Hi! I was wanting to add some RAM to my current pc from an older one I have and wasn't sure it would be compatible. So before I try it out, I was wanting to know if anyone could tell me if the RAM from my old pc might work with my current pc. My current pc is a Dell with Windows XP installed, and my old pc was a Compaq with Windows XP installed too. A tool from Crucial.com allowed me to scan my pc and it told me some information about my current RAM. It told me:
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
* Currently Installed Memory: 256MB
* Available Memory Slots: 1
* Total Memory Slots: 2
* Dual Channel Support: Yes
* CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
* CPU Family: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.66GHz Model 4, Stepping 1
* CPU Speed: 2658 MHz
* If you receive a "Memory available limited to 256MB!" message after installing more than 256MB, enter BIOS and turn OS Install to OFF. Exit saving changes.Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.
Q: Will my system recognize the maximum upgrade?
A: Possibly
How much memory your Windows OS will recognize depends on which version of Windows you are running. 32-bit versions of Windows will see (and utilize) only 3GB or 3.5GB. To utilize more memory, install a 64-bit version of your OS. More information about OS memory maximums can be found at
http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=4251.
Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds?
A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 speeds.
Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds.
Q: How much memory can my computer handle?
A: 2048MB.
Adding the maximum amount of memory will improve performance and help extend the useful life of your system as you run increasingly demanding software applications in the future.
Q: Do I have to install matching pairs?
A: No.
No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance.
Q: Does my computer support dual-channel memory?
A: Yes.
To benefit from the performance advantages offered by dual-channel systems, you should install memory in identical pairs. Installing a kitted pair is the best way to ensure that your modules are identical, right down to the chip count.
Q: Does my computer support ECC memory?
A: No.
Your system does not support ECC. Because ECC and non-ECC modules should not be mixed within a system, install the same type of modules that are already in your system.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The RAM from my old pc says:
* Hynix, Korea 04
* PC2100U-25330 0322
* HYMD116645B8-H AA
* 128MB DDR 266MHz CL2.5
I'm not sure what some of this means, and I've never install RAM before, so any assistance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
