More memory?
Stealthy Trapper
I have a dell with an Intel 2.8 ghz cpu and a MSI NX6600GT agp graphics card (128mb). I know I don't need much better for GW because my machine runs great. I even paly alot of Half Life 2 and CSS with no problems but I have a few bucks to blow and I just want something more to make me feel better I guess. I am thinking of getting a couple sticks of memory (2x512) to replace my current memory (2x256). Anybody have any specific brands or opinions on this swap? Is my current intel pentium 4 cpu and graphics card good for this swap as well? Thanks for your advice in advance.
Tachyon
What type of RAM do you have, is it RDRAM, SDRAM or DDR SDRAM? Also, which motherboard do you have, because you may be able to leave your original 2 x 256's in place and just drop in the new RAM.
As for brands, if you've got DDR then I'd suggest either Mushkin (the best), Corsair or OCZ as the main brands to look at. You may pay a little more but you do get the better quality for your money.
As for brands, if you've got DDR then I'd suggest either Mushkin (the best), Corsair or OCZ as the main brands to look at. You may pay a little more but you do get the better quality for your money.
Narada
Also you should check and see if your mobo supports dual channel or not, it makes a world of difference.
Stealthy Trapper
Yes, sorry I do have DDR. I am not sure what motherboard I have other than a stock Dell board? My memory slots have 3 or 4 slots in that area I think. Could I possibly leave the 2- 256's and add one 512? Is that possible. Thanks guys this helps alot.
jimmy_logic
When it comes to dual channel RAM check your system to see if its already running in dual channel mode. If it is better to stick with pairs then 
BTW: I play GW on my P4 1.7GHz 512MB SDRAM ATi Radeon 9700. Runs great then lags when theres suddenly heaps on the screens, but you can learn to preempt what you need to do. Just like using the force heheheh
BTW: I play GW on my P4 1.7GHz 512MB SDRAM ATi Radeon 9700. Runs great then lags when theres suddenly heaps on the screens, but you can learn to preempt what you need to do. Just like using the force heheheh
Stealthy Trapper
Alright guys after doing some research I have purchased a pair of Corsair sticks(2x512) for my pc. They got great reviews from Newegg.com so I think I will be good to go after taking your guys advice. Thanks alot.
My questions is now that I have these new sticks on the way I have read about and checked out my mobo and I have 4 DIMMs slots for memory. I can install up to 4 gb of memory as long as DIMMs 1 and 2 match and DIMMs 3 and 4 match. So therefore can I use my original dell memory sticks(2x256) in DIMMs 3 and 4 + my new Corsair (2x512) sticks in DIMMs 1 and 2?
Will this cause conflict because of the two different companies? Will they conflict because one matched pair is 1 gb and the other is 512 gb?
Yeah I guess I should have checked before I ordered:-/. Anyway I will be fine if I can't use my old memory in conjuction with my new.
My questions is now that I have these new sticks on the way I have read about and checked out my mobo and I have 4 DIMMs slots for memory. I can install up to 4 gb of memory as long as DIMMs 1 and 2 match and DIMMs 3 and 4 match. So therefore can I use my original dell memory sticks(2x256) in DIMMs 3 and 4 + my new Corsair (2x512) sticks in DIMMs 1 and 2?
Will this cause conflict because of the two different companies? Will they conflict because one matched pair is 1 gb and the other is 512 gb?
Yeah I guess I should have checked before I ordered:-/. Anyway I will be fine if I can't use my old memory in conjuction with my new.
Tachyon
That sounds like you may have dual-channel on that board if you have to keep certain sockets 'paired'. Just do what you said, original RAM in 3 & 4 new RAM in 1 & 2 and you should be fine.
The different makes shouldn't be a problem at all. I have 1GB of Corsair XMS and 1GB of Mushkin EP in mine and it literally flies along without a problem.
The different makes shouldn't be a problem at all. I have 1GB of Corsair XMS and 1GB of Mushkin EP in mine and it literally flies along without a problem.
Old Dood
Dell's are very fussy about their Ram chips. I would suggest going to www.crucial.com and run the system checker. Crucial garranties their ram with Dell computers. It is usually allot cheaper then Dell. Corsiar will not work.
Or you can try the Dell Community forums. They have the Dell guru's there that can help you as well.
Or you can try the Dell Community forums. They have the Dell guru's there that can help you as well.
Stealthy Trapper
Much appreciated Azagoth. I had assumed all of this but it was nice to have some reassurance. Thx
Stealthy Trapper
[QUOTE=Old Dood] Corsiar will not work.
Well I hope you're not right. I checked Crucial's site and the system checker could not give me an answer. guess I will just have to wait and see.
Well I hope you're not right. I checked Crucial's site and the system checker could not give me an answer. guess I will just have to wait and see.
Old Dood
Well if you have RDRAM then that could be why. I have never had a problem with crucials ram or their site.
swaaye
A gig will be more than enough for GW. The game uses around 300-400MB RAM at most. Other titles should be well served by a gig too.
