My current Dell has 256mb ram ( 2 -128mb chips) and I have 2 more empty slots, can I add just one 256 mb chips in one of the empty slots or do I have to add one to each empty slot?
The reason I ask is because I have always been taught that ram must be added in pairs but since I already have the 2 128mb chips can I just add one more and not have to add in pairs?
Also of the four slots two of them have white clamps and two have black clamps, both of my 128mb chips are placed in the slots that have the white chip clamps could someone explain this to me why two have white and two have black and why my current 128mb chips are placed in the white ones spaced appart and not put back to back in a white and a black one?
2007-05-25 15:14:05 · 7 answers · asked by John Deere Green 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
You can add ram however you like. Pairs or individualy, it does not matter.
2007-05-25 15:18:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Dell you mentioned had a "dual-channel" motherboard. This means that if you install an identical pair of ram chips (same speed,size,etc...) they will work in dual-channel mode. This means that they will operate in an alternating fashion and the two chips will basically function at a higher speed than would a single chip of the same total size. ie: 2X 128Mb versus one 256Mb
You have to install the pairs in the same color slots. You can mix sizes ie; a pair of 128Mb in the white slots and a pair of 256Mb in the black slot Provided they are all the same speed (PC333,PC3200,etc...)
As for what you asked, you can add a single 256Mb chip to one of the black slots and still have a matched pair in the white slots. The total memory will be 512Mb, and that's a good upgrade from 256Mb. But it won't work as fast as it would if you removed the two 128Mb chips and installed two 256Mb chips (even though the total is still 512Mb) Because the memory isn't going to run in dual-channel mode.
It's will still be faster than only 256Mb, so if you happen to just have a single 256Mb chip in the right type and speed laying around. Stick it in there until you can afford to buy another one to make a pair.
2007-05-26 00:24:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the specifications for your system on the Dell website, and/or read your users manual.
Since your clips are 2 different colors, you might have a dual-channel motherboard, in which case you need to add 2 chips. (they have to be in "matching" pairs)
While you are at it, it would not hurt to replace the 128 chips with 256 or 512 chips. More RAM is better! Put in what you can afford.
2007-05-25 22:26:05 · answer #3 · answered by f100_supersabre 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The white clamps suggest that the slots are your primary slots (meaning, they have the ram chips inserted there as ur dell came out of the factory). There's really no rule as to whether you put RAM individually or by pair.
What you should do get yourself 2 512MB DDR and remove the 2 128MB, and have the compassion to give them to me. ^^
2007-05-25 22:25:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The easiest way I know to figure out your RAM options is to run the free 'systemscanner' at www.crucial.com
It will tell you what kind and how much memory you can do. Some older computers can only handle 256mb chips, so check your manual or this web site first. And be carefull where you buy memory, get it from a reputable dealer, hopefully with a good warranty.
2007-05-25 22:31:11 · answer #5 · answered by Jim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if your computer can support it i would dump the 128mbs and put in just 2 512mbs ram
if it can take more put in 4 512mbs
2007-05-25 22:18:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ã°ãRam dosnt need to be installed in pairs, remove all ram and replace with larger ram of that specification, check your mobo manual
2007-05-25 22:34:43 · answer #7 · answered by cpu_hacker666 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