Upgrading Ram

I have recently upgraded my operating system to Windows XP Professional, and I am now looking into upgrading the ram size from a meazly 128 to a more substantial amount. So I was wondering what steps should I do to make sure that the new ram is compatible with the other set. If the ram fits the slot would that be good enough, or does it have to have more "hardware" invisible attributes to work well with the older ram?

 

BriGuy2005,

Just make sure you get the correct specs for your motherboard. Make sure you don't exceed the maximum MB per slot. As far as different brands, they will work together with no problems. I've mixed and matched with no problems.

Mike

 

If you have the BIOS manual that normally comes with a motherboard, it will tell you what kind of RAM you have and how much each slot will handle.

You can get 512 Mb of ram pretty cheap now and that should be plenty for normal use. Normal being non CAD, non video editing.

If you don't have the BIOS book, you can download a nice free program called AIDA32 which will tell you about your system specs. AIDA32 download

 

Okay

I downloaded that program. Now what exactly do I need to do with it to find compatible ram?

 

Open program and open motherboard and dbl click on chipset. Memory should be listed in right panel.

Mine says 512 MB (PC2100 DDR SDRAM). That is the kind of ram I would buy.

 

Do you have a mass produced PC such as HP, Dell, Compaq, etc..? I have bought from Crucial before and have had good luck also they guarantee it's compatible ands it even easier if you have a "Brand" name PC but if you don't then just give them a call and tell them what Motherboard you have (if Aida32 doesn't tell you then open the case and look for markings or numbers on the motherboard) and they should be able to match up the right ram for your box. They made several upgrades a real breeze for me.

http://www.crucial.com/index.asp


Bubba169

 

HMmmm

Hmm, I do have a mass produced computer made by Compaq. Hopefully soon, I'll get a Dell or Gateway POWERHouse to fix everything. But would it be worth investing ~75 dollars on more ram, what would happened if I exceeded the maxium amount? 526 or whatever it said still seems low. What exactly does ram do? LoL. But I did find some ram that would work...

 

And you don't think Dell or Gateway is mass produced?

Back to your original question - the best advice you got was to check out Crucial to find out what was originally in your machine. Then you can buy matched memory from them or go elsewhere.

Contrary to what some have said here, mixing memory is like the guy who invites both his wife and his mistress to dinner - you never know how things are going to work out until you try it, but you are definately flirting with trouble.

And, as to the inference that all memory is kinda created pretty much somewhat equal, just read what it says ie: "PC2100" - somewhat true for most common "mass produced machines" that can use branded retail memory. Not at all true when you get into higher end equipment.

 

I agree 100% I once had major problems out of a PC that was due to mismatched ram granted this was back in the 72 pin SIMM days but I have never forgot it.

Bubba169

 

I agree and will take it back even further to the 30 Pin ( or what ever they were ) Memory modules.

My personal feelings ( opinions ) on the subject.

Do not count on mass produced PCs to fix anything. With a lot of them you can not make changes. ( at least not without creating problems )

Now you combine that with the new XP itself being a big pain to re-install/re-activate which more than likely be on a CD ( if you are lucky enough to get one ) Specific for the OEM machine and you got double trouble.

I mean things like changing hardware, you could be fighting with both XP and the OEM machine. Or even changing the OS.

With some OEM machines you are LOCKED INTO what is on them. They are pretty much built to run AS IS. Unless you want to pay them big bucks to upgrade.

I think a user is much further ahead when he has a unit built by/or for him and get the OS separately. Not only will he get TONS less spyware, and other un-needed trash but will have a machine that he can pretty much do as he dam well pleases.

If you like to mess with PCs at all I suggest not getting a Mass produced machine.

BTW. Best Buy Salesmen don't like me. I told them politely ( haha ) what they could do with there OEM machines.

BillyBob

 

I fogot something.

Building your own is a GREAT education. And you wind up with a much better knowledge of how these things works.

BB