Inspiron 1000 Memory Upgrade

Question

I'm looking to upgrade the memory in my notebook. It has 1 SODIMM slot, but what kind of SODIMM do I get? The Dell Memory Selector doesn't even have a listing for the 1000 (I guess I should've spent a little more money). The product manual just says that the non-removable memory is PC2100 - 266Mhz. But get this, I went to Crucial.com and they offer a memory module that is *Guaranteed* to work with my Inspiron 1000, yet the module is a PC2700 - 333Mhz. So, here's the big question: do I buy a 256MB PC2100 200 pin SODIMM, or a 256MB PC2700 200 pin SODIMM.

Thanks

JohnM025 · Answer

WheelerLT,

Since the Inspiron 1000 is so new parts are probabley not available yet.

Crucial has memory available for your system or you may want to contact our Spare Parts Department.

Click Here to go to crucial.

Spare Parts

1-800-372-3355

M - F

8 AM - 6 PM

Thank you for choosing Dell.

thricipio · Answer

You can get the PC2700/333MHz memory at Crucial for $55 and have it clocked down to match the PC2100/266MHz non-removable memory, or pay $60 for their PC2100/266MHz stick. Obviously, it makes more sense to spend less money for faster memory whose added speed cannot be used in the Inspiron 1000, because this will leave you the option of someday using that same stick in another computer that will allow you to exploit its 333MHz speed.
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-Thri
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P.S. You can find PC2100/266MHz memory from other sources for say, $35, but I'd rather spend the extra $20 with Crucial/Micron on the peace of mind that comes from dealing with a highly reputable source.

Links you may find helpful:

http://www.crucial.com/store/MPartspecs.Asp?mtbpoid=BF885DAFA5CA7304&WSMD=Inspiron+1000+Series&WSPN=CT381330

http://www.crucial.com/store/PartSpecs.asp?imodule=CT3264X265&cat=RAM

Message Edited by thricipio on 06-07-2004 04:06 PM

WheelerLT · Answer

Will the system or Ram automatically drop the speed, or do I have to change settings in the BIOS (I'm not even sure that's possible with a cheap Dell).

thricipio · Answer

It should be automatic.

I ordered the $799 version of the Inspiron 1000 this morning, and I ordered the PC2700/333MHz memory stick from Crucial this afternoon.

This is my first computer upgrade since 1996 and I've been using a Pentium I class CPU (150MHz) with 50MB DRAM and 2.4GB harddrive. So, to me, the Inspiron will not seem like a â€œcheap computerâ€�!
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-Thri
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WheelerLT · Answer

WOW! You've been using a Pentium I for 8 years? That has to be worthy of an award to contend with that speed in light of the many processor improvements within that period.

And honestly, anything in the "almost one thousand" range isn't cheap, by far, in my opinion. I don't think I'll ever pay 2K+ for a laptop for the same speed and performance that I can build in a desktop myself for about 400. I wouldn't even be spending 850 for the Inspiron, if it wasn't for the wife's insistent badgering.

Thanks for the memory info. I've never had to deal with two different memory module speed installs.

Message Edited by WheelerLT on 06-07-2004 09:45 PM

thricipio · Answer

'You've been using a Pentium I for 8 years? That has to be worthy of an award to contend with that speed' ---------------------- Well, the slooooow speed has been, at times, very tiresome. Far worse, though, has been the frequent reboots due to Win'95 hanging. And of course that wastes an enormous amount of time. I've been sitting on a copy of Win2K-Pro since 2000; now, I'll finally have a machine I can install it on. I may also investigate the possibility of having multiple OS's on my laptop: Win2K and Linux. Beyond that I'm pretty excited about finally getting into the 21st century of computer technology! I'll finally be able to investigate the world of MP3, flash memory, CD-burning and advanced graphics. All in all, a lot to look forward to! Back to the topic of mixed memory speed... I should mention that I may be somewhat less than an authoritative source in terms of modern equipment. I can tell you that I used to work for IBM doing internal I/T support. This goes back to pre-historic times, etc., and we were dealing with IBM's PS/2 and its microchannel motherboard architecture. Still, we used to mix and match memory speeds all the time with no tweeking required. I'm just assuming that today's architectures support this capability. The fact that crucial.com does not mention any need to tweek anything, among its very thorough help information, tends to corroborate my assumption. I say we just give it a whirl and see what happens! ______ -Thri Â¯Â¯Â¯Â¯Â¯Â¯

mattcowger · Answer

Yeah! I remember MCA - it was actually a really good architecture, IBM just killed it by keeping it effectivly internal.

WheelerLT · Answer

Well, Thricipio, I get my unit tomorrow.  Unless UPS screws up somewhere.  I'll wait until you get yours, and install your Crucial.com module.  If all is well, let me know.    Appreciate it!

thricipio · Answer

'Well, Thricipio, I get my unit tomorrow' ------------------------ Hey, WheelerLT, that's great news! Good for you! I'm not sure which of these fora would be appropriate, but I'd love to hear about your experiences with your new 1000. Maybe you can post your initial impressions and experiences in the General Hardware forum. ______ -Thri Â¯Â¯Â¯Â¯Â¯Â¯

thricipio · Answer

News Flash: Looks like my 1000 is due to arrive today, also! I'm tellin' ya, if this computer is half as good as DELL's order and shipping support (so far), I'm gonna be a mighty happy camper!
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-Thri
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WheelerLT · Answer

really?  I ordered mine on May 29.  It shipped June 3.  Dell must really like you.  Are you east coast?  I'm in California

thricipio · Answer

My computer (and memory from Crucial) both arrived today. The computer arrived a little over an hour after my previous post. I'm in central NY State... not that far from its point-of-origin in Secaucus, New Jersey. I think that explains the ship-time difference. As for the lag between ordering on the 29th and shipping on the 3rd, perhaps this is due, at least in part, to the Memorial Day weekend.
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-Thri
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Message Edited by thricipio on 06-09-2004 06:51 PM

Message Edited by thricipio on 06-09-2004 06:52 PM

WheelerLT · Answer

It's a nice looking machine.  solid black - I can deal with it.  BUT!!!  Where's the memory expansion port cover???????????????????  I looked underneath, but I didn't see any sign of a cover.  do you have to remove the entire bottom panel?  Other than that, it's a good laptop.  I've been trying to share the laptop with the desktop via a wireless router.  It's not working yet, but I'll try and find a way.

thricipio · Answer

Well, you're ahead of me... and likely will remain so! I had to leave for work just after I received my 1000. After work, I didn't do more than look over the Owner's Manual. Didn't even finish unpacking the unit, but will shortly.

As for the memory expansion port cover looked clearly marked in the documentation pictures, etc. I'll look for it when I unpack the machine shortly.

BTW, thanks for mentioning that in your opinion, it appears to be "a good laptop". That's encouraging.
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-Thri
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WheelerLT · Answer

I've found the access cover. It's directly underneath the PCMCIA port. I finally got the laptop shared with my desktop. Everythings a "GO" - except, the bios loaded on the laptop is AO1. There's an AO2 update available, but you need to expand the image file on a floppy disk. but the laptop doesn't have a floppy drive. How did they expect customers who don't happen to have a desktop with a floppy (like me) to expand the image. I STILL haven't been able to find a way to update the bios. I only tinkered with it for about 10 minutes last night. I'll dive in tonight.

But like I said, it's a very good laptop. You'll be better off with your extra 256MB - I notice a system lag with the 256 MB shared. I'm sure 512MB will speed it up.

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Inspiron 1000 Memory Upgrade

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