RAM Easy as 1-2-3?

Hey guys, once again thank you in advance for all your help in this matter. My husband recently got a game called "Secret Weapons Over Normandy" which seems to be quite an elaborate program. Its so elaborate that it is a four disc game. After a rather timely yet successful install, he was disappointed to discover that our computer cannot handle it. The game has a built in diagnostic program that reviews your system and tells you if you passed or failed requirements for the game. Ok, so we failed the RAM requirements. Apparently, the game needs 240 MB and our system only has 128 MB. A while ago a friend gave us a Centon Electronics SDRAM PC133 128 MB MemoryPower 16x64-7ns 168 pin DIMM. I was wondering if installing this hardware would allow us to meet the requirements for this game. Is this something I could do on my own, or should I consult a professional? Is it as easy to install as the package boasts? How do I know this DIMM will be compatible with my system? I guess I am just scared to disect my CPU on a Saturday afternoon...and wake up Monday morning thinking "Why! Why did I do this to my baby???"

Thanks ya'll
Daisy

 

It's a pretty easy operation if you're the least bit mechanically inclined.

Look.

That presumes the stick is the right type for your board.

 

Ok, it's easy-But will it work?

Ok, I did some research on how to put it in...I think I can handle that aspect of it. Putting this in will let us play this game, right? AND---I need to know before I get started, if this DIMM is compatible---How do I find that out? I read some previous posts on this subject and it said the best way to find out is to put it in and try it! Now thats scarey!

 

Daisy,

Go HERE ... and follow the instructions. This will tell you what kind of RAM is compatible with your computer.

B

 

And if Mr. B's suggestion doesn't confirm that the ram is ok for your machine:
Take out the 128 that's there and put it side by side to the new ram and if they look alike either put them both in, or if in doubt, just put the new one in and boot with it; if the machine doesn't shriek it's ok. Then put them both in and see if the total memory seen on the next boot is correct. if it is, you're in business. If the machine cries, you may not have the stick firmly in it's slot (shorted - turn it off or unplug it quickly). Putting sticks in is NOT a delicate operation; press it down FIRMLY with all your weight if necessary so the end clamps SNAP closed on it.

 

Try it and see!

Ok, Mr. B's site didn't confirm anything about my computer. I have heard that Dell's can be picky on what kind of hardware that is put in them. So I guess I will do the "try it and see" method. Thanks everyone for all your help. I will maybe try to tackle this project next weekend. Wish me luck!

Daisy

 

I hope I'm wrong but this has RAM BUS written all over it.

What is the model of your Dell?

 

Rambus sticks have to be installed in pairs (equal size). Wouldn't appear to apply here.

 

I havent heard any evidence that her machine infact uses SD RAM because no model number has been mentioned.

Dell shipped a ton of 4000 series dimensions with 64 x 2 or RAM BUS.
How they thought XP would function like that I have no idea.

I have probably bought 10 sets of RAM BUS off e bay for customers.
Normally around 100 US Dollars for 256 x 2.