Help upgrade RAM and USB ports

Tim B · 01-30-2007, 05:13 AM

While I apprieciate Sticky's "class" on RAM, it was still too much for my needs.

I have a Dell with Pentium 4 2 Ghz machine with 256 RAM, going throught the DELL site it could narrow my machine down to a Dimension 8200 with either a 400 mhz or 533 mhz Front Side Bus and it seemed to make a difference as to what additional RAM they recommended.

If if makes a difference, how do I figure out what FSB I have, and how do I tell what RAM component fits?

Also, I have USB-1 ports and want to upgraded to USB-2. Are these off-the-shelf items, or are they tailored to the machine?

Thanks,
Tim

PohTayToez · 01-30-2007, 05:21 AM

USB ports are normally built in to either the case or the motherboard, there is not really an easy way to upgrade them. You might be able to find some firewire to usb converter or something, but I've never seen anything that could specifically work.

cybergomer · 01-30-2007, 06:56 AM

USB is an easy fix. All you need is a USB PCI card like this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815124002

It has both USB and firewire, you may not need the firewire, but it may be worthwhile to have.

And as for your RAM issue, I would suggest turning off your computer, unplugging it, and physically pulling out your RAM and looking at it. Most have little tags on them telling you the manufacturer, size and speed of the RAM. Once you know what it is, it should be easy to figure out what type you need.

**Archangel** · 01-30-2007, 10:08 AM

maybe you can even read the sticker on the RAM without pulling it out.

[-0MEGA-] · 01-30-2007, 01:59 PM

Download cpu-z from www.cpuid.com, it will show you the fsb of your processor.

As for the USB2.0 ports, you can buy an add-on card for under $10 that goes in your PCI slot and lets you have 4 or more USB 2.0 slots.

Tim B · 01-30-2007, 04:22 PM

Thanks to all for the info and advice. USB card seems easy enough. I'll see what I can figure out about RAM.

01-30-2007, 05:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
Tim B New Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2	Help upgrade RAM and USB ports While I apprieciate Sticky's "class" on RAM, it was still too much for my needs. I have a Dell with Pentium 4 2 Ghz machine with 256 RAM, going throught the DELL site it could narrow my machine down to a Dimension 8200 with either a 400 mhz or 533 mhz Front Side Bus and it seemed to make a difference as to what additional RAM they recommended. If if makes a difference, how do I figure out what FSB I have, and how do I tell what RAM component fits? Also, I have USB-1 ports and want to upgraded to USB-2. Are these off-the-shelf items, or are they tailored to the machine? Thanks, Tim

01-30-2007, 10:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
Archangel Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Netherlands Age: 22 Posts: 9,895	maybe you can even read the sticker on the RAM without pulling it out. __________________ Don't hit me with them negative waves so early in the morning.

01-30-2007, 01:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
[-0MEGA-] VIP Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Goffstown, NH Age: 21 Posts: 28,962	Download cpu-z from www.cpuid.com, it will show you the fsb of your processor. As for the USB2.0 ports, you can buy an add-on card for under $10 that goes in your PCI slot and lets you have 4 or more USB 2.0 slots. __________________ Core 2 Quad Q9550 @ 4.1GHz Asus Rampage Formula X48 ATI 4870 X2 2GB GDDR5 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 960 300GB Raptor // 2x 750GB Creative SB X-Fi Titanium Fatal1ty SilverStone 750W +12V@60A 3DMark06: 22605 www.photosbygeoff.com

01-30-2007, 04:22 PM	#6 (permalink)
Tim B New Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 2	Thanks Thanks to all for the info and advice. USB card seems easy enough. I'll see what I can figure out about RAM.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Switch to Linear Mode Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

01-30-2007, 05:21 AM	#2 (permalink)
PohTayToez Diamond Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Illinois Age: 20 Posts: 3,353	USB ports are normally built in to either the case or the motherboard, there is not really an easy way to upgrade them. You might be able to find some firewire to usb converter or something, but I've never seen anything that could specifically work.

01-30-2007, 06:56 AM	#3 (permalink)
cybergomer Bronze Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 96	USB is an easy fix. All you need is a USB PCI card like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815124002 It has both USB and firewire, you may not need the firewire, but it may be worthwhile to have. And as for your RAM issue, I would suggest turning off your computer, unplugging it, and physically pulling out your RAM and looking at it. Most have little tags on them telling you the manufacturer, size and speed of the RAM. Once you know what it is, it should be easy to figure out what type you need.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
USB ports - have to switch back n forth to work	calpolyarc	Motherboards	0	04-13-2006 05:34 PM
My Mouse Port and USB Ports Don't Work!	Nintega	Desktop Computers	1	01-25-2006 04:59 AM
Advice on upgrading RAM	dcloud	Computer Memory and Hard Drives	2	09-17-2005 04:48 AM
Upgrade help	jman15	Video Cards and Monitors	2	03-25-2005 02:46 PM
how to upgrade bios	stratford	Motherboards	7	11-09-2004 08:18 PM