how do I buy memory for a computer?

Question

I have a Dell Computer that fairly new. Im a big Sims2 Fan, and with the announcement of seasons, i realize that i need to do some manteince on the coputer. The sims take up HUGE amounts of memory. In order to install the next expansion pack and have a run semi-nicely, I need to add memory. I went online and it say "i have to buy the memory in pairs". What exactly does that mean (do i need to buy 2, or do I need to buy another 512KB's memory to match what i already have?)
any tips and places you recoomend to find memory is greatly appreciated. thank you

Answer 1

It sounds like your PC requires the memory modules to be installed in pairs. That means that while you may have 512MBs of memory, it is quite possible that you have a pair or two 256MB memory modules installed in your PC.

The first step you will need to do is find out how many memory slots you PC has. If it only has two, and they are already filled with your current memory, then you might need to take them out and replace them with two 512MB modules. On the other hand, If you have two slots free, then you could get two more 256MB memory modules and add them in to what you already have.

My suggestion would be to see if your PC manual has a section on Memory Modules or RAM. This will probably have the information you will need for both your expansion option as well as what type (there are several different types of memory modules) will work in your PC. Take the manual with you to Best Buy, Circuit City, Frys, Local PC dealer, etc. And tell them what you want to do and show them your manual. You should be able to find someone that from your manual can determine your upgrade options and can point you to the correct memory.

To install the memory you will need to open the case. If this makes you uncomfortable or quezy at just the thought, the place you buy the memory from will probably install it for you for around $50.

Good Luck

Answer 2

What I would do is look at the computer model and look it up in dell's website. The site will tell you what memory type the cmputer takes. After that go to pricewatch.com and look for the memory type. Don't get cheap memory, it won't work out for you in the long run. If you have a 512MB chihp already you have two choices depending on the computer type the max. amount of mem is between 2 and 4 Gig, so buy another 512 chip prefererable the same one on your computer. Or take the 512 chip out and buy a 1 gig chip. It's up to you.

Answer 3

Unless you have experience with electronics work, I would spend the extra money and take your computer to a local computer store and have them install memory there. And make sure they test it in front of you before you take it home. Watch the screen as the computer starts up and it should show briefly on the screen that it is testing all of the memory and that there is no error. The reason for this is that a lot of memory chips can be destroyed by static electricity. Say you walk across your carpet with wool socks and then touch a lead on one of the memory chips and you hear a little crackle when you touch the memory chip... it's toast. The same thing could have happened in shipping before you even got it and if you order memory and get it that way, there's no way to prove that it was fried when you got it. SO... unless you are really tight on money, have a pro do it and have them test it in front of you b4 you take it home.

Answer 4

First of all you have to find out what type of memory you have. 4allmemory.com has a good tool to do this, but once you find out don't buy from there. Go to pricewatch.com and look for the type of memory you need, then buy it. Remember that not only the memory is a factor, but also the speed (which is usually measured in Mhz) Get the highest speed AND memory if you can afford it for best performance.

Answer 5

I don't honestly know what they mean by "In pairs".

It can cause problems to mixmatch memory, but it does work, for example having a 512MB stick and a 256MB stick will work but can be problematic.

Make sure of what type of RAM/SRAM/SDRAM your PC takes and what kind is already in it, you DO have to match that and the frequency it runs at, for example if it's DDR, you have to get DDR. I'd suggest calling Dell and asking them what type of memory you have already. Have your purchasing information ready.

Answer 6

If its a new system I would recommend buying directly from dell http://support.dell.com . Input your service tag # found on your computer and it will tell you exactly what ram you need. I would recommend getting directly from dell as they will warranty your ram. If you can get up to 1gb of ram (most likely you will) i would recommend get 2 (1gb) ram. That would eliminate all issues with not enough ram, as most require 512MB as a minimun just to function. The new Microsoft Windows Vista will require 1GB to work smoothly.

Added: ♥ just_me ♥ that is wrong information, where on earth did you hear that? All ram is supposed to be purchased in sets, as you won't get the full performance of the ram. And most likely this system just has basic ram installed from the factory, at least you can get another 512mb to combine a total of 1024mb, your saying 768mb is a great upgrade! Wow, forget what you learned...and remember my words!

Answer 7

You can buy from http://www.dell.com
Or from a memory manufacturer, like http://www.crucial.com or http://www.kingston.com
Or from a reseller, like http://www.tigerdirect.com
------------
Someolder systems required that memory be installed in pairs, because the memory slots were configured that way.
If you had memory in only 1 of the 2 slots, the circuit was incomplete, and the memory was not recognized by the sstem.
Most newer systems will accept single strips.
IF you have RAMBUS RAM, it must be installed in pairs (or with a special 'blank' to fill the empty slot), but it is rare to have.

Answer 8

Well you can go to the dell online website and the should be able to help you if you can't find what you are looking for.

Answer 9

I have bought lots of memory from crucial.com. Their web site is very helpful at helping you select the right memory for your computer.

Answer 10

Here a simply way:

http://www.4allmemory.com/

Write down the type and size, Go to your local computer store and buy...It that simple. You can buy online if you want just search office stores, computer stores, or even ebay....