Computer Geek Help Needed (memory question)

[codeorama]

Is there a way to find out what type of memory your computer uses without taking it apart?

I have 512mb's of ram and I want to double it. But I'm trying to avoid pulling the case apart because I have so much connected to it.

Any suggestions? Or do I have to pull it apart?

Thanks

[perturbed]

Only thing I know you can do without opening the system is to run #2 on the page and find out whats compadible.


http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?pid=175&kwd=ram%20information

[codeorama]

Originally posted by perturbed
Only thing I know you can do without opening the system is to run #2 on the page and find out whats compadible.


http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?pid=175&kwd=ram%20information

Great link, THANKS:cheers:

[Johnny Punani2]

what kind of motherboard do you have?

[codeorama]

Originally posted by Johnny Punani
what kind of motherboard do you have?

What ever came on a 1 year old Sony Viao...:doh:

[codeorama]

Originally posted by perturbed
Only thing I know you can do without opening the system is to run #2 on the page and find out whats compadible.


http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?pid=175&kwd=ram%20information

Just wanted to say again, that is an awsome link.

It told me everything about my work pc, I can't wait to get home and try it on my home pc.

Thanks

[codeorama]

Ok, last question (I hope)....
I found out about my pc...

This is a direct replacement from the "memory x" website:

512MB TwinMOS/Sony VAIO Desktop 184-pin PC2100 DDR DIMM

* PCGEMMRX512, D6464B250, PCGA-MM512D, PCVA-MM512D
* TwinMOS is a world leading manufacturer of memory modules.
* 512MB 184-pin PC2100 DDR-266 DIMM


And this is a module I found on another website, are they the same?

Package Type: 184-pin
Package Type: 184-pin DIMM
Logical Type: SDRAM-DDR
Speed: 266 MHz
Speed: 266MHz
Description: 512MB Upgrade For AD76 RAID Motherboard
Units Required: 1
Install Notes: 512 MB SDRAM

[perturbed]

I would say any ram that fits this discription will work fine ( 512MB 184-pin PC2100 DDR-266 DIMM ) Just avoid the really cheap stuff.. To many time I had to replace generic memory due to poor quality (IE. blue screens, performance) If you want a trouble free installation then get something name brand . Its worth it, trust me.(Kingston, PYN)

Are you replacing the old memory in your system or adding to it ?

this is important because you will have to match the old stuff up with the same specs or you might have trouble.

If all new memory then most all memory will work fine with the above specs you ran on your system.


Lee

[Coach Williams]

I just used that system scanner and it told me to get this as an upgrade:
__________________
256 2700
or
512 3200
__________________

The scan didn' tell me the MHz either??

I thought according to my old thread that.you can't mis- match PC's or it will cause instability?

Or did Is it the Mhz that must match?

Or both....

Someone help.....

[perturbed]

Originally posted by KINGBRICE_28
I just used that system scanner and it told me to get this as an upgrade:
__________________
256 2700
or
512 3200
__________________

The scan didn' tell me the MHz either??

I thought according to my old thread that.you can't mis- match PC's or it will cause instability?

Or did Is it the Mhz that must match?

Or both....

Someone help.....

if you put faster ram in your system, say you have 256 megs @ 266 MHZ and you put faster ram in your system say 256 @ 333 MHZ.. your system will clock down the faster ram to match the old stuff @ 266.. IT works OK but kind of a waste and could post some performance issues.

I think when they say not to mix ram , they mean brands , say you have kingston memory in your system and you put some generic cheap ram in thier . 2 different brands can give you major issues. I have added differnt size rams with no issues (say 256 + 512 in a system to give 768) but some say not to do that either, but it has not gave me much trouble.

You just have to weight value against performace. If you go the cheap way out then you may be ok. . but its a risk. if you match the ram that is in your system already, with the same brand(kingston,pny), speed(233/266/333) and size (128/256/512) then you cant go wrong.

I have been working in the IT feild for 8 years now and I learned this lesson the hard way.. I always tryed to save a dime with cheaper stuff or just go with whatever was in stock. but had to go back and replace many cheaper solutions.

anyone else have any input on this.. I have not been doing a much in the way of PC upgrades anymore.. Most of my work deals with SQL server/Exchange Server/ XP desktop and cisco switches and routers. Maybe someone else may be able to explain this in better detail for these guys and save them some headaces..

anyway hope this helps you find what you need.. :cheers:

btw the number after each of those examples represents the speed as shown here


DDR400 (PC3200) Memory =400 mhz
DDR333 (PC2700) Memory =333 mhz
DDR266 (PC2100) Memory =266 mhz

[codeorama]

Originally posted by perturbed
I would say any ram that fits this discription will work fine ( 512MB 184-pin PC2100 DDR-266 DIMM ) Just avoid the really cheap stuff.. To many time I had to replace generic memory due to poor quality (IE. blue screens, performance) If you want a trouble free installation then get something name brand . Its worth it, trust me.(Kingston, PYN)

Are you replacing the old memory in your system or adding to it ?

this is important because you will have to match the old stuff up with the same specs or you might have trouble.

If all new memory then most all memory will work fine with the above specs you ran on your system.


Lee

Great info, I really appreciate it.

I have 2 256 moduals in my cpu, I just bought two Kingston replacements, both were 512.

Last question... (sorry :D) Do places generally buy or take as trade old moduals? I now have 2 256's I don't need anymore...

[mad4comp]

www.newegg.com

Just go there, keep checking the front page, sometimes they sell 1gig 2x512 3200 brand name ram for under $100 bucks. I just brought a Mushkin 1 gig 2x512 PC3200 400mhz for $107 w/shipping. Pretty good price compared to my local Microcenter which sells the same ram for about $200. Just the other day i saw Newegg selling 1 gig Kingmax Cas 2.5 PC3200 ram for $93.00. If you want good quality, cheap ram just look on the newegg site about 2-3 times a day (they update it hourly) and you can find alot of good deals.

