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@AnotherDimension wrote:

We have a Dell Dimension 4550 with 256 RAM.

Is it okay to add 512 to the other slot making 768 total OR do the amounts in the two slots have to match?

You can add 512, max of 1gb total.  Put the bigger stick in the first slot.  If you have the 533 fsb (2.26, some 2.4, and all processors faster), buy PC2700 memory.  400fsb uses PC2100 memory.  To configure memory for your computer, click here for Crucial's memory configurator. Crucial is a division of Micron, one of the largest manufacturers of memory and a supplier of Dell's. Memory selected via their configurator is guaranteed to fit, and all memory has a lifetime warranty - plus they provide priority shipping at no additional cost for most orders. There is NO impact to your Dell warranty by adding Crucial memory (or other hardware or software for that matter).

512 in the other one is fine.  That model doesn't require matched pairs.

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@Motrac wrote:
512 in the other one is fine.  That model doesn't require matched pairs.

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Motrac is correct.

Just make sure that you buy memory part numbers that are listed by the memory maker as being for your specific model number or the upgrade will fail. Of all the quality memory brands that offer model specific memory for Dell computers, you will find that Crucial has the lowest prices for the high quality memory required. Just use the Crucial RAM picker, and it will point you to the 'exact' memory for your system.

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell
Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information
Find the ...
"How much memory / RAM can my system hold?"
"What kind of memory is it?"
"How do I install my new memory / RAM?"
... and other memory information.

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't sure if I'd be answered here so I also sent an e-mail to Dell Technical Support.

What they said contradicts the advice given here!

"Thank you for contacting Dell Hardware Technical e-Support and services for your Dell system.

We appreciate the oppurtunity to assist you. Iam afraid you cannot use 2 memory modules  of different speeds each. You can use 2 modules of 128 each or 2 modules of 256 each (making a total of 512 MB RAM) or you would have to use 2 modules of 512 MB each (making it 1024 MB , but I dont think this will be supported)

This is because RAM functions this way , if you use mismatched memory , this could result in incompatibility .

I hope I have answered your question . Thankyou."

 

Now what can I believe??

It seems the easiest thing is to add 512MB to the 256 and see if this works - if not then I can add another 512MB and go for what Dell "thinks" (why don't they know?) is an unsupported option.

Would the 256MB from the Dimension 4550 be compatible with our Dimension 8200?

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@AnotherDimension wrote:

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't sure if I'd be answered here so I also sent an e-mail to Dell Technical Support.

What they said contradicts the advice given here!

"Thank you for contacting Dell Hardware Technical e-Support and services for your Dell system.

We appreciate the oppurtunity to assist you. Iam afraid you cannot use 2 memory modules  of different speeds each. You can use 2 modules of 128 each or 2 modules of 256 each (making a total of 512 MB RAM) or you would have to use 2 modules of 512 MB each (making it 1024 MB , but I dont think this will be supported)

This is because RAM functions this way , if you use mismatched memory , this could result in incompatibility .

I hope I have answered your question . Thankyou."

 

Now what can I believe??

It seems the easiest thing is to add 512MB to the 256 and see if this works - if not then I can add another 512MB and go for what Dell "thinks" (why don't they know?) is an unsupported option.

Would the 256MB from the Dimension 4550 be compatible with our Dimension 8200?

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Hi again,

The answer you got from Dell is just plain wrong for a 4550.
You can mix memory chip 'sizes' without any problem at all in that model as shown on these boards many times.
You can also mix memory 'speed' if you buy the correct part numbers for your specific model number.
If you have a CPU speed of 1.8 to 2.20 with a 400MHz buss you can use DDR 266 and/or DDR 333 memory together is you buy the correct part numbers. Know in adavance that with a 400MHz buss even the DDR memory at DDR 266 speeds.
If you have a 2.26 or higher CPU you can still mix the two speeds, but you will loose perfomance as all memory will run at the slower speed.

So,
Mixing memory chip sizes is no problem at all in the 4550.
Mixing memory chip speeds can be done but is not cost or performance effective.

Also,
You cannot use the DDR memory from your 4550 in your 8200 that requires RDRAM.
If you are looking for more RDRAM take a look HERE.
But if you need other than RDRAM, you can find model specific memory for your Dell system at the lowest price with the best warranty by using the Crucial RAM picker.

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell
Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information
Find the ...
"How much memory / RAM can my system hold?"
"What kind of memory is it?"
"How do I install my new memory / RAM?"
... and other memory information.

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@AnotherDimension wrote:

Thanks, Darrell, for your re-assuring reply.

I'm just ordering the 512MB from Crucial.

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Glad to help.

Mis Dos Centavos,
Darrell
Helping Dell talkers here since 1997
Memory upgrade information
Find the ...
"How much memory / RAM can my system hold?"
"What kind of memory is it?"
"How do I install my new memory / RAM?"
... and other memory information.

Thanks, Darrell, for your re-assuring reply.

I'm just ordering the 512MB from Crucial.

 

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@AnotherDimension wrote:

Thanks for the info.

I wasn't sure if I'd be answered here so I also sent an e-mail to Dell Technical Support.

What they said contradicts the advice given here!

"Thank you for contacting Dell Hardware Technical e-Support and services for your Dell system.

We appreciate the oppurtunity to assist you. Iam afraid you cannot use 2 memory modules  of different speeds each. You can use 2 modules of 128 each or 2 modules of 256 each (making a total of 512 MB RAM) or you would have to use 2 modules of 512 MB each (making it 1024 MB , but I dont think this will be supported)

This is because RAM functions this way , if you use mismatched memory , this could result in incompatibility .

I hope I have answered your question . Thankyou."

 

Now what can I believe??

It seems the easiest thing is to add 512MB to the 256 and see if this works - if not then I can add another 512MB and go for what Dell "thinks" (why don't they know?) is an unsupported option.

Would the 256MB from the Dimension 4550 be compatible with our Dimension 8200?

The tech support person that responded to your message is poorly trained and/or ill-informed.  You should post on the Customer Service forum so Dell Cathy can get their name and report them to their supervisor. 

Dell is wrong, I am correct.  The Crucial memory configurator  guarantees that the memory works in your computer.   The 512mb module will work fine.

Your Dimension 8200 uses RDRAM that is NOT the same memory as your 4550 and the two systems cannot share memory.