A Question about Dell Dimension systems Memory

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Hi all,


I purchased a Dell Dimension 2400 & 9100. The 2400 came with 256MB of
PC3200 DDR CL3 in one of two available [MM] slots. The 9100 has 4 [MM]
slots with, in two banks, with a 256MB PC2-4200 DDR module in each
bank.


I'm under the impression that the 2400 will accept/recognize 2 ×
512MB PC3200 and the 9100 will accept/recognize 4 × 1024 MB PC2-4200
DDR. I believe I read somewhere it'll even recognize 4 × 2048MB (=
8192MB) if a 64-bit O/S is being used.


My question: How picky and/or accepting are typicall Dell systems of
memory modules? I was looking at getting a pair of 512MB PC3200 for the

cheaper Dimension 2400 to max it out and pick up a pair of 1024MB
PC2-4200 DDR for the Dimension 9100. I have a Fry's Electronics nearby
and was looking at various ads on pricewatch.com but don't want to
order up some modules to find out that they don't work in these
computers. Dell in their ultimate wisdom didn't include any
documentation on the actual hardware in these systems and just some
stupid "Product Information Guide" manuals that were mostly useless and

completely generic.


Thanks,


OregonMike

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On 26 Jun 2005 22:39:36 -0700, "OregonMike" <OregonMike@gmail.com> wrote:

>
> I purchased a Dell Dimension 2400 & 9100. The 2400 came with 256MB of
>PC3200 DDR CL3 in one of two available [MM] slots. The 9100 has 4 [MM]
>slots with, in two banks, with a 256MB PC2-4200 DDR module in each
>bank.
>
>
> I'm under the impression that the 2400 will accept/recognize 2 ×
>512MB PC3200 and the 9100 will accept/recognize 4 × 1024 MB PC2-4200
>DDR. I believe I read somewhere it'll even recognize 4 × 2048MB (=
>8192MB) if a 64-bit O/S is being used.
>
>
> My question: How picky and/or accepting are typicall Dell systems of
>memory modules? I was looking at getting a pair of 512MB PC3200 for the
>
>cheaper Dimension 2400 to max it out and pick up a pair of 1024MB
>PC2-4200 DDR for the Dimension 9100. I have a Fry's Electronics nearby
>and was looking at various ads on pricewatch.com but don't want to
>order up some modules to find out that they don't work in these
>computers. Dell in their ultimate wisdom didn't include any
>documentation on the actual hardware in these systems and just some
>stupid "Product Information Guide" manuals that were mostly useless and
>completely generic
>
Go to the Crucial memory website. It will answer all of your questions
regarding memory, beside being much cheaper than Dell for memory.

www.crucial.com
--
<<<SgtRich>>>
Desktop: Dimension 8400
Notebook: Dimension 8600
Both running Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

It's not a matter of Dell systems being "picky". Any computer can only use
the correct type of memory for its motherboard. If you try to use anything
other than RAM with the correct specifications, you'll get either poor
performance or no performance at all.

As for where to buy memory: I'm on record in this group against buying
memory from big box stores. In the first place, I don't trust a kid who
can't even give himself a decent shave to know the correct memory for my
computer. Second, you rarely find better quality RAM in these places. I
favor paying a bit more for 'the good stuff' online, where you can be
assured of getting the correct RAM for your model of computer.

Ted Zieglar

"OregonMike" <OregonMike@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1119850776.732010.118060@z14g2000cwz.googlegroups.com...
Hi all,


I purchased a Dell Dimension 2400 & 9100. The 2400 came with 256MB of
PC3200 DDR CL3 in one of two available [MM] slots. The 9100 has 4 [MM]
slots with, in two banks, with a 256MB PC2-4200 DDR module in each
bank.


I'm under the impression that the 2400 will accept/recognize 2 ×
512MB PC3200 and the 9100 will accept/recognize 4 × 1024 MB PC2-4200
DDR. I believe I read somewhere it'll even recognize 4 × 2048MB (=
8192MB) if a 64-bit O/S is being used.


My question: How picky and/or accepting are typicall Dell systems of
memory modules? I was looking at getting a pair of 512MB PC3200 for the

cheaper Dimension 2400 to max it out and pick up a pair of 1024MB
PC2-4200 DDR for the Dimension 9100. I have a Fry's Electronics nearby
and was looking at various ads on pricewatch.com but don't want to
order up some modules to find out that they don't work in these
computers. Dell in their ultimate wisdom didn't include any
documentation on the actual hardware in these systems and just some
stupid "Product Information Guide" manuals that were mostly useless and

completely generic.


