Insiron 531 RAM Configuration

J

jnesmith

New Member
Hello:

I just ordered a Dell Inspiron 531. It is shipping with 1 GB (2 x 512) DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz. OS is Vista Premium 32 bit.

I want to upgrade to 2 or 3GB. While poking around a popular online vendor, I noticed that I could get 2GB PC2 6400 for about the same price as 2GB PC2 5300. However, I think that if I mix 800 Mhz with 667 MHz, all the sticks will default to 667MHz.

Assuming I can get PC2 6400 for essentially the same price as PC2 5300 (all else being equal), is there any advantage or disadvantge to the 800 Mhz? Would I be better off just using the 2 1GB 800 MHz sticks without the 2 512 667 Mhz sticks? In other words, is 3GB @ 667 better than 2GB @ 800?

I really am a novice, so I apologize if I have not provided enough information, or have somehow screwed up the explanation.

I am really looking for advice on the best way to go about upgrading the RAM. Try to take advantage of the RAM coming with the machine vs. start fresh, etc..

P.S.

I don't do any gaming. I will be installing an HD video card, and do some photo and video editing. That's about as demanding as my use gets.

I really appreciate any and all help.
 
Some motherboards are picky about mixing memory and will not work correctly. Other motherboards work fine with mixed brands and speeds of memory.

Does anyone know if a Dell Inspirons motherboard will function with mixed Random Access Memory modules? I know Foxconn motherboards will not function with mixed memory.

I would suggest upgrading to 2 gigabytes of memory. 3 gigabytes won't improve your performance by very much, but if you feel you want to spend the extra money for an extra gigabyte, it wouldn't do any harm. You also won't notice much difference in system performance between PC2-5300 and PC2-6400 speeds. Go with the speed which costs less.
 
Thanks. This is what the manual says. If I am interpreting it correctly, then I only need each "pair" to be consistent. Do you agree?

Memory Installation Guidelines
• DIMM connectors must be populated in a numerical order, beginning with
connectors DIMM_1 and DIMM_2, then connectors DIMM_3 and DIMM_4.
If a single DIMM is installed, you must install it in connector DIMM_1.
• For best performance, memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched
memory size, speed, and technology. If the memory modules are not installed in
matched pairs, the computer will operate, but with a slight reduction in
performance. (See the label on the module to determine the module’s
capacity.) For example, if you install a mixed pair of DDR2 667-MHz and
DDR2 800-MHz memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
NOTICE: If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a
memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may have,
even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. If possible, do not pair an original
memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer may not
start properly. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in
DIMM connectors 1 and 2 or DIMM connectors 3 and 4.
NOTE: Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.
1 Pair A: matched pair of memory
modules in connectors DIMM_1
and DIMM_2

2 Pair B: matched pair of memory
modules in connectors DIMM_3
and DIMM_4
 
From my understanding, you can install more memory and mix it with the original memory modules as long as your original pair are placed in sockets 1 and 2 or 3 and 4.
 
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