Can some one give me Ram advice?

Question

Alrighty..So I have a Dell Dimension 2400. Already has a pc2700/184 PIN/128MB of RAM already in it. 1 of 2 Memory slots are avaliable. 2GBs max.

I play computer games such as Counter Strike and Guild Wars. I've given up trying to play Guild Wars because it uses a lot of memory. I continue to play counter strike because it's alright. No problems at all, the only problem is. It takes atleast a minute to open up the game. But joining or playing in game is alright.

I'm looking for a good "bang for the buck" I've been looking around in stores and it is incredible expensive.

If I want my PC to handle these types of games, how much memory should I be purchasing?

512MB or 1GB?

Answer 1

For games, I would MAXIMIZE your RAM

Look up your computer at http://www.coastmemory.com and if you like the price, get two 512MB strips.

Here are your system spec:
Dell Dimension 2400

System Specs
Type of system: Desktops/Servers
Bus Architecture: PCI
Native OS: Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Home
CPU Type: Intel Pentium 4 or Intel Celeron
Comments: 400/533MHz FSB, Intel 845GV Chipset
System Memory
Standard Memory: 128 MB (removable)
Maximum Memory: 1.0 GB
Maximum Expansion: 2 sockets
Comments: PC2100/2700 DDR SDRAM DIMMs

I would go with a pair of these at $65 each
512MB Module 311-2076 512MB-DDR333 PC2700, 184p DIMM, 2.5v, Sync, CL=2.5

If you want to get the max, then the 1GB PC2700, these are $109.00 each.

Answer 2

The best bet is to either get 2-1GB sticks, or 2-512MB sticks in a matched pair. If your into gaming, which you are, go with the most memory that you can afford. Keep it in pairs, that way you shouldn't have problems. Get a copy of memtest 86+ off the net, you'll need to make a "bootable" CD for this program to run properly. "Nero" should be able to do this. Once it boots, you will see a blue screen with white text. You can remove the CD from the computer at this point. Run the test for several hours. If any RED lines appear, you have some bad memory. Take, or send it back to the manufacturer for a replacement. Most memory has a lifetime warranty. Stick with brand names though, they will honor memtest 86+ results.

Answer 3

Well, the 'incredibly expensive' statement tells me you are not really eager to go for the gig, but, here's my 2 cents worth, talk to a local used computer shop, and see if you can do some 'horse trading', ie, take the ram you have and use it as a 'down payment', kinda like when you trade cars, and, if you have anything else like that, see if they'll cut a deal with you..
that's how I upgraded my laptop to 1 gig from 512, took two 512 chips for a desktop and traded it for one 512 chip for the laptop. Soooo, much better..

Answer 4

Go for 1 GIG; 2 if you can afford it. I got 2 sticks of 512 at Circuit City. Had a rebate too....came down to about $25 a stick!

Link below explains different types of RAM available. That is where you come in with your manual to decide what to get. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Um, I'd say 1 GB. The more the merrier. Besides, if you purchase 512, it wouldn't even add up to 1 Gig, which you sound like you need.
I'm not sure if it's possible to pair such different combinations of memory though.

Answer 6

The best thing you could do would be to remove the 128 meg stick completely from your system, and replace it with 2x512 sticks. Make sure you check compatibility on your motherboard before upgrading though because Dell boards are notorious for being low grade, very cheap models.

I get all of my computer supplies from http://www.newegg.com They are a great company. Check them out.

Answer 7

512 mb will probably just make the cut for most games these days, try going up to 1 GB. You video card could have a vast effect on game performance aswell. make sure it supports ll the latest standards and you have the latest drivers for it installed on your pc. Good luck

Answer 8

If your a serious to moderate gamer like me 1gb would be nice to have, but theres the price. 512mb is alright for now and good for playing cs, but will soon be out dated. If you have to money go for 1gb, but 512mb is not too bad now.

Answer 9

i am not a gamer but think that maybe a better video card with at least 128 mb ddr would be more effective than just upgrading the system memory

Answer 10

512MB will usually do the trick but the more ram the better especially if you have a low processor speed. you might also want to invest in a video graphics card.