-Mad4comp

[perturbed]

Originally posted by codeorama


Great info, I really appreciate it.

I have 2 256 moduals in my cpu, I just bought two Kingston replacements, both were 512.

Last question... (sorry :D) Do places generally buy or take as trade old moduals? I now have 2 256's I don't need anymore...

they used to take them , not sure if they do now.. better off with ebay on that .. get more value for them then a trade in.


good luck with your upgrade and good choice goin full replacement.

but if you have not ordered yet check the sony website on your pc and make sure the DIMM sockets (where your ram goes) can handle 512 chips .. some of the oler stuff will not and your system will not boot up..

IF you can not find it . look on your mother board for a serial number or model number and go a google search on it and see if it can handle those large ram chips.. some older dimms will not respond to the bigger chips (RAM)

I think that system report said 512 with 2 chips at 256.. good luck

[mad4comp]

Originally posted by codeorama


Last question... (sorry :D) Do places generally buy or take as trade old moduals? I now have 2 256's I don't need anymore...

Send them my sisters way, her slow azz computer could use another 256 meg stick...hehe. :D

P.S you can try reselling the ram, but i doubt you'll get much for them, if they are twinMos, maybe you can get something for them, being a brand name.

heres a site to find all cheap ram and computer parts.

http://www.pricewatch.com/

Click on memory > pc2100 ram > take a look at the prices, so you can find out how much your memory is worth. ;)

[Coach Williams]

:doh:....

Now I'm even more confused

________-

I have this:

elixar 256mb 333mhz pc 2700 In Computer #2

Would it be best to find the EXACT same chip on ebay [ I see 2 now ]

If this exact chip was not aval. what would be the next best option?

The same brand, PC #, Mhz......

I'm just confused because I've been told speed differences can cause hardware issues [ random reboots] is what I experience when nI have 2 totally different chips in.

[codeorama]

Originally posted by perturbed


they used to take them , not sure if they do now.. better off with ebay on that .. get more value for them then a trade in.


good luck with your upgrade and good choice goin full replacement.

but if you have not ordered yet check the sony website on your pc and make sure the DIMM sockets (where your ram goes) can handle 512 chips .. some of the oler stuff will not and your system will not boot up..

IF you can not find it . look on your mother board for a serial number or model number and go a google search on it and see if it can handle those large ram chips.. some older dimms will not respond to the bigger chips (RAM)

I think that system report said 512 with 2 chips at 256.. good luck

Thanks, mine will, it only has 2 slots but is expandable up to 1.5gig, so i think I should be fine.

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it.:cheers:

[codeorama]

Originally posted by mad4comp


Send them my sisters way, her slow azz computer could use another 256 meg stick...hehe. :D

P.S you can try reselling the ram, but i doubt you'll get much for them, if they are twinMos, maybe you can get something for them, being a brand name.

heres a site to find all cheap ram and computer parts.

http://www.pricewatch.com/

Click on memory > pc2100 ram > take a look at the prices, so you can find out how much your memory is worth. ;)

I just checked it... Basically, the old ones are worth a 12 pack of soda...:laugh:

[mad4comp]

Originally posted by codeorama


I just checked it... Basically, the old ones are worth a 12 pack of soda...:laugh:

Break em (saw them) in half and make yourself 4 keychains..theyre actually pretty cool, Its a nice conservation starter, i told a girl this half broken memory was a part of a spaceship computer controller....and she believed me :D.

[codeorama]

Originally posted by mad4comp


Break em (saw them) in half and make yourself 4 keychains..theyre actually pretty cool, Its a nice conservation starter, i told a girl this half broken memory was a part of a spaceship computer controller....and she believed me :D.

Extremeskins memory keychains... :laugh:

[mad4comp]

lol..paint a big red redskins R on the back..there you go, show your nerdiness..as well as your love for tha Skins. Kill two birds with one stone.

:)

[perturbed]

Originally posted by KINGBRICE_28
:doh:....

Now I'm even more confused

________-

I have this:

elixar 256mb 333mhz pc 2700 In Computer #2

Would it be best to find the EXACT same chip on ebay [ I see 2 now ]

If this exact chip was not aval. what would be the next best option?

The same brand, PC #, Mhz......

I'm just confused because I've been told speed differences can cause hardware issues [ random reboots] is what I experience when nI have 2 totally different chips in.

at least go with the same speed and brand so that you stay in the same architecture.

you can mix sizes ( 128+256 ) or whatever your desire. but adding 512 + 128 will not be a great improvement .. I would in this case drop the 128 and run the 512 only..

this help bro ??

[codeorama]

Originally posted by mad4comp

i told a girl this half broken memory was a part of a spaceship computer controller....and she believed me :D.

If she believed that, you should tell her you have a special skin flute that she could play...

[mad4comp]

Originally posted by codeorama


If she believed that, you should tell her you have a special skin flute that she could play...

lol...:notworthy

[Coach Williams]

Yeah......Ok I"ll just buy the same chip then....

So mismatching Brand hurts but not PC or Mhz ?

I'm not talking about performance......I mean causing hardware issues.....

Wow.....I'm so over my head:laugh:

[Coach Williams]

Here I'll break it down like a kid so I'll understand:

Choose which best applies if mismatched:

PC# A. Hurts performance
B. Hurts hardware
C. Neither

Mhz A. Hurts performance
B. Hurts hardware
C. Neither

Brand A. Hurts performance
B. Hurts hardware
C. Neither
___________________

:rotflmao:

[Coach Williams]

bump*