Newer games are best with 2GB though. EQ2 for example easily eats up 1.5GB. Depends on what games you play. And how much you are willing to spend, of course.
512MB is not enough anymore though.
If you're running DRDRAM you're going to pay a TON of money for RAM. Go download Everest Home Edition. It will tell you everything about your hardware.
Newer games are best with 2GB though. EQ2 for example easily eats up 1.5GB. Depends on what games you play. And how much you are willing to spend, of course.
512MB is not enough anymore though.
If you're running DRDRAM you're going to pay a TON of money for RAM. Go download Everest Home Edition. It will tell you everything about your hardware.
Old Dood
Everest will work. I use www.pcpitstop.com It will scan your computer as well...so you tweaks you might need...etc.
Alias_X
I have 2 gigs of OCZ, 2x 1gb sticks, and everything runs awesome! I am not sure if it will work with a Dell, but you could try it.
Old Dood
I am tellin ya...Dell's are fussy about their ram. They made sure you had to buy it from Dell or look harder to get ram that works. It might "work" for awhile...then you will end up with errors....
Alias_X
Agreed. Go with a company that will guarentee compatability! The guarentee alone is worth the price of the ram.
Stealthy Trapper
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Old Dood
Dell's are very fussy about their Ram chips. I would suggest going to www.crucial.com and run the system checker. Crucial garranties their ram with Dell computers. It is usually allot cheaper then Dell. Corsiar will not work.
Or you can try the Dell Community forums. They have the Dell guru's there that can help you as well. |
Thanks Old Dood. I got a refund from Newegg and ordered a guarenteed compatable for Dell memory set from Crucial. You suck Dell
Corsair does make some memory for Dell but not the bargain set I purchased. I had to spend 50$ more at crucial but I feel better about my purchase. Thx
Alias_X
You will be happy in the long run.
Old Dood
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Stealthy Trapper
Thanks Old Dood. I got a refund from Newegg and ordered a guarenteed compatable for Dell memory set from Crucial. You suck Dell
Corsair does make some memory for Dell but not the bargain set I purchased. I had to spend 50$ more at crucial but I feel better about my purchase. Thx |
Serafita Kayin
If you sit with it a bit and rip out the Dell programs, anything will work.
For future reference, Dells are picky cause they use the worst of the worst components slapped on any which way and only some RAM companies build them to take the massive voltage fluctuation abouse they get.
We finally quit accepting Dells for repair-just plain cost too much time and effort for us.
If it works, there's no issue, but if it stops working, get yourself a real mainstream configuration PC and you can tell the difference. Don't trash it on my account. Like I said,if it works, (ab)use it.
For future reference, Dells are picky cause they use the worst of the worst components slapped on any which way and only some RAM companies build them to take the massive voltage fluctuation abouse they get.
We finally quit accepting Dells for repair-just plain cost too much time and effort for us.
If it works, there's no issue, but if it stops working, get yourself a real mainstream configuration PC and you can tell the difference. Don't trash it on my account. Like I said,if it works, (ab)use it.
Old Dood
Dell's BIO's is what makes them "Fussy" I believe. You can eprom in a Intel BIOs on them...however, it will void any warranty you might have.
Stealthy Trapper
Well my Dell was a hand me down and is at least 4-5 years old. No more warranty.
While I have your guys attention I will keep this going. If I become a pain in the a** just say so. You guys have helped me alot . Thx
Well I installed my new Crucial memory in my first DIMM slots and left my old Dell memory ( samsung) in DIMM slots 2. It worked for sometime while I did various functions and games. Then it stopped and went to a blue error screen with the old style white letters. It said windows encountered an error and is shutting down. I reboot and even though I see a noticeable difference in my speed and multitasking on my pc it still shuts down with this error after a few minutes. I took the old memory out and just left in the new Crucial sticks and it seems to be doin fine, at least for the last 10 minutes or so.
My question is that I would like to keep my old sticks in along with my new to give me the 1500 mb I had instead of the 1 gig I have now. Do I have to change a setting to accomplish this. Is it possible even though it is a pain in the a** Dell? Any insight to this problem.
I plan on getting a better rig but I have to use this dam Dell for at least another year
While I have your guys attention I will keep this going. If I become a pain in the a** just say so. You guys have helped me alot . Thx
Well I installed my new Crucial memory in my first DIMM slots and left my old Dell memory ( samsung) in DIMM slots 2. It worked for sometime while I did various functions and games. Then it stopped and went to a blue error screen with the old style white letters. It said windows encountered an error and is shutting down. I reboot and even though I see a noticeable difference in my speed and multitasking on my pc it still shuts down with this error after a few minutes. I took the old memory out and just left in the new Crucial sticks and it seems to be doin fine, at least for the last 10 minutes or so.
My question is that I would like to keep my old sticks in along with my new to give me the 1500 mb I had instead of the 1 gig I have now. Do I have to change a setting to accomplish this. Is it possible even though it is a pain in the a** Dell? Any insight to this problem.
