Adding extra RAM

Hi,

My PC came with 256 RAM but 128 of it had to be taken out as it had stopped working. I now want to add an extra 256.

My question is - Can I just order a stick of 256 RAM and just plug it in to the slot the old one came from or is there more to it than that?

If the answer is no, then how can I find out what RAM is compatible with my machine?

Thanks,
HB.

 

Thanks Pete, been to the site and have run the test. I'm also getting them to double check so should hear back within 48-72 hours.

Looking back through some old threads on here, I'm a bit confused as to whether I need to match the existing stick which is 128 or could I plonk in a 256 stick alongside the 128 to make 384?

Thankyou,
HB.

 

Hi Pete, I bought the PC three and a half years ago, so I guess it's pretty old and I haven't a copy of the motherboard manual.

Well impressed with 'Crucial' though, I'm just getting them to double check the compatibility of their recommendations and should hear back in the next couple of days.

So, all sorted, thanks for your help.

HB.

 

No problem, i think.

I've never seen a problem on a modern (4 yr. old) mobo mixing brands, size, and speed altho speed must be as fast a min. for mobo/cpu, and if there are two speeds, the faster one will run at the speed of the slower one, so don't pay a premium for extra speed.

 

Agreed.
Watch for bargains though. Last time I checked PC133 was cheaper than PC100 and PC2700 (and PC3200 soon?) was cheaper than PC2100, those sets should be backwards compatible. Faster memory for less $'s...because of phasing out and reduction in production (I guess).

Matt

 

I've just ordered a 256 stick to go alongside the 128 existing one, are you saying that the new stick will only run as fast as the 128, so I'll only be getting 256? or will I be getting 384?

Hope that makes sense.

HB.

 

You'll be getting 384MB that will run at the speed, i.e. MHZ of the slower one (if any).

 

Howard:
This is key critical if you are going to mix memory. And that should be speed in terms of both MHZ and also CAS latency. (some boards will run at higher than specified memory latency, some won't)

Unfortunately, I've run into more than a few instances of mismatched upgrades. Also should mention that a lot of high end boards don't like some of the more common or readily available retail memory options. Not going to get into a dissertation here, but what used to be pretty simple and straight-forward re: memory has gotten quite a bit more complex. My advice - if you are going to mix - be cautious and calculating, lest you wind up with something that just didn't quite "cut the mustard ".

 

OK thanks, I've ordered it now anyway so it's a bit late. I'll just have to see what happens when it arrives. Is there some way of testing what memory is actually working?

HB.

 

Although there are programs you can download that purport to test your memory, all you really need to do is watch your BIOS while it boots and tests the memory, and check system information in windows. Your BIOS will let you know, and may even refuse to boot, if there is a problem.

 

You could try one of these.

http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
http://www.simmtester.com/

 

I received the RAM this morning and have just put it in. Alll appears to be OK.

It must be working as on Everest it's saying 308mb used, 74mb free.

Sorted.
TY.
HB.

 

Good show!

Well done, Howard.