This post is more than 5 years old
12 Posts
0
9233
February 20th, 2009 13:00
mixed RAM module sizes?
do all 4 RAM slots of my Dimension 8300 need to have the same size modules?
(I've got a pair of 512MB modules in there now, can I add a pair of 1GB modules? can I remove a 512MB module and add a third 1GB modules?)
thanks!
bill
No Events found!


jackshack
6.4K Posts
1
February 20th, 2009 14:00
No, only the modules in the paired slots need to be matched. It's ok to have a pair of 512 MB in one set of slots and a pair of 1 GB in the second set. You can also ignore the matched set rule and put different sizes in each slot, but the memory controller will not be able to run in dual channel mode and slow the computer down a bit. From what I understand, the speed reduction is just enough to be significant, and you might not even notice. If you run games, however, you should definitely follow the matched set rule.
Reference found here: Dimension 8300 Memory.
<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>
jronesi
2 Intern
•
258 Posts
1
February 20th, 2009 17:00
I recently installed 4G of G.Skill Ram from Newegg.com in my Dimension 8300. The Ram works like a charm and really made a performance difference. Here is the link http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231047
Jim
Davet50
6 Operator
•
14.4K Posts
1
February 20th, 2009 14:00
Since your system uses DDR ram and not DDR2 yes you can have mixed ram in the slots. One difference between DDR and DDR2 is DDR2 ram should be installed in pairs.
So I you want to put all 1 gig sticks in the system then you are ok with doing that. I would suggest that you go HERE to get your memory as Crucial memory is gaurateed to work with Dell systems
Mary G
6 Operator
•
20.1K Posts
1
February 20th, 2009 14:00
You can mix sizes and speeds of the modules, but you must use matching pairs in the correct slots. You can get fast answers at www.crucial.com if you use their scanner. They have the best prices and guarantee it will fit. Each memory slot can hold DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.