I have a dell dimension E521 computer. I need to add some RAM to it. Currently it is 512 MB. Which RAM sticks should I buy? How much should I buy? How do I put them in the computer? I know nothing about computers so tell it to me simple.
2007-08-05 07:18:55 · 9 answers · asked by Chelsea 3 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
I just checked and actually I have 448 MB of RAM.
2007-08-05 07:23:13 · update #1
Visit http://www.coastmemory.com
You will see this:
System Specs
Type of system: Desktops/Servers
Bus Architecture: PCI/PCI Express 1x / 16x
CPU Type: AMD Athlon 64 X2 / Athlon 64 / Sempron
Comments: NVIDIA nForce 430 Chipset.
System Memory
Standard Memory: 0 MB (removable)
Maximum Memory: 4.0 GB
Maximum Expansion: 4 sockets
Comments: PC2-4200/5300/6400 DDR2 SDRAM DIMMs. Supports Dual Channel DDR2.
As you can see, your computer will take 4200 or 5300 or 6400 in four slots. It would be best if you knew what model RAM that you have, so you can MATCH IT. Look at the receipt that came with your computer. Just maybe it says.
I would get a 1GB stick. If you buy from Coast memory, they guarantee that it will WORK, so the risk is low. You can buy this 1GB stick for about $50. Yes, the Cheapest will work.
Remove the power plug (you can leave the other plugs in).
Lay the case one it's side, and open one side of the case. This might have latches, or Thumb screw
Look inside, and you will see the existing Memory strip. It has two clips at the ends.
Insert the new one in one of the empty slots right next to the existing one.
With the case still open, and the other cables still connected, put in the Power Cable. When you turn it ON, and it comes up and works, you will see that it BOOTS up perfectly. You see, if it doesn't work, it won't even start up. (In that case, remove the plug and remove the new RAM, no harm done... it's easy).
If you do have trouble, try removing the ORIGINAL stick to see if your computer works ONLY with the new stick. Then you have to decide to SEND BACK the new one, or SELL your old stick to CoastMemory.. YEAH, they buy old memory too.
Good luck and Happy Computing!
2007-08-05 07:29:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Any RAM wd b ok. Go ahead upgrade it w/t any fear.. it will boost up everything...
BUT BEFORE UPGRDING CHECK THE FREQUENCY (exa: 500 MHz) OF YOUR old 512 MB RAM. THEN REPLACE A RAM WITH SAME FREQUENCY.
If you have only two slots, the odds are that the two modules won't have to be identical. If your machine has 4 slots that work in pairs, the two might have to be identical. Your computer motherboard manual should specify.
If you go with a company that guarantees that it will work, like http://www.crucial.com and http://www.coastmemory.com just BUY and send it back via RAM if it doesn't work.
GL...
2007-08-05 07:26:05 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
First of all you need to look in your computer specs and see if you can put more RAM because your computer might not have extra slots. If you do have extra slot it will also tell you what kind of ram to buy in your owners manual if you cant find it just go to best buy or something and ask "The Guy" to help you find the right ram
2007-08-05 07:23:29 · answer #3 · answered by Jay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ram sticks have to be equal in size. You can't put a 128mb in with a 512mb or so I heard. You have to make sure its the right type of RAM. The newest RAM out there is DDR and DDR2 I think, but I would check your system specs to be sure.
2007-08-05 07:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by ArachnidDemon 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This should do you well:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227124
If that is more than you wish to spend, you could also go for a 1 GB set. Just make sure it is dual channel and DDR2. Likewise if you wish to go all the way up to 4 GB, though that would probably be overkill for you.
2007-08-05 07:26:52 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wow, i own a dell and i can't do anything with it. when i call customer support someone from india answers and i'm too exhausted to explain my problem after i've spent 40 minutes just telling them my name and phone number.
2007-08-05 07:22:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get 2 gigs of Ram .
2007-08-05 07:22:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact Dell on this. You can go to their web site, enter your pc serial # and it will tell you. It will also show you how to do it.
2007-08-05 07:22:24 · answer #8 · answered by GTB 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Here's as simple as it gets. go to http://www.crucial.com and put your model/make etc in.
Anything you buy is guaranteed to be compatible.
This is the BEST route for anyone who is not confident in buying memory.
2007-08-05 07:21:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