Dell Dimension E520 + RAM

species8350,

Please click the link below to download the online manual. Once you have the manual downloaded you can view the memory specs on page 109 and the memory configurations on page 69

Dell Dimension E520 Drivers, Downloads and Manuals

Max ram with 32 bit os is 4 gigs

Max ram supported by the system is 8 gigs low density INTEL compatible ram.

Thanks Speedstep

I have four slots. The first two contain cards rated at 500 MB, giving a RAM capacity of 1 GB.

I will buy a 2 GB card and a 1 GB card and install them into the remaining ports, giving a RAM capacity of 4 GB

I will search for the cards of e-bay. Other than capacity, what other factors should I look for.

Regards

The manual doesn't say the E520 supports 2-GB RAM modules. It says the max is 1-GB non-ECC modules so what you're proposing may not work.

Before you purchase anything, search these forums to see if anybody has successfully installed 2-GB modules in this model. They may work, but Dell hasn't tested them.

And even if 2-GB modules will work, you'd be better off removing all the old RAM and buying 2x2-GB so that the RAM is installed in matched pairs in order to take advance of dual channel (DDR2) capabilities.

And if 2-GB won't work, buy 4x1-GB to max out RAM with a 32-bit OS.

Also keep in mind that even if any new RAM is faster than the old, the new RAM will only run at the speed of the slowest RAM if you mix modules rated at different speeds.

Knowing my luck, no one will have tried my combination - it was only a guess.

Am I right in assuming that if I remove the two memory modules and install four 1 GB RAM cards that they will definitely work, and that this is my best option.

Regards

Feel free to advise regarding other characteristics that I should look for when buying the cards

It looks like I should buy four of

533 MHz 0r 667 MHz dual DDR2 unbuffered RAM (1 GB), preferably 667 MHz.

Now to look up the terms: non-ECC, unbuffered, DDR2, SDRAM

Guess you haven't done your homework. :TongueTied:

Read this.

And if it were my system, I'd buy RAM from crucial.com too. If you use their wizard to find RAM specific for your system, they guarantee it works or they take it back.

But first you need to decide whether and how much to invest in an old(er) system like the E520...

It looks like my plan to install four 1 GB cards is a good one. I have a 32 bit OS

533 MHz 0r 667 MHz dual DDR2 unbuffered RAM (1 GB), preferably 667 MHz.

I have located a cheap source

Keep in mind that Dell PCs can be fussy about RAM, even if it has the "correct" specs. So wherever you buy it, make sure they'll take it back at no cost to you, if it doesn't work.

And "cheap" doesn't always equal "good". :Wink:

We are not marketing.  Crucial is a Dell partner and Makes Dell compatible ram.  Dell is no more picky than any other vendor but LOW DENSITY INTEL Compatible ram IS REQUIRED. Density isn’t referring to the number of chips on the module, it refers to the density of the memory units inside the individual chips on the module. You also should not mix RANKS and Vendors and Speeds in banks meaning 3 gigs is done with pairs.  2 x 1 gig module and 2 x 512 module.  Lastly you DO NOT WANT TO DO 3 gigs because the INTEL GRAPHICS steals system Ram up to .75 Gig meaning when you install 4 gigs it says 3.25 gigs useable REGARDLESS of 32 or 64 bit OS.  When you install 8 gigs and have 64 bit os it shows 7.25 GIGS Ram not 8.  YOU NEVER GET THE INTEL GRAPHICS Stolen ram back EVEN IF you install a video card.

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/dell-memory

2GB module: total Module layout is 256Mx64
High density - each Chip is 256Mx16
Low density - each Chip is 256x8

4GB module: total Module layout is 512Mx64
High density - each Chip is 512Mx16
Low density - each Chip is 512Mx8

This is why some boards will see only HALF of the Ram on a module before beeping bad ram.

You have said that a low density RAM is needed, and I will need to enquire regarding that aspect of the module. I will likely shop on e-bay where I note cheaper modules of the correct specifications are available.

I have four RAM slots two have 512 MB RAM and two are spare. What is the best combination to maximise RAM to 4 GB - I have a 32 bit OS. The e-bay vendor says that I should keep the 512 MB modules and buy 2x1 GB RAM modules. However, I don't think that you would agree. I believe that you would suggest 4 x 1GB modules. Am I correct

32-bit Windows can actually only use ~3.2-3.5 GB of RAM, even when 4GB is installed, some of which will be assigned to video.

So assuming the new RAM has the right specs, if you install another 2x 1-GB and keep the old 2x 500-MB, you'll have slightly less than the max that Windows can use.

If you install 4x 1-GB, you'll have a little more than Windows can use, but Windows will be able to max out.

RAM from crucial.com

I don't use the Windows OS, I use kubuntu (Linux)