Help upgrade RAM and USB ports

T

Tim B

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

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16815124002

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.
 
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.
 
Thanks

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