Which memory to use?

Question

My friend's Dell Dimension 2400 has only 256kB memory and runs as slow as a wet week, so a memory upgrade is needed.

The manual shows that two types of memory can be used [PC2100 (266-MHz) or PC2700 (333-MHz) DDR SDRAM (non-ECC)] to upgrade the Dimension, so how does one determine which type to use?

My instict says to use the PC2100 as it implies that it has ECC, though a tad slower a 266MHz.

The Forum's recommenadtions are sought to resolve my dilemma.

"Aussie" BobO'B

aussie.bob · Answer

Would you recommend ditching the original 128Mb module and installing a 1Mb PC2700 DDR333 or PC3200 DDR400? (Bearing in mind the user is not a “Power User”; mainly just Office apps and some Internet browsing. Also cost is a big factor, too!).

JMICHAEL · Answer

All Dell memory is non-ECC.  I would go with the faster PC2700 DDR333.  You can also use PC3200 DDR400.  See HERE for guaranteed compatible memory.

RoHe · Answer

EDIT: Sorry, I missed the link in the other post which showed exactly the same thing. Ron

JMICHAEL · Answer

Yes. I would pull the old one out and install a 1GB chip since each slot can take up to this size. Both speeds are the same cost so the choice is yours. If there is a 128mb chip in each slot, I would pull them both out as this amount is really nothing and it may cause the new memory to run slower due to the slower speed of the 128mb chip.

Note: I think you manual is incorrect as it shows 128, 256 or 512mb capacity per slot as the maximum. Maybe someone with the 2400 can confirm it can take 1GB per slot. Since you only have 2 slots, I don't know how you could get to the 2GB maximum without putting 1GB in each slot.

shesagordie · Answer

Yes. I would pull the old one out and install a 1GB chip since each slot can take up to this size. Both speeds are the same cost so the choice is yours. If there is a 128mb chip in each slot, I would pull them both out as this amount is really nothing and it may cause the new memory to run slower due to the slower speed of the 128mb chip.

Note: I think you manual is incorrect as it shows 128, 256 or 512mb capacity per slot as the maximum. Maybe someone with the 2400 can confirm it can take 1GB per slot. Since you only have 2 slots, I don't know how you could get to the 2GB maximum without putting 1GB in each slot.

It's been well documented that the Dimension 2400 supports 2gb [2x1gb modules] of RAM. Dell's 2400 specifications are wrong.

See HERE and HERE

Bev.

aussie.bob · Answer

Dell HAS revised the original manual to show that the 2400 now has a 2GB max memory, but they haven't yet included the PC3200 DDR400 module.

Thank you for your prompt responses. Has made carol's upgrade easy!

"Aussie Bob"

Locked Topics – Desktops General

Which memory to use?

Was this post helpful?