I plan on getting a better rig but I have to use this dam Dell for at least another year
Narada
Are the BSOD messages the same each time or is there a variety? Also, would you mind writing down the error message/messages and posting them here? Many times you can determine what is wrong from the content of the error.
Stealthy Trapper
No the messages are different. There was a total of three different messages I believe.
When I only have on set of memory in I don't get the message so I must put both sets back in. Will this damage my pc at all if I keep getting the error?
I will installl the second set and let you know the messages.
When I only have on set of memory in I don't get the message so I must put both sets back in. Will this damage my pc at all if I keep getting the error?
I will installl the second set and let you know the messages.
Stealthy Trapper
One message:
A problem with windows....shutting down to prevent damage.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Check new hardware...check manufacturer for window updates for new hardware......
problem continues disable or remove new hardware...
Tech info: STOP oxoooooooc (oooooooic, oxooooo.... ox804E1bf8
Dumping physical memory.......
contact tech....
End
I left out some small words and phrases to cut the type time down....just typed main info
A problem with windows....shutting down to prevent damage.
IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL
Check new hardware...check manufacturer for window updates for new hardware......
problem continues disable or remove new hardware...
Tech info: STOP oxoooooooc (oooooooic, oxooooo.... ox804E1bf8
Dumping physical memory.......
contact tech....
End
I left out some small words and phrases to cut the type time down....just typed main info
Serafita Kayin
The board is having a parity issue.
Are you matching the banks for dual channel? If so, then just run the 1 GB. It seems your board may have a voltage problem, and too many dimms makes the volts droop too far for safe operation. Seen this before, it's a PITA. But, your 1 GB will do just fine methinks...
Are you matching the banks for dual channel? If so, then just run the 1 GB. It seems your board may have a voltage problem, and too many dimms makes the volts droop too far for safe operation. Seen this before, it's a PITA. But, your 1 GB will do just fine methinks...
Stealthy Trapper
Yeah I had assumed 1 gig would be fine, after all I was able to run Half Life 2 just fine before the upgrade. But you know how we Americans are. More is better. Just feels good to have the 1500 mb instead of 1 gig.
Anyway the other message I got was the same as the other except it said
PAGE_FAULT_IN _NONPAGED_AREA
and the tech info was a little different.
You guys have been a ton of help. Keep up the great kindness to us newb pc tuners.
Anyway the other message I got was the same as the other except it said
PAGE_FAULT_IN _NONPAGED_AREA
and the tech info was a little different.
You guys have been a ton of help. Keep up the great kindness to us newb pc tuners.
Old Dood
I would think that by mixing older and newer Ram even if it is the same brand could cause problems. I never mix different ram...even if it is the same brand. I also would think that you are dealing with two different "speeds" of Ram too. OR...your older Ram is failing all together and causing these errors.
Stealthy Trapper
Yeah my thoughts exactly. I am just sticking with the new 1 gig. It seems to be running great now. I can minimize GW, search the web, and go back to playing in a matter of seconds now. Used to get a lot of lag when minimizing.
You guys have been great and I think my problems have been answered. This is the way forums are supposed to run. Thanks again
Now I can't wait to drop this crap Dell and build me a sweet new rig.
You guys have been great and I think my problems have been answered. This is the way forums are supposed to run.
Thanks againNow I can't wait to drop this crap Dell and build me a sweet new rig.
Old Dood
HeY HeY HeY... I own Dells and they work perfectly for me. My Dimension 5100 is awesome on speed and performance. It is pretty much maxed out with 4Gb of ram...I have had no problems with any of my Dell systems since I bought my first one in 2000.
I like the new case design of the 5100...the BTX power supply and how it cools the box works great.
As for this forum...we now have Serafita Keyin as a Moderator in here. I have been asking for a Tech Mod for some time. He is more then qualifide for this forum...
EDIT: I should add that most people that have a problem with Dells is when they order a Dimension 2XXX or 3XXX series and wonder why they are not very fast. Dell like other companies do not let people know that these lower end systems do not have video card slots of any kind. They are basic Business Systems. I am using a Dimension 3000 right now at work...perfect for that function....didn't cost us all that much.
I own Dells and they work perfectly for me. My Dimension 5100 is awesome on speed and performance. It is pretty much maxed out with 4Gb of ram...I have had no problems with any of my Dell systems since I bought my first one in 2000.I like the new case design of the 5100...the BTX power supply and how it cools the box works great.
As for this forum...we now have Serafita Keyin as a Moderator in here. I have been asking for a Tech Mod for some time. He is more then qualifide for this forum...
EDIT: I should add that most people that have a problem with Dells is when they order a Dimension 2XXX or 3XXX series and wonder why they are not very fast. Dell like other companies do not let people know that these lower end systems do not have video card slots of any kind. They are basic Business Systems. I am using a Dimension 3000 right now at work...perfect for that function....didn't cost us all that much.