Dell DIM 2400 RAM question...

[spatrick5050]

Hi, I'm a newbie and have a question.  I just bought a CD rom game that says I need 512 MB.  (I have two 256's in my Dell DIM 2400 now and my computer says I have 512 MB).  When the game tries to install it says it cannot because I only have 510 MB of RAM.  What's wrong?  Can I even install more RAM or am I at the limit?

Here's more info.  I have a Dell Dimension DIM 2400 Intel, Celeron CPU 2.60 GHz, 2.59 GHz, 512 MB of RAM.  Windows XP Home Edition, version 2002 Service Pack 2.  C drive has total 70.7 GB, 40.7 free and 30 used.  Virtual memory is set at 482 MB, space available on C: is 56630 MB (I don't how much of this means anything).  Any suggestions would be appreciated!!  Thanks!
Sherrie

[soybean]

[highlight]C drive has total 70.7 GB, 40.7 free and 30 used[/highlight].  Virtual memory is set at 482 MB, [highlight]space available on C: is 56630 MB[/highlight]
Sherrie

56630 MB = 56.6 GB.  So your facts are contradictory.  You say you have 40.7GB free, but then say 56.6 GB.

I don't know why the game won't install.  The difference between 512MB and 510MB is not numerically significant.  However, I do wonder whether it indicates a problem with your computer's memory.  You might download a memory testing utility called Memtest86 and run it to test your memory.  

Your virtual memory setting is low.  I don't know whether setting it higher will affect the installation of the game, but I believe you should set it higher.  To change this, right click on My Computer and select Properties.  Select the tab for Advanced settings.  Click on Settings, in the Performance part of the Advanced tab.  In the Performance Options panel, click on the Advanced tab.  The lower part of that panel is labeled Virtual memory.  Click on Change.  For drive C, I suggest setting Initial size at 768 MB and Maximum size at 1536 MB, which is 2 x 768.  Those are the settings I'm using with 512MB of RAM.

[spatrick5050]

[highlight]C drive has total 70.7 GB, 40.7 free and 30 used[/highlight].  Virtual memory is set at 482 MB, [highlight]space available on C: is 56630 MB[/highlight]
Sherrie

56630 MB = 56.6 GB.  So your facts are contradictory.  You say you have 40.7GB free, but then say 56.6 GB.quote]

I will try what you said.  I also thought the numbers seemed contradictory but didn't really know what they all meant.  I have had a lot of problems with memory on this computer and just never had it checked out.  Thanks for the suggestions tho.

[mundesley]

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/specs.htm according to this your motherboard support 1GB of RAM. I think you have an onbard graphics chip, which uses some of your RAM, so you will not get the full amount. You have two options (1) Add more memory (2) Upgrade your graphics.

[spatrick5050]

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim2400/en/sm_en/specs.htm according to this your motherboard support 1GB of RAM. I think you have an onbard graphics chip, which uses some of your RAM, so you will not get the full amount. You have two options (1) Add more memory (2) Upgrade your graphics.

I'm not familiar with how to upgrade graphics and would add more memory but will this computer hold any more memory?  Wasn't sure about that either.  I think it has in two of the 256's now.  Thanks!  

[Calum]

You have 2 mem slots and 0 free, so you'll have to get rid of one or both of the 256Mb modules when upgrading.
I'd suggest 2 512Mb modules to replace your 2x256Mb modules, or 1 512Mb module to replace one of your 256Mb modules.
Upgrading graphics is fairly easy, it's not much more complicated then adding memory.
A better graphics card would be another option as you'd be able to play the game better.
To be fair, if it says 512Mb needed then you'll want 1Gb to play it well, and a better graphics card too.
What game is this?

[spatrick5050]

What game is this?

It is Left Behind Eternal Forces.

[Calum]

You could definitely do with a better graphics card to play that game well.
Integrated graphics aren't meant for games.

[spatrick5050]

I was looking online at Best Buy for RAM and I found where a 512 MB module w/ 184-pin  is 89.99, but noticed they also have the 256 MB module which is a 168-pin (also 89.99).  Since I have 256's now, I assume I have a 168-pin space (don't really know that this means...)  Would a 184-pin fit?  How would I find this out?  Also, if it would fit, is 89.99 a good price for 512 MB?  Sorry for all the rookie questions, I really am new at this.

Thanks,
Sherrie

[soybean]

Don't get the 168-pin; it won't work in your computer.  In fact, it won't fit in your memory slots.  Here's a good source of memory and here's what they recommend for your computer:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension+2400+Series

By the way, did you change your settings for virtual memory?

[spatrick5050]

I did change my virtual memory setting.  Thanks!!

You mean for $100 I can get a GB of RAM for my computer?   Would I leave one of the 256's in and replace the other one with the GB?  So these are the "pin-sizes" for my computer???  I'm so excited thinking maybe my computer will finally go faster and run more games.  Thanks for all your help and for the link.

[GX1_Man]

Pay attention to what is being said. Onboard graphics are not meant for gaming, regardless of the RAM.

Minimum System Requirements:

Windows XP SP1 Pentium IV 2.0GHz processor or faster; 512MB RAM; Minimum 4GB hard disk space; 8x CD/DVD-ROM drive or faster; 32MB DirectX9.0c compatible GeForce 4 MX440 or ATI Radeon 8500 video card or higher; DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card; TCP/IP for LAN or 56Kbps modem (2 player games) or Cable/DSL modem (3-8 player games) and an Internet service provider account required for Internet multiplayer; Microsoft compatible keyboard and mouse  

And that's the MINIMUM.

You also do not have a Pentium 4 2 Ghz processor. You have a Celeron. If it runs it will not be pleasant. That machine is not very upgradable, so if you want to game you need a different computer basically.

If you want to increase the RAM be sure and note ALL of the characteristics for what you need at the crucial site. Whether it physically fits in the slot is not the only issue.