Thanks,


OregonMike

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Ted Zieglar wrote:

> It's not a matter of Dell systems being "picky". Any computer can only
> use the correct type of memory for its motherboard. If you try to use
> anything other than RAM with the correct specifications, you'll get
> either poor performance or no performance at all.
>
> As for where to buy memory: I'm on record in this group against buying
> memory from big box stores. In the first place, I don't trust a kid who
> can't even give himself a decent shave to know the correct memory for my
> computer. Second, you rarely find better quality RAM in these places. I
> favor paying a bit more for 'the good stuff' online, where you can be
> assured of getting the correct RAM for your model of computer.

Agreed, besides, Crucial guarantees their memory will work in your Dell
(others may as well, but Crucial is the only one I have experience with).

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Sparky Spartacus" <Sparky@universalexports.org> wrote in message
news:nUUve.9601$Q05.2969@fe08.lga...
> Ted Zieglar wrote:
>
>> It's not a matter of Dell systems being "picky". Any computer can only
>> use the correct type of memory for its motherboard. If you try to use
>> anything other than RAM with the correct specifications, you'll get
>> either poor performance or no performance at all.
>>
>> As for where to buy memory: I'm on record in this group against buying
>> memory from big box stores. In the first place, I don't trust a kid who
>> can't even give himself a decent shave to know the correct memory for my
>> computer. Second, you rarely find better quality RAM in these places. I
>> favor paying a bit more for 'the good stuff' online, where you can be
>> assured of getting the correct RAM for your model of computer.
>
> Agreed, besides, Crucial guarantees their memory will work in your Dell
> (others may as well, but Crucial is the only one I have experience with).



As a general rule, I'd only buy Dell-branded/labeled RAM if it were on sale
or substantially less in cost than Crucial.

Crucial has their stuff together in both product and service.


Stew

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

How picky? Contrary to Dell propaganda, not picky at all. Dell systems use
standard memory of good quality. Make sure you buy memory from a reputable
source, and make sure that the memory meets or exceeds the specs required by the
motherboard.

I'm not Dell-bashing when I mention Dell propaganda. ALL the name brand
companies would like you to believe that only their branded memory is right for
their computers. You pay a healthy premium for the privilege of buying branded
memory with a paper sticker on it... Ben Myers

On 26 Jun 2005 22:39:36 -0700, "OregonMike" <OregonMike@gmail.com> wrote:

>Hi all,
>
>
> I purchased a Dell Dimension 2400 & 9100. The 2400 came with 256MB of
>PC3200 DDR CL3 in one of two available [MM] slots. The 9100 has 4 [MM]
>slots with, in two banks, with a 256MB PC2-4200 DDR module in each
>bank.
>
>
> I'm under the impression that the 2400 will accept/recognize 2 =D7
>512MB PC3200 and the 9100 will accept/recognize 4 =D7 1024 MB PC2-4200
>DDR. I believe I read somewhere it'll even recognize 4 =D7 2048MB (=3D
>8192MB) if a 64-bit O/S is being used.
>
>
> My question: How picky and/or accepting are typicall Dell systems of
>memory modules? I was looking at getting a pair of 512MB PC3200 for the
>
>cheaper Dimension 2400 to max it out and pick up a pair of 1024MB
>PC2-4200 DDR for the Dimension 9100. I have a Fry's Electronics nearby
>and was looking at various ads on pricewatch.com but don't want to
>order up some modules to find out that they don't work in these
>computers. Dell in their ultimate wisdom didn't include any
>documentation on the actual hardware in these systems and just some
>stupid "Product Information Guide" manuals that were mostly useless and
>
>completely generic.=20
>
>
>Thanks,=20
>
>
>OregonMike
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I believe the topic of Dell-branded parts has been discussed at length in
this group, so I won't have much to say about it.

Technically, Dell-branded RAM has been tested and is 'certified' by Dell to
work properly in your make and model of computer. All this testing and
certification has a cost, which adds a few fractions of a penny (if that
much) to the price of Dell-branded RAM. Moreover, because it's a Dell
branded part, Dell RAM is supported and warranted by Dell (if purchased from
Dell), and those services also add to the price.

Of course, good quality RAM is extremely reliable, so the chances of you're
ever needing support for it are tiny. Moreover, third party makers also
certify their RAM to work in your make and model of computer, and they also
provide a warranty. So Dell RAM is for techno-phobes - and I don't mean that
in a pejorative sense - who want the security of the Dell name and will pay
for it.

