Fate544

So, according to Dell, my maximum amount of RAM is 2GB (total). I own an Ispiron 9400 with the nVidia 7900 GS. All in all, here's the build:

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo T7400 (2 GHz, 4 MB Cache, 667 MHz FSB)
Ram: 2GB (2x 1GB) DDR2 SDRam, 533 MHz
Hard Drive: 80GB, 5400 RPM SATA Hard Drive
Video Card: 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS
Soundcard: Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
OS: Microsoft Windows Vista

I wanted to upgrade because I just bought a new game (Age of Conan) and have been playing it on very moderate settings only getting 7-12 fps on average. I think that with my pretty decent processor and video card that it is the RAM holding me back. I want to upgrade to 4gb (2x 2gb) but according to any outlet website, my maximum memory is 2gb. What I have been able to uncover is that I have two PC2-5300 slots (I think). What it looks like is just that no one manufactures 2gb cards for that type of slot. If this is true I will be less then happy, why would I pay for the power of a gaming PC if all I could put in was 2gb of RAM when vista sucks up half of it (not exaggerating) just to run idle? ...I suppose if I can't buy any more, I'll reformat and install XP... *sigh* damn you vista.

ScOuT

I am a member of the Dell forum I'll check quick!

ScOuT

Yup....sorry but your Inspiration can only hold a maximum of 2gb of RAM. Below is a link into the Dell website for upgrades for your machine. Have you ran all the normal steps for performance? (Kill bloatware, start-up only necessary programs, disk-defrag, registry cleaner, get rid of programs you don't use, free up hard drive space by using an external HD, organize music, files and pictures)

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellsto...chassisid=8448

ScOuT

Here is the support page for your machine

http://support.dell.com/support/topi...NS_PNT_P4_9400

ScOuT

I just looked at your service manual....Now I am confused. In one spot of the Dell website it says an "Inspiration 9400 can only use a maximum of two 1GB RAM SO DIMM 200-pin - DDR II"

BUT....in your service manual it says "NOTE: Since the computer operating system reserves some memory for system files and activities, the amount of available memory that is displayed will be less than the total memory installed. If you install two 2-GB memory modules for a total of 4 GB, the memory total is reported as being less than 4 GB in the system setup program and by the Microsoft® Windows® operating system."

Two different answers in the same spot????

I think it will be safe to add 4GB of RAM and assume your computer can use it. Here is a link to some RAM for your machine. And a link to your user manual.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145193

http://support.dell.com/support/edoc...n/sm/index.htm

ScOuT

7-12 FPS....That's horrible. In my laptop I have a T7200 Duo Core 2.0 with an Nvidia 7950 GTX OC'ed and I get about 40 FPS on Call Of Duty 4 max all settings. I am not familiar with the game you talk about, but I can run Crysis at about 20 FPS. I have 2 GB of the RAM link I posted for you. I am running Vista Ultimate 64bit. Something is not right with your system...gotta be a problem somewhere.

Fate544

I am running 32 bit, and also, the game is uber demanding, I get about 23 fps on oblivion full settings, but the way they have it set up (every surface with different textures, no repeats) u need a lot of RAM to load it all

[-0MEGA-]

ScOuT, there is an edit button for a reason, lol.

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