Memory Upgrade Help?

Question

So I'm planning on upgrading one of our old computers memory, (RAM) but unsure if the one upgrade I'm planning to buy will be compatible. I went into the computers BIOS and got this info:

Installed Memory: 256MB/PC2700
Memory Bank 0: 256MB/DDR SDRAM
Memory Bank 1: Not Installed

Other info from computer specs on the website:
Speed supported: PC2700 MB/sec
Type: 184 pin, DDR SDRAM

I'm planning on upgrading the maximum amount of RAM it supports which is 1GB, I read that I cannot just use a 1GB stick, It will have to be two 512MB sticks, is this correct? Now these are the specs on the RAM i'm planning to buy.

Memory: 512MB DDR SDRAM
Number of Modules: 1 x 512MB
Memory Speed: 200MHz DDR400/PC3200
Platform Support: PC

Will this be compatible with my computer? I have never done a memory upgrade so I'm unsure. All help appricated. =)

Answer 1

First, you almost certainly will need two 512MB sticks.



Secondly, if you know the motherboard that is installed or computer manufacturer can help you should be able to determine the exact specification of the memory you need.



Or better still, do what I did. Open the computer and remove the 256MB memory that is in there now. Make a note of all the information on the memory. Go to EBay and buy two identical 512MB memory sticks with the same spec.



Items to note:

Using memory from two different manufacturers is supposed to not matter if the specs are the same. However, I would not recommend this.

Ensure that the speed of the two chips are identical. This is essential.

If not following all my advice make sure that the number of pins on the new memory is 184. This can be different for what appears to be the same memory.

Buy the fastest memory supported by your computer.

Don't be scared of used chips. They work just as well.



Good luck. This should be a fairly painless operation.

Answer 2

There is a handy little tool that is FREE at

http://www.crucial.com/store/drammemory.aspx that scans your computer, and makes the correct Memory Upgrade recommendation.

I strongly suggest you use that tool to ensure you get it exactly right.



The crucial site does not require you to purchase thier memory in order to use the tool...which it totally good business practice.

Note: My son did try a less expensive (lower quality) memory stick, and after only one year, it fried. So I do recommend that whatever you buy, make sure it is a quality brand, for long life.



^j^

Answer 3

yeah that should work as you have DDR ram in at the mo and you have baught DDR ram not DDR2 or DDR3

Answer 4

yah that ram will work just fine,its clocked higher but it will work .make sure and ground your self to the case before handling it!