Ted Zieglar


<ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben Myers)> wrote in message
news:42bffea0.1880523@nntp.charter.net...
> How picky? Contrary to Dell propaganda, not picky at all. Dell systems
> use
> standard memory of good quality. Make sure you buy memory from a
> reputable
> source, and make sure that the memory meets or exceeds the specs required
> by the
> motherboard.
>
> I'm not Dell-bashing when I mention Dell propaganda. ALL the name brand
> companies would like you to believe that only their branded memory is
> right for
> their computers. You pay a healthy premium for the privilege of buying
> branded
> memory with a paper sticker on it... Ben Myers
>
> On 26 Jun 2005 22:39:36 -0700, "OregonMike" <OregonMike@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>Hi all,
>>
>>
>> I purchased a Dell Dimension 2400 & 9100. The 2400 came with 256MB of
>>PC3200 DDR CL3 in one of two available [MM] slots. The 9100 has 4 [MM]
>>slots with, in two banks, with a 256MB PC2-4200 DDR module in each
>>bank.
>>
>>
>> I'm under the impression that the 2400 will accept/recognize 2 =D7
>>512MB PC3200 and the 9100 will accept/recognize 4 =D7 1024 MB PC2-4200
>>DDR. I believe I read somewhere it'll even recognize 4 =D7 2048MB (=3D
>>8192MB) if a 64-bit O/S is being used.
>>
>>
>> My question: How picky and/or accepting are typicall Dell systems of
>>memory modules? I was looking at getting a pair of 512MB PC3200 for the
>>
>>cheaper Dimension 2400 to max it out and pick up a pair of 1024MB
>>PC2-4200 DDR for the Dimension 9100. I have a Fry's Electronics nearby
>>and was looking at various ads on pricewatch.com but don't want to
>>order up some modules to find out that they don't work in these
>>computers. Dell in their ultimate wisdom didn't include any
>>documentation on the actual hardware in these systems and just some
>>stupid "Product Information Guide" manuals that were mostly useless and
>>
>>completely generic.=20
>>
>>
>>Thanks,=20
>>
>>
>>OregonMike
>>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Ben Myers wrote:

> How picky? Contrary to Dell propaganda, not picky at all. Dell systems use
> standard memory of good quality. Make sure you buy memory from a reputable
> source, and make sure that the memory meets or exceeds the specs required by the
> motherboard.
>
> I'm not Dell-bashing when I mention Dell propaganda. ALL the name brand
> companies would like you to believe that only their branded memory is right for
> their computers. You pay a healthy premium for the privilege of buying branded
> memory with a paper sticker on it... Ben Myers

What??? Aren't you afraid of losing your Dellbot status, Ben?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

SgtRich wrote:
> On 26 Jun 2005 22:39:36 -0700, "OregonMike" <OregonMike@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Go to the Crucial memory website. It will answer all of your questions
> regarding memory, beside being much cheaper than Dell for memory.
>
> www.crucial.com
> --
> <<<SgtRich>>>

SgtRich,

Thanks a bunch. I've been looking at crucial and it looks like some
money can be saved via crucial.com ...

To run the the Dimension 9100 up to 4 GB...

>From Dell.com
DELL - 1 GB Module for a Dell Dimension 9100 System - $168.99

>From Crucial.com
1 GB - DDR2 PC2-4200 · CL=4 · UNBUFFERED · NON-ECC · DDR2-533
· 1.8V · 128Meg x 64 - $124.01

If I buy 4 of 'em that'll put me at $675.96 (168.99×4) - $496.04
(124.01x4) = $179.92 difference -- almost 27% cheaper.

Oddly, if I had chosen 4 GB (4x1GB) during initial configuration, the
Dell configuration pages shows this: 4GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at
533MHz- 4DIMMs [add $824 or $25/month]. A bit spendy, eh?



OregonMike

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

S.Lewis wrote:

> "Sparky Spartacus" <Sparky@universalexports.org> wrote in message
> news:nUUve.9601$Q05.2969@fe08.lga...
>
>>Ted Zieglar wrote:
>>
>>
>>>It's not a matter of Dell systems being "picky". Any computer can only
>>>use the correct type of memory for its motherboard. If you try to use
>>>anything other than RAM with the correct specifications, you'll get
>>>either poor performance or no performance at all.
>>>
>>>As for where to buy memory: I'm on record in this group against buying
>>>memory from big box stores. In the first place, I don't trust a kid who
>>>can't even give himself a decent shave to know the correct memory for my
>>>computer. Second, you rarely find better quality RAM in these places. I
>>>favor paying a bit more for 'the good stuff' online, where you can be
>>>assured of getting the correct RAM for your model of computer.
>>
>>Agreed, besides, Crucial guarantees their memory will work in your Dell
>>(others may as well, but Crucial is the only one I have experience with).
>
> As a general rule, I'd only buy Dell-branded/labeled RAM if it were on sale
> or substantially less in cost than Crucial.

Exactly my situation when I bought my Dim 8400 in 03/2005, so I bought
my 2nd GB from Dell. The packing list for the Dell memory was a half
sheet of paper, same size & layour as from Crucial - only difference I
noted was that it said "Dell" at the top, not "Crucial".