Installing Memory - Dimension 5100

According to the Dell manual the 2GB modules will not work.   Assuming the manual is correct you need to contact Dell and return them for four 1GB memory modules. 

Here is the specs from the Dell manual:

Thanks for your quick response.  I used the Dell Memory Selector and it suggested I use the  '2GB MODULE Lifetime Upgrade For Dimension 5100'.  It also says that "Dell Branded memory offered in the Memory Selector is fully compatible and supported by Dell. Memory offered now may differ in speed from the original system memory but has been qualified to work in the system".   Probably best if I contact Technical support to get confirmation.

I have now installed 2*2GB memory modules in my Dimension 5100 as instructed in the user manual.  The speed is shown as 533Hz.  It appears to be working fine and there has been a noticable increase in speed.

Thanks for the update.  Obviously the Dell manual is incorrect.

NOTE: A 32 bit operating system (Windows XP/Vista/Windows 7) cannot fully address 4GB of memory.  Thus you will see something less than 4GB of RAM available.  Generally in the 3.2 to 3.5GB range depending on the hardware.

Just on what you were saying there,I'm running a 32 bit os windows vista and have 4gb installed.Now it reads 4gb in the bios but on my desktop page I'm reading 3.3GB.So am I pretty much stuck with that?

Just on what you were saying there,I'm running a 32 bit os windows vista and have 4gb installed.Now it reads 4gb in the bios but on my desktop page I'm reading 3.3GB.So am I pretty much stuck with that?

Johnkjameson

Yes, when you have a 32-bit Vista operating system, you are.

Bev.

You are going to have a rough time with a new motherboard.  Dell uses a proprietary and undocumented front panel connection so only another 5100 motherboard will fit and work.  The 5100 is BTX not ATX another issue.