Upgrading a Dimension 4550

Question

I want to upgrade my D4550. My planned upgrades are an upgrade to 1024mb of RAM and a Radeon 9800XT video card.   I'm aware that I'll need to upgrade the PSU to do this.   I have, however, heard conflicting reports on all of these parts, regarding whether I need to get a Dell Specific Part or not. Basically, I need to be told which parts need to be Dell only and, if this is the case, where I can find them on the Dell.co.uk site; as I have found it almost impossible to navigate (especially concerning the PSU).

ejn63 · Answer

You should buy RAM spec'd to work in your system, as Dell systems can be picky with RAM. The video card is a standard part you can purchase anywhere.

Lezta · Answer

:\ Sigh. Computers are more complicated than they seemed when I was a kid. Oh well. Does anyone know a good site in the UK that would sell RAM for a 4550? Because importing is not something I'm keen on and the Dell site itself is somewhat overpriced.

EDIT: The same for PSUs really. Is it actually the case that a 4550 will accept a PSU as long as it doesn't have a 'switch'?

Message Edited by Lezta on 12-29-2004 12:54 PM

ejn63 · Answer

Not all RAM will work - the key is that if you decide to chance non-spec RAM, you should buy from somewhere it won't cost you to return it if it doesn't work. I've seen countless people buy "bargain" RAM for Dell (and Gateway, IBM, Compaq ...) systems and wind up paying more in the end, because they had to ship it back and pay a restocking charge.

If you're comfortable with gambling on that, there's no issue. If you want it to work guaranteed, buy RAM that is warranted to work without issue.

Lezta · Answer

Hmm. I thought RAM was much of a muchness? Everyone I've spoken to previously has basically made it clear to me that as long as all my RAM was of the same type it would be fine. Because looking at the Dell memory selector, I'm looking at £100 per 512 stick... wheras I could get it for £60 or even less. :\

shesagordie · Answer

Lezta. You can buy Crucial's excellent memory from http://www.crucial.com/uk/index.asp It's guaranteed to work in your system and has a lifetime warranty. Bev.

Lezta · Answer

Thank you very much for the link! Most useful! Indeed, thanks everyone who has helped so far! Now, if I could just find some PSUs.... :)

shesagordie · Answer

Lezta. You're Welcome. What about PSUs? Bev.

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Upgrading a Dimension 4550

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