keep the posts coming.  Thanks.   Next task......upgrade the video?

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RAM Options for Dimension E521

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