Gateway 500S - 256/512MB PC3200 DDR 400 question

[greynold]

On Gateway's support site I've come across the RAM upgrade for my son's desktop which came with 128MB RAM and is 4 years old. They list the 256MB memory as $24.99 & the 512MB memory at $43.99.

My question is, below their spec sheet for the memory they say there are 4 (2 banks of 2) and 'Installed in pairs of modules' -- Does that mean I have to purchase 2 of each minimally (the same RAM size, of course)?

They also say the Max RAM that can be installed as a result is 4096MB DDR PC3200.

Leading to my next question, would you advise replacing all banks with the same RAM modules whether its 4:256MB or 4:512MB or would it Ok! to leave the 128MB original ram in place and add the new memory?

Is there any problem with proprietary issues with memory modules and Gateway desktops? I should be able to use memory where I can find the best deal?

Does anyone know of any current good memory deals?
Thanks all, appreciate your consideration & reply

Greynold

 

[tjhva]

You need to run the memory in pairs for dual channel.

I did a quick search and found this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231039


You'd be better off buying that, or something similar that has 1 gig sticks and replacing all the current RAM.

DDR is significantly higher in price vs. DDR2 now. But 2 gigs should get you by.

 

[greynold]

tjhva,
Nice memory package and reasonable if I understand correctly that it's packaged as a pair. In other words the price I quoted would mean that I'd have to buy 2 of whatever RAM memory. Unfortunately they appear to be out-of-stock currently.

The other issue I'm not sure I mentioned is that since Gateway only listed the 256 & 512 MB mem sticks, they indicated the max RAM is 2096Mb. Not that I am going to run into that. Since we'll only be able to get 1 unit,
anything wrong with leaving the 128Mb already there and installing the 1Gb sticks in the free slots?
Thanks,
Greynold

 

[monst0r]

tjhva,
Nice memory package and reasonable if I understand correctly that it's packaged as a pair. In other words the price I quoted would mean that I'd have to buy 2 of whatever RAM memory. Unfortunately they appear to be out-of-stock currently.

The other issue I'm not sure I mentioned is that since Gateway only listed the 256 & 512 MB mem sticks, they indicated the max RAM is 2096Mb. Not that I am going to run into that. Since we'll only be able to get 1 unit,
anything wrong with leaving the 128Mb already there and installing the 1Gb sticks in the free slots?
Thanks,
Greynold

you wouldnt be able to run a dual channel setup then. my recommendation would be just 2x512mb because the extra 128 isnt worth it and will potentially slow everything down

 

[tjhva]

You need to find out for 100% if the max is 2gigs or 4gigs. In your first post you said your machine could run 4gigs. Gateway not listing 1gig sticks isn't a shoe-in for me on the capacity.

If only accepts 2gigs max, then yes, get 2x512. But if it will take 4gigs get 2x1gig sticks.

Either way, DON"T use the 128meg stick and replace it with:

2x512

2x1gig


Any brand on New Egg is fine, if that one list I linked to was out pick up another. I like GSkill, it is normally lower in price among the name brands, but with the age of your system I would get whatever is cheapest.

2x512:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231079

2x1gig - even better price with MIB @ $74.99:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211014