Need To Upgrade My Computer!

[Phoenixlight]

I was refering to the link that you posted above:

http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/upgrade.asp?cid=29709

The vendor guaranteeing its compatibility is a major benefit.

Ah ok, sorry I misread what you put; I'll order 2 sticks of that R.A.M. then. The Gigabyte 4670 was delivered today, so I'm just waiting for the R.A.M. delivery now then .

 

[Phoenixlight]

Is this:
http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/ram-upgrades.asp?product_id=5933


the same as:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1GB-PC2-4200-DDR2-533-MHz-Memory-RAM-DIMM-Desktop-PC_W0QQitemZ270305166305QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN?hash=item3eef7183e1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

?

I couldn't find the MHz speed for the edgetech one.

 

[rockyjohn]

They are the same speed. On the Edgetech one - the PC2-4200 means that it is 533 Mz.

FYI - on those PC2 numbers - just divide by 8 to get the speed, e.g.
PC2-3200 = 400 MHz
PC2-4200 = 533 MHz
PC2-6400 = 800 MHz

While those two sticks of memory - the Edgetech and Ebay - are the same size and speed. the eBay one may or may not work in your computer. There are voltages and other specifications that affect compatibility and some memory just does not work well with some machines. I did not see any specific information on returns if it does not work in your machine in the eBay ad - but I am not sure they will take it back. You might check with them first - ask if it is compatible with your Dell - and give them your specs - and if they will refund if it does not work.

I hope you are going to go ahead and put in the video card while waiting on the memory - no need to wait and I bet you get s substantial boost in play just with the card. Besides it might be interesting to see the difference - card only and card with memory.

 

[Phoenixlight]

🙁 Hmm well I hope it's compatable because I went ahead and bought it because I couldn't find any other alternatives for a similar price which would ship to the U.K. I don't have much experience in installing/removing harware from computers and don't have anything like an anti-static wristband to prevent damage to the internal components so I'll just pay for someone to come and install the items altogether when the R.A.M. arrives.

If the R.A.M. is compatable should I have the old R.A.M. (512MB) removed or left in with new R.A.M.?

 

[aford10]

It's not real tough. Touch the case before you touch the hardware. It'll disperse the static. The RAM chips only fit in one way. Look at the notch on the bottom of the chip and line it up with the slot.

Try them together at first. If it doesn't boot, remove the old chips, and try booting. You just have to push back on the latches at the end of the slots and the RAM chip will pop out.

 

[rockyjohn]

Changing RAM and video cards is pretty easy - its even covered in the manual - and most likely the video card willl also have instructions. But if you don't feel comfortable with it- you shoiuild not have to pay someoen - just ask a tech savy friend. It will only take about 3 minutes to install both.

 

[Phoenixlight]

The video card and the new R.A.M. have been installed successfully, and the old R.A.M. was taken out because it wasn't working properly. But I've experienced my computer spontaneously shutting down randomly in the middle of a game then instantly restarting, does anyone know what might be causing this?

 

[aford10]

Download speedfan to check your temps.

Make sure you have the newest video card drivers from the manufacturer's site.

Download memtest to test the new RAM.

 

[Phoenixlight]

Hmm after doing a bit of testing it seems that I need a new power supply unit, my current one isn't proving enough voltage.

 

[aford10]

^ also very possible. Your old PSU isn't beefy enough for the new video card when hitting load. Corsair, seasonic, pc power & cooling, and OCZ all make good PSUs. Look for something in the 450w range and you should be fine.

 

[rockyjohn]

What testing did you do to determine your PSU was not providing enough voltage?
How much voltage was it providing?

Your 300w PSU should be enough for the 4670 unless you have a lot of other special installed components or it is suffering from premature aging.

I suggest using this site to review the size of PSU required

http://www.extreme.outervision.com/psucalculatorlite.jsp