memory --- can you buy too much?

D

dustyfan

n00b
Joined
Feb 8, 2010
Messages
7
Hi, all:

My dell dimension 5100 has 4 256MB memory slots. I upgraded 2 slots to 1 GB each, for total of 2.5 GB. Processor is a 3ghz Pentium 4.

crucial.com says comp can take 8 GB of total memory -- is that amount redundant or should I install max amount of memory?

Also don't know if purchased memory could be re-used in future comps, & whether it'd be Dell-only or work w any PC.

tx
 
Well it depends on the operating system you're running. If it's a 32-bit OS, then 3 is the upper practical limit anyway. Anything over that amount wouldn't be used.

If it's a 64 bit OS then you can use all 8 if you have a reason to do so.
 
Hi, cactuszach -- thanks for the quick reply

Windows XP Media Center Edition, Version 2002, Service Pack 3.
 
Hi, Oldie

I use XP Media Center, v 2002, Service Pack 3. Inside of comp's stamped 2005(!)

My requirements are mundane: the ability to have Firefox, Chrome, IE open, run Word 2007, Excel, Outlook, watch Netflix, some gaming. Accommodate Vonage.

tx!
 
Don't think there was a 64bit version of that OS so stay with your current 2.5GB of RAM.
 
With what you said you're doing above, I can't imagine a reason to add more memory. What you already have should be more than adequate.
 
Thanks -- didn't have frame of reference for these programs' overall memory requirements. Sounds like any more would be overkill.

Can memory be removed and installed in new comps?

Much appreciated
 
Thanks, seems 2.5GB is enough.

Are memory cards portable to other Dells/PC brands?

tx again
 
dustyfan said:
Can memory be removed and installed in new comps?
Click to expand...

Depends:
- Whether or not the new PC supports the RAM type from the old PC (DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, etc)
- Whether or not the RAM is within the max RAM voltages for that PC.
- Whether or not the RAM is within the minimum RAM speed for that PC

In your case, you might be using either DDR1 or DDR2 RAM. In which case, more than likely you'll be able to reuse that RAM in most new PCs these days since most PCs these days uses DDR3 RAM.
 
Cool, thanks again!

I bought:

2GB kit (1GBx2), 240-pin DIMM Upgrade for Dell Dimension 5100:
DDR PC2-3200
DDR PC2-6400

"Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-6400,DDR2 PC2-8500,DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 2GB per slot."
Maximum Memory Capacity: 8192MB
Currently Installed Memory: 2.5GB
Available Memory Slots: 0
Total Memory Slots: 4
Dual Channel Support: No
CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
CPU Family: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz Model 4, Stepping 3
CPU Speed: 2992 MHz
Installed in pairs of modules.
 
Would you modify anything else in order to improve the comp, or just eventually replace it?

tx
 
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