Also - About how much is a 512MB stick and a 1GB stick? Where is the cheapest place to buy them? Thanks!
2006-12-19 05:37:24 · 16 answers · asked by Amanda 6 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
And if I need a specific type, how do I find out what that type is?
2006-12-19 05:42:54 · update #1
There are 2 major guidelines,
You have to get RAM that your motherboard supports (find the specs on the web or use the documents that came with your computer).
You have to match the type of RAM that's in your PC already, it doesn't have to match in size (512MB can go with a 256MB stick), but it has to match in frequency. For example, if the RAM in your PC is DDR2 you have to get DDR2 RAM.
For the sites:
http://www.crucial.com/
and
http://www.newegg.com
are my favorites :)
***********EDIT************
John K is incorrect, you don't have to match the size of RAM to what already exists. A 1GB stick will run alongside a 512MB stick as long as your motherboard can support those sizes, and they're the same frequency/speed.
You can find what type you need by online specifications, just do a google search for your model/make of motherboard + manual. Example: "ASUS 1010 motherboard manual" or "ASUS 1010 motherboard specifications". As long as you have the model & make right, it will tell you exactly what type of RAM your motherboard supports. Additionally, if you bought your computer new, it came with manuals. It may be stuck to the bottom of your computer tower/case.
To find out the model & make of the motherboard without physical documentation, you would have to open the case and physically look at the motherboard (the thing that everything else is connected to) and find it written on it. It will be obvious what the model and make is, it will be the biggest lettering generally.
2006-12-19 05:44:29 · answer #1 · answered by π² 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
NO! although there are many manufactures that make the same type memory there is specific modules for different machines!...Buss type (speed) is a major issue! TRY CDW.COM... they're pretty cheap. Also you must have a PC that supports the amount of memory you're putting in it. Sometimes a BIOS upgrade is needed to recognize all of the installed memory. Also depending on the computer you may have to install these in pairs (no mix and match on Mb size) CDW support can help you if you take the memory out of the PC they can look up the number and suggest an upgrade. You can go on-line to your computer manufacturer site and enter in the serial # and it Will tell you what's installed and how much your PC will support. Hope this helps
Bob
2006-12-19 05:56:52 · answer #2 · answered by bob 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, there are different types of RAM, you need to buy the specific type your motherboard uses (DDR, DDR2 - PC2100, PC2-4200 etc) Memory prices fluctuate based on supply & demand, and some types are more widely available than others- but 512mb is around $60-$80 in most cases. Oh, and RAM for laptops/notebooks is usually more expensive than RAM for desktops.
NewEgg.com is a great source for all hardware.
2006-12-19 05:41:46 · answer #3 · answered by Proto 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
no they're not universal as there are different types/speeds/frequencies...... you can get SDR(old pcs) DDR(most common in pc's at the mo) DDR2(much newer and faster than the others)then they have different frequencies 266mhz/333mhz/400 mhz etc etc. you need to find out what mobo you have and what it will support, some only support one type, others support multiple. As for cost well it varies from brand to brand but one almost centainty is that a 1GB will cost you cheaper than two 512MB sticks
2006-12-19 05:46:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
no there are a number of different types of memory and you want to check your motherboard specs to see what type the system can take. Then you also want to check to see how much memory the motherboard can support if it is an older model. Price will vary depending on type and where you buy it.
2006-12-19 05:47:51 · answer #5 · answered by JimE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they are different. Your existing memory will say what it is, or your paperwork hopefuly will say, or the store you bought it from hopefully will know, or the manufacturer hopefull will know.
as for cost-probably, pretty cheap. it depends on the type of memory-a 1gig stick could cost hundreds, but MOST memory should cost under $50 for 512m and around a $100 for 1gig.
cheapest place varies daily, but, usually, cheapest online. check your local places too best buy newspaper, etc.
2006-12-19 05:45:21 · answer #6 · answered by dulcrayon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have to have matching pairs. Meaning PC DDR 4000 speed. The speed has to be that same. Preferably you want the same brand as well .I recommend Corsair Memory or Kingston.You also need to find out how many available slots you have on your motherboard and what is supports.
2006-12-19 05:49:30 · answer #7 · answered by rhiannonnightqueen 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While you do need a specific SIZE of ram module, and density - once you know what you need exactly (for example 512mb PC3200) there is no brand that you must buy. You can purchase any brand you'd like.
2006-12-19 05:45:08 · answer #8 · answered by John K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several types of RAM; check your computer's specs to determine what your computer takes. In my area (Poughkeepsie, NY), 512 MB costs about US$80 and 1 GB costs about $160; you may be able to get lower prices if you buy by mail order.
2006-12-19 05:44:11 · answer #9 · answered by MarnenLK 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No they are not universal.
There are a bunch of webiste online that can tell you which one you need for your pc, If you want to buy a memory stick from a store any pc store can tell you which one to use.
Compusa will look it up for you.
If you are trying to buy one on ebay sometimes the item description will which cpu's will use that stick
2006-12-19 07:20:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