Desktop Dram newb questions

[artesian2000]

So i went ahead and got a new Dell XPS 410 desktop with only 1G of ram. Now trying to figure out what goes in it and whos compatible with what. I currently have 2 512 sticks in slot 1 and 3.

1. Do the sticks i need also need to be 512 in slots 2 and 4 or which i dont think i can do just stick a 1G stick to get to 2 G

2. I know i needs DDR2 but i'm confised by pc5300 pc4200 and the like. Can someone explain that please?

3. Do the clock speeds on all the sticks need to match or if the new ones are faster they are reverse compatible.

I'm trying to avoid buying the wrong stuff and appreciate anyones answer in advance

thank you

 

[roland63]

Hello,

I think a visit here (

http://www.kingston.com/tools/umg/umg05a.asp)

will explain plenty for you.

Also, either at

http://www.kingston.com

or

http://www.crucial.com

can tell you the exact type of mem for your pc by following the prompts (brand, model, etc).

http://www.cruicial.com

however has a system scanner that will tell you without you going thru the above (kinda like the lazy way)..

Give those a try...

 

[ski]

Your Dell system uses dual-channel RAM, which means that 2 RAM modules of the same size, speed, and technology are factory installed in order to maximize performance and stability.
If you install additional RAM, then it must also be installed in pairs, and be the same size, speed, and technology as the exisitng RAM modules. Otherwise, your system will run at a reduction in performance(at best), or not start(at worst).
Also, the 2 existing RAM modules are installed in slots DIMM 1 and DIMM 2, not DIMM 1 and DIMM 3. Slot DIMM 1 is the one that's closest to the CPU, and slot DIMM 2 is the 3rd one from the CPU. Both have white plastic securing clips. Slots DIMM 3(2nd from the CPU) and DIMM 4(4th from the CPU) have black plastic securing clips.
This info should be in your manual. If not, then this file has the details(Removing And Installing Parts/Memory):

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim9200/en/OM_EN/YH242A01.pdf