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Author Topic: Adding additional RAM  (Read 2894 times)

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Puddings

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    Adding additional RAM
    « on: October 10, 2010, 05:27:40 PM »
    My computer is a Dell Dimension E521.
    It has 4 RAM slots.
    Atm, I have 3 sticks of RAM in it.
    1x 1GB PC2-5300 (333 MHz) by Nanya Tech
    2x 512MB PC2-4300 (266 MHz) by Samsung
    I also have
    2x 512MB PC2-5300 (555 MHz) by Samsung
    From what I've read, different RAM types don't really mix too well. If the speed of 1 is lower than the others, than they all run at that lower speed. (or something...)
    I was wondering if it would run faster if I had just the two 555 Mhz RAM sticks in there instead of having the 1 GB and 3 of the other ones? Also, if so, will it be a big difference? Should I just use 4 of them anyway for the additional 1.5 GB, or only use the 2?
    I know it doesn't affect computer speed directly, but yeah..
    I use the computer for gaming and watching movies, mostly. If that helps.
    And I know RAM is cheap and I should just buy 4 matching ones and blah blah blah, but I'm just wondering about these since I have them.
    Thanks in advance for any advice/comments/flaming.

    Computer_Commando



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    Re: Adding additional RAM
    « Reply #1 on: October 10, 2010, 05:45:07 PM »
    My computer is a Dell Dimension E521.
    ...
    1x 1GB PC2-5300 (333 MHz) by Nanya Tech
    2x 512MB PC2-4300 (266 MHz) by Samsung
    I also have
    2x 512MB PC2-5300 (555 MHz) by Samsung
    ...
    According to this:  http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension%20E521
    the PC2-4300's are not the proper speed for your computer.

    Puddings

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      Re: Adding additional RAM
      « Reply #2 on: October 10, 2010, 05:54:12 PM »
      Interesting...coulda sworn those are the two it came with -.-
      So basically, considering it says "Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules" I should put the 2x 512 PC2-5300 (555 MHz) in the first two slots? And considering it says the other pair of RAM is too slow, I should just use the 1 GB in the 3rd slot? >.> Thanks for the link, and response. Appreciate it.

      Computer_Commando



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      Re: Adding additional RAM
      « Reply #3 on: October 10, 2010, 06:03:42 PM »
      You can go to www.support.dell.com, enter your service tag and see what RAM was shipped when new.