Increasing RAM

baz134 · 18-01-2010, 10:45 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm quite new to this and whilst I wouldn't call myself a technophobe I'm hardly a computer whiz either.

I've got several questions, but, I'll start with an easy one, hopefully.

I'm looking for a desktop replacement, but, in the short term I want to up the RAM on my desktop. It's a Dimension C521 with 2 x 512MB DDR2-533 modules. Apparently I can have up to 4GB (3GB for 32-bit).

Crucial.com offer;
Part #: CT587640 • DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64
or;
Part #: CT787952 • DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64

both at the same price.

Which is better, and should I use this in addition or instead of the existing RAM?

Any help would be much appreciated.

spannerzone · 21-01-2010, 04:53 PM

Have you run the Crucial scanner which should show what's already in your PC?

The difference is that one ram is slightly slower speed than the other.... both should work and if your existing ram is the slower speed (PC2 5300) then adding faster ram (PC2-6400) will operate fine at the slower speed.

I'd go for Part #: CT787952 • DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64

But either will work... make sure you run the Crucial Scanner, note down the results code it gives you and then order what it suggests (or the above if it gives the two choices you mention)

Then if there's a problem quote the scanner result code to Crucial for the money guarantee. You get no questions asked refund if their scanner gave a result that proves to not work.

However, Crucial are one of the best and most reliable memory companies and I've had loads from them for various Dells and other PC's and the scanner always works for me. Remember you might have to remove existing ram sticks to add more (your PC might have 2 slots or 4) - but if only 2 slots then you might have to remove 2 old sticks to fit 2 new sticks. It's best to fit in pairs of matching ram also (unless Crucial advise it's not important)

baz134 · 21-01-2010, 07:53 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Found some evaluation software at 'passmark.com' which tells you all the internal and perfomance.

I've got 4 slots, 2 unused.

Been to Crucial as well, looks like I'll go for the DDR2-800.

Thanks for the advice.

18-01-2010, 10:45 PM	#1
baz134 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Increasing RAM Hi everyone, I'm quite new to this and whilst I wouldn't call myself a technophobe I'm hardly a computer whiz either. I've got several questions, but, I'll start with an easy one, hopefully. I'm looking for a desktop replacement, but, in the short term I want to up the RAM on my desktop. It's a Dimension C521 with 2 x 512MB DDR2-533 modules. Apparently I can have up to 4GB (3GB for 32-bit). Crucial.com offer; Part #: CT587640 • DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 or; Part #: CT787952 • DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 both at the same price. Which is better, and should I use this in addition or instead of the existing RAM? Any help would be much appreciated.

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21-01-2010, 04:53 PM	#2
spannerzone Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 28 Thanks: 1 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Have you run the Crucial scanner which should show what's already in your PC? The difference is that one ram is slightly slower speed than the other.... both should work and if your existing ram is the slower speed (PC2 5300) then adding faster ram (PC2-6400) will operate fine at the slower speed. I'd go for Part #: CT787952 • DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 But either will work... make sure you run the Crucial Scanner, note down the results code it gives you and then order what it suggests (or the above if it gives the two choices you mention) Then if there's a problem quote the scanner result code to Crucial for the money guarantee. You get no questions asked refund if their scanner gave a result that proves to not work. However, Crucial are one of the best and most reliable memory companies and I've had loads from them for various Dells and other PC's and the scanner always works for me. Remember you might have to remove existing ram sticks to add more (your PC might have 2 slots or 4) - but if only 2 slots then you might have to remove 2 old sticks to fit 2 new sticks. It's best to fit in pairs of matching ram also (unless Crucial advise it's not important)

21-01-2010, 07:53 PM	#3
baz134 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 3 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Thanks for the reply. Found some evaluation software at 'passmark.com' which tells you all the internal and perfomance. I've got 4 slots, 2 unused. Been to Crucial as well, looks like I'll go for the DDR2-800. Thanks for the advice.