Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help?

cammby · 02-21-2008, 06:30 PM

I've got a 2.5yr old system looking for a very minor facelift. Seems that I've got a Pentium D 820 processor on an Intel 945P chipset. Original paperwork shows 2GB 533MHz RAM, so I'd like to max it out to 4 GB (though I know only 3-3.5 GB will show in Windows)

My questions are these:

1. Dell online manual shows you can use 400-, 533-, and 667-MHz memory in this system. Prices for 533- and 667-MHz memory are basically equal. Any reason NOT to get the 667-MHz? Will it be more likely to cause conflicts if they don't match?

2. If I do opt for the 667-MHz memory, is it best to put the fastest memory in the 1st paired slots? Or no difference at all?

Thanks!

*SRTDodge05* · 02-21-2008, 06:37 PM

If you want 4gb of ram at 667mhz you'll have to buy all new ram because if you mix the 533mhz and 667mhz memory together it will run at the lower speed.

cammby · 02-21-2008, 07:41 PM

Yes, I just want 4GB total... don't want to spend an extra $45-50 to upgrade all to 667MHz... so I should just buy the 533MHz then?

*SRTDodge05* · 02-21-2008, 07:43 PM

I would just buy another 2gb of 533 and be done with it. You wont notice the speed difference between 533 and 667.

**Gorganzola** · 02-21-2008, 08:22 PM

Please do yourself a favour as well. If you don't buy the memory directly from Dell, then use the memory configurator from a reputable memory manufactrer to ensure your get memory that is able to run in the configuration that you desire.

Welcome to Corsair
Kingston Technology Company - Homepage - Where To Go To Find Memory
OCZ Technology | Welcome!
Mushkin - Get More

This list is not exhaustive nor in a particular order of recommendation.

The point is that some people will advertise certain memory timings but use voltages above normal levels to achieve those memory timings. So, in systems like Dell's, HP's, Lenovo's, etc where you cannot change the voltage in the BIOS, it is important to get memory that runs at the specified speed at the proper voltage.

Using a known memory manufacturer will also give you a chance to phone someone reputable to get help if you need it.

*SRTDodge05* · 02-21-2008, 09:09 PM

Standard DD2-4200 is all at stock voltage (1.8v) with 4-4-4-12 timing.

Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - OEM
Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

cammby · 02-21-2008, 10:20 PM

Thanks guys! And no, I wouldn't use Dell to buy as I purchase from Newegg all the time... probably too often.

*SRTDodge05* · 02-22-2008, 06:46 AM

No problem, good luck with your memory upgrade.

02-21-2008, 06:30 PM	#1
cammby Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 27	Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? I've got a 2.5yr old system looking for a very minor facelift. Seems that I've got a Pentium D 820 processor on an Intel 945P chipset. Original paperwork shows 2GB 533MHz RAM, so I'd like to max it out to 4 GB (though I know only 3-3.5 GB will show in Windows) My questions are these: 1. Dell online manual shows you can use 400-, 533-, and 667-MHz memory in this system. Prices for 533- and 667-MHz memory are basically equal. Any reason NOT to get the 667-MHz? Will it be more likely to cause conflicts if they don't match? 2. If I do opt for the 667-MHz memory, is it best to put the fastest memory in the 1st paired slots? Or no difference at all? Thanks!
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02-21-2008, 06:37 PM	#2
SRTDodge05 Grab Life By The Balls Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,830	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? If you want 4gb of ram at 667mhz you'll have to buy all new ram because if you mix the 533mhz and 667mhz memory together it will run at the lower speed.
(Online)

02-21-2008, 07:41 PM	#3
cammby Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 27	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? Yes, I just want 4GB total... don't want to spend an extra $45-50 to upgrade all to 667MHz... so I should just buy the 533MHz then?
(Offline)

02-21-2008, 07:43 PM	#4
SRTDodge05 Grab Life By The Balls Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,830	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? I would just buy another 2gb of 533 and be done with it. You wont notice the speed difference between 533 and 667.
(Online)

02-21-2008, 08:22 PM	#5
Gorganzola ABXZone > Facebook Join Date: May 2001 Location: Hangin' with the fruits Posts: 9,400	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? Please do yourself a favour as well. If you don't buy the memory directly from Dell, then use the memory configurator from a reputable memory manufactrer to ensure your get memory that is able to run in the configuration that you desire. Welcome to Corsair Kingston Technology Company - Homepage - Where To Go To Find Memory OCZ Technology \| Welcome! Mushkin - Get More This list is not exhaustive nor in a particular order of recommendation. The point is that some people will advertise certain memory timings but use voltages above normal levels to achieve those memory timings. So, in systems like Dell's, HP's, Lenovo's, etc where you cannot change the voltage in the BIOS, it is important to get memory that runs at the specified speed at the proper voltage. Using a known memory manufacturer will also give you a chance to phone someone reputable to get help if you need it. __________________ TTFN. I wasn't asleep at the switch, I was drunk. -- Homer J. Simpson Q. How many dull people does it take to change a lightbulb? A. One. A very useful tool on these forums: You can Meebo in public.
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02-21-2008, 09:09 PM	#6
SRTDodge05 Grab Life By The Balls Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,830	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? Standard DD2-4200 is all at stock voltage (1.8v) with 4-4-4-12 timing. Newegg.com - Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - OEM Newegg.com - Kingston ValueRAM 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
(Online)

02-21-2008, 10:20 PM	#7
cammby Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 27	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? Thanks guys! And no, I wouldn't use Dell to buy as I purchase from Newegg all the time... probably too often.
(Offline)

02-22-2008, 06:46 AM	#8
SRTDodge05 Grab Life By The Balls Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 7,830	Re: Dell Dimension 9100 upgrade help? No problem, good luck with your memory upgrade.
(Online)

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