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  • #2165461

    RAM, how fast should I get?

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    by craig.barratt ·

    Hi, I’m trying to upgrade my RAM, my pc is a Dell Dimension and it currently has 1 gb (2×512) DDR2 with a speed of 533 mhz, I installed 2x2gb of 6400 (800mhz) and the darn pc went b.s.o.d and wouldn’t boot again, even after returning to the old RAM. One rebuild later (thanks Dell for putting an image of the original build on the HDD) and I have found that the RAM only shows 1.4 gb, no matter what order I put them in, with or without the old RAM. My question is this, Did the fast RAM cause the blue screen and subsequent need to rebuild and should I be sticking to 533 mhz? I know about installing in pairs, maximum size etc, it’s just the speed issue I’d like to know about

    Ta

    oops, totally forgot to add the ‘spec’ list at the bottom, well, it was about 5:30am when I wrote it.

    Dell Dimension 5150
    Windows XP Home V2002 SP3
    Intel Pentium 2.8ghz

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    • #2990112

      Clarifications

      by craig.barratt ·

      In reply to RAM, how fast should I get?

      Clarifications

    • #2990110

      Depends which Dell Dimension you’ve got …

      by older mycroft ·

      In reply to RAM, how fast should I get?

      What is the model number ?

      Also what operating system do you have ?

      • #2990107

        oops!

        by craig.barratt ·

        In reply to Depends which Dell Dimension you’ve got …

        oops, totally forgot to add the ‘spec’ list at the bottom, well, it was about 5:30am when I wrote it.

        Dell Dimension 5150
        Windows XP Home V2002 SP3
        Intel Pentium 2.8ghz

        • #2990103

          Apparently you’ve gone too fast …

          by older mycroft ·

          In reply to oops!

          Memory Upgrade for Dell Dimension 5150 Computer, the Dell Dimension 5150 Computer takes the PC2-3200/4200 DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs. Supports Dual Channel DDR2. Installed in pairs of modules.

          Module type: 1024MB-533MHz DDR2-533 PC2-4200, 240p DIMM, 1.8v
          Part No: 681ms-681

          http://www.memorystock.com/memory/DellDimension5150.html

        • #2990028

          one more thing to think about…..

          by —tk— ·

          In reply to Apparently you’ve gone too fast …

          If you up grade to 4 Gigs of RAM, you will only see 3.2 Gigs. Its a known issue with the 32 bit OS, it has to do with memory allocation… and there is no way to get around it, unless you use a 64 bit OS.

        • #2991860

          Thanks

          by craig.barratt ·

          In reply to one more thing to think about…..

          Cheers, if only there was a decent 64bit OS, oops, I’ve done it now!!!

        • #2991825

          LOL….

          by —tk— ·

          In reply to Thanks

          .

        • #2989830

          But there is a Great 64 Bit OS available

          by oh smeg ·

          In reply to Thanks

          I know what it is but I’m not telling anyone as they will start to use it and I’ll loose that advantage. :^0

          Col :p

        • #2991965

          Thanks

          by craig.barratt ·

          In reply to Apparently you’ve gone too fast …

          Looks that way, thanks for the advice

    • #2991926

      According to the Corsair Site

      by oh smeg ·

      In reply to RAM, how fast should I get?

      The Biggest you can use are 1 GIG Sticks.

      This may be the issue with the system reporting the wrong amount of Installed RAM.

      Details for VS1GB533D2

      Memory Type
      DDR2-533 (PC2-4200)

      Size 1GB

      Latency 4-4-4-12-2T

      Format 240-pin DIMM

      Heat Spreader None

      You should look in the BIOS to make sure that the RAM is correctly Identified before allowing the system to boot.

      According to the Dell Web Site the Biggest sticks of RAM that they sell for this unit are 1 GIG Sticks as well.

      http://accessories.ap.dell.com/sna/category.aspx?c=au&l=en&s=dhs&cs=audhs1&category_id=4325

      With this in mind I would say that Memory Mapping Errors was what caused the system to BSOD out and corrupt the Windows Files.

      Col

      • #2991964

        D’you use some kind of really smelly aftershave ?…

        by older mycroft ·

        In reply to According to the Corsair Site

        That’ll be the reason you get noticed and I get ignored! :^0

        • #2991961

          hey!

          by craig.barratt ·

          In reply to D’you use some kind of really smelly aftershave ?…

          give me a chance there fella! I’m getting round to all contributors 😉

          Thanks for your input, Isn’t this site just awesome!

        • #2991859

          Ignore the ‘insults’ – they’re standard board of fayre!! …

          by older mycroft ·

          In reply to hey!

          It’s just the smelly aftershave that gets up my nose!! :^0 😉

        • #2989832

          RE : [i]smelly aftershave

          by oh smeg ·

          In reply to Ignore the ‘insults’ – they’re standard board of fayre!! …

          I’m at a loss here as I don’t use any Aftershave. I haven’t for years.

          Having a full beard to help protect my face from [b]Skin Cancer[/b] negates the need to use Aftershave. So something else must be getting up your nose or maybe you’ve mistaken the smell of your own aftershave. :^0

          Or it just could be that I’m much [b]NICER[/b] than you are. :0

          Col ]:)

      • #2991962

        Thanks

        by craig.barratt ·

        In reply to According to the Corsair Site

        I guess that’ll teach me to listen to PC World staff! (i don’t know why I did) fortunately I didn’t lose too much data as bartpe was able to assist with the retrieval of my stuff.

        Ta for the advice

        • #2989828

          You’re Welcome

          by oh smeg ·

          In reply to Thanks

          .

    • #2991959

      It’s sorted!

      by craig.barratt ·

      In reply to RAM, how fast should I get?

      Hi all, thanks for the advice, I’ve clicked my way to crucial and got 2x 1gb 533mhz, If I need more than that I need a new PC first haha!

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