question about memory upgrade

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question about memory upgrade

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trilight

Newbie

7. November 2006 @ 06:03

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I want to upgrade my memory in my Dimension 4700 from 512MB to 1GB. My specs say that I need 400MHz (PC2-3200) or 533MHz (PC2-4300) DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM non-ECC. What does the non-ECC mean?

I was looking at memory at the newegg website and found Kingston ValueRAM 1GB (2 X 512MB) 240-Pin DDRS SDRAM Dual Channel Kit System Memory for $119.99. I think this will work, but I am not sure because the specs do not say if it is non-ECC - so I need someone to help me understand what this is and if it is an issue. If this memory will work for me, is Kingston a reputable name for memory?

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The_OGS

Senior Member

7. November 2006 @ 08:08

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Hi trilight,
Your Dell was an early-adopter of DDR2 memory technology. These are the 'new' 240-pin memory, not the more traditional 184-pin DDR.
But not new for you, eh? Lemme see here... about the slowest DDR2 you can get is PC2-4200 like you found there. It is rated for 266MHz (533DDR).
That memory would be great for you. Sure Kingston is good, very well-known memory company.
If you buy the 533MHz memory (Dell calls it PC2-4300, whatever) you can run it synchronous 1:1 with your CPU FrontSideBus, which is 200MHz. Since your memory is rated for 266MHz you will then be able to overclock...
Or if not overclocking, Dell BIOS should offer you 3:4 ratio which will create the 266MHz memory speed.
ECC means Error Checking and Correction and is a special type of memory (for Servers). Don't worry, most memory is not ECC - and if it is, you will know it because they charge more $$ for it, heheh...
Hope this helps,
Regards

[ + quote]

ABit AB9 Pro
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 @ 2.4GHz
2GB OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum XTC R2
ATI Radeon X1900XT 512MB
Enermax Liberty 620W
320GB/16MB WD, 150GB/16MB Raptor
Plextor PX-755SA DVD (SATA)

trilight

Newbie

7. November 2006 @ 09:10

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You guys on this forum are so great! I have learned so much by reading posts here.
Thanks for the info. My skill level here is not too advanced (and that's probably being way too generous). I don't know anything about overclocking or setting ratios in the BIOS. I think I just need something I can plug in the slots and it will work :)What I was looking at was DDR2 400 (PC2 3200). I guess that is slower, right? Would I do better with the 533MHZ (PC2 4200) or would that require more complicated installation?

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The_OGS

Senior Member

8. November 2006 @ 07:22

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Quote:
I just need something I can plug in the slots and it will work

PC2-4200 will do just that, and I recommend it. It will work better.
The other, PC2-3200 is unusual and somewhat rare (not mainstream) so probably not really less expensive...
So just go with the PC2-4200 which is the slowest most shops will sell.
Even that must be sometimes special-ordered, as only faster PC2-5300 and PC2-6400 are kept in stock.
I can't even special-order PC2-3200 because it is too old and slow,
L8R

[ + quote]

ABit AB9 Pro
Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 @ 2.4GHz
2GB OCZ PC2-6400 Platinum XTC R2
ATI Radeon X1900XT 512MB
Enermax Liberty 620W
320GB/16MB WD, 150GB/16MB Raptor
Plextor PX-755SA DVD (SATA)

trilight

Newbie

8. November 2006 @ 07:59

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Once again - thanks for the help! I will take your advice.

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