Memory/RAM help please?

[ZuraX]

I have a Dell Dimension 3100 and I would like to upgrade to more RAM.

According to CPU-Z I have DDR2 SDRAM PC3200 200MHz (2 256MB chips)
But most sites seem to think I should have PC4200 not PC3200...

I did a search on Google and found ..

1G PC2-4200 DDR DIMM (No MHz listed...) $30.55
1G PC2-3200 DDR DIMM (No MHz listed...) $30.52

2GB kit (1GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-4200 DDR2-533 $47.99

I cant find 200MHz so would a 400MHz or 533MHz still work?
What about the PC3200 part? I see PC6400, PC4200, and PC3200.... Do I need PC3200?

 

[Peter]

Have you tried opening the PC.

If you have a look on 1 of the ram sticks you have it should tell you what it is, there is usually a sticker on them with this information.

 

[ZuraX]

Guess I am going to have to because this program CPU-Z says:
Memory type DDR2-SDRAM
Size 256 MBytes
Max bandwidth PC3200 (200 MHz)

But I found a computer forum where they tell someone else with a memory question that:
PC 3200 = DDR
PC2 4200 = DDR2


So I am lost...

 

[Matthew.]

Crucial is a good website for someone in your situation. They have a "scan my system" option which will automatically show you the right memory and of course if you want you can buy it from them there and then (although not always cheapest).

Note that crucial show the higher spec'd memory only as a first option if your system supports more than 1 type (as almost all do), so check down the list

 

[dgridley]

Hm, my comp only supports up to 2gb of RAM and your link says it will accept up to 8GB so I'm not sure I'd trust their info..

Crucial is a good website for someone in your situation. They have a "scan my system" option which will automatically show you the right memory and of course if you want you can buy it from them there and then (although not always cheapest).

Note that crucial show the higher spec'd memory only as a first option if your system supports more than 1 type (as almost all do), so check down the list

 

[ZuraX]

Yeah thats the site that says I have a PC4200 not PC3200 which CPU-Z says I have...

 

[Kenny]

Dell is quirky about both ram and hdd size.
Dell support is outstanding. I'm sure you have tried them.

Good luck Z.

Cy

 

[ZuraX]

Nah last time I called I got a person that didnt speak English well. Plus it probably costs too much to buy RAM from them.


hmmm.. checked on dell.com and..

1 GB Module for a Dimension 3100 System
Technology: DDR II SDRAM
Memory Speed: 667 MHz ( PC2-5300 )
$76.48 + ship/tax for two of them...


Theres that PC#### stuff again... it says 5300 but mine seems to be 3200...
and 667 MHz when mine is 200 MHz...

 

[Peter]

If you log onto your dell account there is a area that shows systems you bought from them. It should tell you the type of ram in there.

 

[ZuraX]

Problem is I didnt buy this PC right from Dell.

 

[deleted984054565403]

Problem is I didnt buy this PC right from Dell.

As long as it has a service tag sticker, it should be able to tell the exact specs of your machine.

 

[ZuraX]

Tried that...
Just tells me..
DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE..., 256, 400, 32X64, 8, 240, 1RX16

 

[Kenny]

Z,

Give us the tag.. it should be an alpha-num of 6 or so digits.

 

[ZuraX]

I put the Service Tag in and thats what it gave for the memory...
DUAL IN-LINE MEMORY MODULE..., 256, 400, 32X64, 8, 240, 1RX16

 

[eugehet]

You can try PC-wizard to test and see ur whole PC specs..