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Post by Gareth on Dec 18, 2005 3:49:50 GMT
I need to upgrade a couple of PC's, but I can't find the book that came with the main boards for them. So here's what I need to know:
Maximum memory size (1Gig will probably be enough, but if it will take it I might aswell have 1.5 or even 2).
Type of memory: DDR, DDR2 etc...
Number of Pins: 184, 240 etc...
Also what do the number's mean? Is it the smaller the number the better sort to get? e.g PC 3200 or 533 etc...
So is there a way I can find this information out without the book? I also don't want to have to open the PC up coz it's alot of messing about, and even when I do how will I know what I'm looking at? If the memory doesn't have a sticker on it saying exactly what it is?
Hope someone can help. Sorry for beeing a bit thick. I havn't upgraded a PC in a few years so have lost touch.
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Post by Gareth on Dec 18, 2005 3:54:21 GMT
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Post by UKMagic on Dec 18, 2005 13:33:03 GMT
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Post by stuart on Dec 18, 2005 22:05:33 GMT
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danceguy danceguycomcastnet
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Post by danceguy danceguycomcastnet on Dec 19, 2005 18:28:28 GMT
Last 2 times I bought memory, I bought from www.crucial.com > Maximum memory size (1Gig will probably be enough, but if it will take it I might aswell have 1.5 or even 2). 1GB is probably enough... Some PC's limit the max amount of memory based on the number of slots and based on the max size of the memory card per slot. My DESKTOP has 4 slots... SOME memories have be bought in pairs (for me, the more expensive RD-RAM, which is now obsolete technology requires this). > Type of memory: DDR, DDR2 etc... Dunno. > Number of Pins: 184, 240 etc... yes.. probably number of pins on the chip (the number of gold contacts). > Also what do the number's mean? Is it the smaller the number the better sort to get? e.g PC 3200 or 533 etc... I don't know what 2700, 3200 means.. but I suspect the 533 means 533 MHZ bus speed. (the clock rate at which the CPU (processor chip) grabs data from the memory). The bigger number (533, 800) would mean that the chip runs at a faster speed, and would work better (but more $). So here 800 chip is better than a 533 chip. My DELL desktop has 512MB, and it runs fine most of the time. 256MB is too limiting. My DELL Notebook was upgraded from 256MB to 1GB (max amount of memory supported).
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Post by Gareth on Dec 19, 2005 18:38:56 GMT
Thanks Stuart I have just tried Belarc Advisor. It doesn't tell me much of anything I don't already know I've just been to www.crucial.com and used the "System Scanner" that's told me I have 3 slots: "Your computer currently has 512 MB of memory installed; and will support up to 3072 MB." Slot 1 512 MB Non-parity DDR PC3200" So if I buy three 1Gig memory sticks it will work? Also will DDR2 work what is it? also what does Non-parity mean? That I don't need two of the same for it to work like you used to in old PC's? This page explains alot: www.crucial.com/crucial/pvtcontent/memorytype.asp?model=&memtype=CHOOSE
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Post by Gareth on Dec 19, 2005 22:15:47 GMT
I've just bought Two 1Gig modules for this PC. from PC Next DayI will put the 512MB from this PC in the other PC I'm upgrading (if it's the same sort).
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