Dell Memory Cards

Question

Hi, I bought a Dimension 8200 w/windows XP.  My computer came with 256 RAM memory so I went online and purchased another 256 RAM memory card so I could have 512 RAMS on my computer.  I received my memory card and when the person was going to install it, my computer has two 128 RAM memory cards in it.  We are unable to just take one of those out and install the 256, we have to have two of the same kind in the slots.  So now I have to buy another 256 RAM memory card in order to have 512 RAMS installed.  I was not aware of this so now am a little upset because I have to purchase another 256 in order to use the one I already bought.  How come we can't use the 256 with a 128?  I wish I had known that there was only two 128 cards in my computer first.  Is there a reason why Dell computers are like this?  I know I was told that Dell has great computers but when you want to add anything to it, it has to be a Dell product, why is this?

Yellowhammer · Answer

You don't have to add Dell parts only to a Dell computer.  With a few exceptions they use standard parts that you can purchase anywhere.

CDLOU3 · Answer

How do you know if the parts you buy will coincide with your Dell computer?  Also, why can't I put a 256 RAM memory card in with one of the 128 card that was already installed in my computer.  Why do both cards have to be the same RAM?  Also, can I buy any other hard drives to install on my Dell to add to it?  Someone had told me I had to use only Dell products because other parts do not work with them.

jmwills · Answer

To get an exact configuration of your machine, I suggest using the Belarc advisor from www.belarc.com. It gives you a complete incentory of your machines form BIOS, mothernoards, and memory to all programs installed and their ID's.

Use this advisor and go to somewhere like www.crucial.com to get the correct memoryconfiguration for your box at a VERY competitive price.

Yellowhammer · Answer

It so happens that RDRAM must be added in pairs.  See the information here.  This is not unique to Dell.  This is information that is easily available on the Dell support site.  On the 8300, Dell switched to DDRAM which does not have to be added in pairs.  There is no truth to the statement that you have to add only Dell parts such as hard drives.  Dell does not even make hard drives.  They use standard hard drives that you can purchase anywhere.

Windows General

Dell Memory Cards

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