Adding memory

I have a dell dimension E520 desktop with only 512mb of memory and i want to bump it up to 1gb. I am in canada so i will be getting it from here,http://www.memoryx.com/w4s.php?UniqueId=0134-0653-9324-0954-2146 I want to avoid paying more duty than I have to so my question is, there are 2- 256mb modules in slots 1 and 2 now. Do i have to purchase another 2- 256 modules or can I purchase a 512 module and add it with the 256 modules. If I can just add 1-512 module, which slot would I put it in and which slots do i move the 256 module to? Purchasing a 512 module is cheaper than the 2-256 modules but by only about three dollars. From what I can see, the manual only shows how to install the modules. Just thought that you knowledgeable folks might have the answer for me. I am not totally sure but i was under the impression that I have to add in pairs. Thanks for any info

 

Ok, I did find some info about my computer. It say it is recommended to add in pairs or the computer may run with a reduction in performance. thats not much good, I want to increase performance so a matched set it is. My aplologies for posting when there was no need. I would mark this thread as solved if there was a button lol

 

Re: thread solved button

Once you have increased your RAM make sure that it is being recognized and properly handled. Right click on "My Computer" and check the properties to make sure that it is showing about 1 gig of ram. Do not expect it to say exactly 1024. Next go through to the advanced tab and then advanced again. Under virtual memory make certain that the number is somewhere around 1500 (it will be on the bottom of the small window) If not let us know and we will tell you how to get it right.

You may also want to check your bios settings to make sure it is being recognized but if all of the above is OK then there will probably be no need.

 

Re: thread solved button

Hi BeeCeeBee, just curious about the solved button and thanks for the info on the memory. I will do as you suggest and if i have any probs I will let you know. I will also let you know how the performance is once i receive the new modules. Thanks again

 

Hi allheart, thanks for that bit of info. Knowing that now, I wont hit the panic button if i see that message. lol F1 it is. Thanks very much

 

also its worth noting that with four slots available that they are paired 1 and 3, 2 and 4, all to do with binary

slot 1 Binary = 001
slot 2 Binary = 010
slot 3 Binary = 011
slot 4 Binary = 100

the way it works is with a matrix so slots 1 and 3 having a 1's in the left hand column will be paired and slots 2 and 4 having 0's will be paired, the important thing to remember is that to a computer 1 = switch on and 0 = switch off and if you don't have to turn a switch on and off it saves time

OK way to much info but it never ceases to amaze me at how many people know the way slots are paired but not why.

 

Ok. I am ready to purchase 2- 512mbsticks of ram. Installed is 2-256MB DDR2 PC2-5300 ram sticks. I am going to add 2 512mb DDR2 PC2-4200MB 533MHZ ram sticks from here,
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110566370672&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
There is quite a bit diffeence in the price and shipping compared to the memory ten site. especially since I am in canada. The memory ten scan showed the pc2-4200 as the ram to install so I am wondering if I install those, will they work ok with the pc2-5300 sticks.

 

From what I understand probably not. They may be recognized but the computer will function only as well as the slowest of the RAM. But I am no expert however it is always best to have your memory all to the same standard.

 

I agree.All your RAM must be matching to get the best results.

 

BeeCeeBee and DTSM have Basically covered the main problem, in that you will probably lose any gain in performance from adding extra RAM as the PC will run at the slowest RAM's speed and also as DSTM points out by adding miss matched RAM you could end up with more problems than your trying to solve, but then again everything might be fine!

 

hey all, thanks for the replies. I didnt get any emails that you all replied so I will have to check my settings. I checked on the dell forums and it says that I can match the 5300 that is in slots 1 and 3 with the 4200 that would be in slots 2 and 4 but the computer would run in the slowest speed which would be the 4200 I assume. But if the pc2 5300mb sticks that are in my computer are 667mhz ,why does my computer info show only 533mhz with pc2-5300 modules installed? I am just trying to understand. Sorry to be a pain

 

Any stick of RAM can always run slower than its rated speed. RAM performance must be balanced.
When paired with 533Mhz RAM the 667Mhz RAM will default to 533Mhz. You're just not getting the performance you paid for this way.

 

Ok, that pretty much explains it then. I am not getting the email notifications that you are all replying . I checked the email notifications in my settings and they seem to be ok. Not sure if something should be checked that isnt or what

 

At the top of the page you should see a button labeled "watch this topic" or something similar to that.

Gotta go now. Bye.

 

Thanks everyone for the input. I guess it will be best to go with the pc2-5300 modules to keep it even.

 

Kojak is correct AND once you decide to watch a topic it would be best to go to your settings (little drop down arrow next to your name in the upper right) Once in settings select Notification options and make sure you scroll through the entire page there are a lot of options there.

 

Ok thanks BeeCeeBee I received the email notification that you replied. I clicked on stop watching topic and then reclicked to watch it. It seems ok now.

 

Hi all, I added two 512 modules to the 2-256 modules today and all went well, no problems whatsoever. It now shows 1.49gb of ram. What a huge difference in performance and speed. Even the boot up time is quicker. I should have done it ages ago. Just want to say thank you to everyone for their input and advice in this thread and thanks for all the help in the past present and what lies ahead. I have a good memory just short, would someone refresh my memory on how to find my past threads please. This time I will write it down. Thanks all
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