Can I upgrade my computer's RAM to 512 MB DDR ?

Question

My computer has the following configuration:

Make: IBM, Intel Pentium 4, 3.0 GHZ with H.T., 915 GV Chipset, 1 MB cache, 256 MB DDR RAM, 80 GB SATA HDD.

Can I upgrade my computer RAM from 256 MB DDR to 512 MB DDR, keeping in mind the system configurations ?

Hope this will not create any hardware mis-configuration problem ?

Thanking you all in advance !

Answer 1

None of these other answers address the question very thoroughly, so I'm puttin' my two cents in.

You have a modern computer, none of the info you gave matters except that you computer motherboard (mobo for short) uses DDR memory, which I would expect for most P4 computers.

The answer is yes, and you should open up your computer or read the manual to see a picture of the motherboard (mobo for short). You will see 4 slots in which to place memory. You will have 1 piece of 256 MB 184 pin DDR memory or 2 pieces of 128 MB DDR memory. It will be important to find out the bandwidth specification of the memory before you replace it, or upgrade the existing 1 piece (if it is 1 piece of 256MB). The bandwidth that you are interested in is probably PC3200, although you will need to check (look at the manual or search the internet for the model of your computer to see it's original config).

To upgrade memory you should assess your needs and consider that ideally you should match pieces. If you have two pieces of 128MB, then you might as well throw them out...
If you have one piece of 256MB memory, then buy another piece with the same specs and insert it in the next slot (It will snap in when you insert it just like the one you have now).

If it were me, I would buy two pieces of 512MB PC3200 184 pin DDR memory for a total of 1GB. That's plenty unless you plan on crunching numbers for NASA. You can also buy just one piece of 1GB memory and put the remaining 256 piece in the second slot (forget the 128s...). You can buy this memory at Office Depot if you need it today, or order it online at three good sites and get it within a few days for about $80.

Answer 2

Actually, your answer will depend on the model of the MB (Main Board or Mother Board). Find the part number on the board and you can find your answer by looking at that part numbers specs.

To be completely honest though... it probably won't matter anyway. Most any computer that can run a Pentium 4 is capable of at least 1 GB DDR.

However, I would still check out the MB part number to find compatible RAM. PNY usually works with most any MB.

Good Luck!!! :)

P.S.
Keep in mind that you will need to purchase 2 sticks of 256 DDR... they run in pairs.

Answer 3

download this program it will tell you what slots if any open and what your computer uses type RAM. Plus much more. If you use print out the report in case you need info. Tells about your hardware, software, program keys.
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

Answer 4

Yes you can. You can even upgrade to 1 GIG RAM if you want. 512 will definitely be a nice start.

Go to http://www.newegg.com or http://www.tigerdirect.com for some great prices or my other fave is http://www.4allmemory.com

Answer 5

go to http://www.OEMPCworld.com.
You can even chat live to one of their agent.

I hope that will help you.