RAM question

[Maus]

Hi, I am an utter nub when it comes to upgrading anything but a video card.

I want more RAM, but I am not sure (i) how to identify how many RAM slots I have in my mobo, (ii) how to determine what kind of RAM they'll take, (iii) whether there's some limit on the amount f RAM in each stick it'll accept.

Also, I'd like to find out as much of this as possible without opening up the box, but am not certain what kind of mobo is even in there.

At the moment the computer has 512Mb, and I want to take it as high as it'll go. Any pointers or tips would be handy. If it helps, the computer is a Sony VAIO thingy, and about 2.5 yrs old.

[Anonymous]

Try the Crucial System Scanner which should give you the info you need.

[Maus]

That's a great tool BB, thanks. Looks like I should be able to go to 2Gb. /me rubs hands

[TeaLeaf]

Err, it's a limited tool, definitely not a great tool.

If you have a pre-made box from a supplier then it *might* work.

On the other hand, if like me you have a 'custom' system evolved over the years from various bits and pieces then it is highly likely to get it wrong.

Apparently this nice custom machine that I am making this post from that has an Abit mobo and nice CAS2 OCZ RAM is actually using a Soyo SY-KT600 DRAGON Plus mobo and CAS3 RAM  :blink:   Go figure!

At least tools such as the SiSoft Sandra get the CAS setting and the mobo right.......

TL.

[Maus]

Well, okay, but all I wanted was a nudge in the right direction

[TeaLeaf]

Originally posted by Maus@Aug 9 2005, 01:56 PM
Well, okay, but all I wanted was a nudge in the right direction

[post=91117]Quoted post[/post]

[/b]

Consider yourself nudged

TL.

[Maus]

All righty, bumping because now I have BF2 I see more RAM is essential. Can anyone help a numpty out? All I know is this mobo has 512Mb in, and can take a maximum of 1Gb. I do not know what type it has or needs, nor if I get the wrong thing whether the computer will blow up.  :blush:  It just seems like more RAM is a more cost-effective upgrade than a new video card (currently a 128Mb 9800pro).

A very quick poke around (i.e. first link on google) shows me this stuff, which seems like a decent price. Is this good RAM? *is clueless* http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Se...29&Sku=ULT30215

[Dingo]

That's going to depend on what you already have in your machine.....a quick e-mail or pm to Norm should get you a good deal on compatable RAM

[Norm]

Could use some more info maus to find if its ddr,sdr,rdram(unlikely),SO Dimm(small outline,laptop).Motherboard make and model? .Doubt I will beat US price,those yanks get everything for next to nothing.

[Maus]

The Crucial system scanner thingy suggests this stuff: "DDR PC2100 • CL=2.5 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR266 • 2.5V • 64Meg x 64" Oddly, it couldn't tell me anything about this computer last time I tried. Mayce the UK and US Crucial sites have different scanners. *shrug*

Would that (much cheaper) DDR PC3200 stuff (512Mb, 400MHz, CL3) I linked from Tigerdirect, work? Would all memory slots need to match up? (i.e. would I need to replace the 512Mb stick already in there with something identical to any new sticks that go in?)

Also, the Crucial scanner suggests that I have three slots, while I thought I only had two.  Is there an easy way to check this without opening the box up? The mobo model is a Sony VAIO PCV-RX850(UC) according to System Information. Oh, and while I'm asking pesty and annoying questions, how can a person tell whether a slot can take 1Gb or only 512Mb?

Edit: Sigh... once upon a time I knew about computers. Back in the days of my BBC Master.

[TeaLeaf]

If you can only get 1GB on the mobo then buy 1 x 1GB stick of fast and good quality memory.  That way when you next upgrade all you have to do is buy another 1 x 1GB stick of the same stuff and voila, you have 2GB RAM in a decent system.

TL.

[BlastUK]

Originally posted by Maus@Dec 21 2005, 02:25 PM
The Crucial system scanner thingy suggests this stuff: "DDR PC2100 • CL=2.5 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR266 • 2.5V • 64Meg x 64" Oddly, it couldn't tell me anything about this computer last time I tried. Mayce the UK and US Crucial sites have different scanners. *shrug*

Would that (much cheaper) DDR PC3200 stuff (512Mb, 400MHz, CL3) I linked from Tigerdirect, work? Would all memory slots need to match up? (i.e. would I need to replace the 512Mb stick already in there with something identical to any new sticks that go in?)

Also, the Crucial scanner suggests that I have three slots, while I thought I only had two. Is there an easy way to check this without opening the box up? The mobo model is a Sony VAIO PCV-RX850(UC) according to System Information. Oh, and while I'm asking pesty and annoying questions, how can a person tell whether a slot can take 1Gb or only 512Mb?

Edit: Sigh... once upon a time I knew about computers. Back in the days of my BBC Master.

[post=106344]Quoted post[/post]

[/b]

sony vaio? is that a laptop or did i skip a few years and sony makes desktops?