Question on Installing RAM in Dell B110

C

CavemanWithAComp

New Member
I just purchased the cheapest computer Dell has to offer, the B110 ($350 piece of cannon fodder). It bogs down occasionally, so I think I need to add some RAM (only have 256). I read the manual and it states, "DDR memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size. This means that if you purchased your computer with 128 MB of memory installed and you want to add another 128 MB of memory, you should install it in the appropriate connector. If the DDR memory modules are not installed in matched pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance."

Now, does this mean that if I want to upgrade my memory I must add a 256 meg stick of RAM to match my existing 256? Or can I buy a 1 gig stick and just slap her in with the 256? It's worded weirdly and I'm new to computers.

Also, is it generally a good idea to buy Dell memory for Dell computers?

Thanks for any help.
 
Last edited:
In general it is always better when a system running mulltiple dimms uses equal sized and identical types of ram. If you go out and buy a matched pair of 256mb or 512mb dimms even a pair of 1gb dimms you will see the best overall performance especially with large applications, games, high end multimedia playback, and the like. On your system you could simply add a 128mb dimm and not see any real problems except for what is termed memory holes when the first dimm fills and leaps to the next.

A good pair of 512s will generally cover most needs. Boosting ram higher helps with large apps and most newer games. A pair of 512s would work there rather then a 1gb and 256mb mixup. Dell memory is generally a name brand with Dell's labeling seen on it. As long as you know the type and speed you shouldn't see problems with memory bought elsewhere. If it takes DDR400 dual sided dimms that is what you would add. If the present dimm is single sided you would add a 256mb single sided dimm to increase memory there. You can't mix types while being able to mix different sizes of the same.
 
You are a gentleman and scholar. Thanks for the advice. I'm glad to know that there are kind souls like yourself still out there! My manual says the following about my memory, so I assume any type of DDR400 184 pin DIMM will work, such as: http://cgi.ebay.com/2-X-512MB-DDR-MEMORY-DELL-Dimension-1100-B110-2350-2400_W0QQitemZ150014379443QQihZ005QQcategoryZ74942QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Memory

Type
333- and 400-MHz DDR SDRAM

NOTE: DDR333 and DDR400 memory runs at 266MHz when configured with Celeron 400MHz FSB processors

NOTE: DDR333 memory runs at 320MHz when configured with Pentium 4 800MHz FSB processors

Memory connectors
two

Memory capacities
128-, 256-, 512-, or 1-GB non-ECC

Minimum memory
128 MB

NOTE: Between 1 and 64 MB of system memory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.

Maximum memory
2 GB

BIOS address
F0000h
 
The problem with Dell there is the backwardness seen. When running the current 2gb of DDR400 PC3200 dimms first on a Socket A model board and now on a Socket 939 model the memory reads and runs at 400mhz with both board having a 400mhz fsb. The 400mhz fsb on a newer system should see the memory running at max rather then dropping from 400 to 266mhz. But the links for vendors on the link there will give you some better options for pricing and otherwise.
 
The computer I have is new (3 months old), so I'm not sure why the manual references 400-800mhz processors. Mine is 2.53Ghz. Will DDR400 still run at 320?

Thanks a bunch!
 
Nevermind that last post, I understand what you mean now. Thanks! Also, that eBay auction is the cheapest I could find 2 x 512M sticks ($100). Most places want $55 and up for one stick. I'll keep looking..
 
For $8- more you could get a 512mb DDR400 dimm at http://www.upgradenation.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MEM-DDR512400 For $10- you could get a Micron DDR400 dimm for $45 at the same vendor for that brand of memory. http://www.upgradenation.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MEM-DDRM512400
The more important thing to note about buying DDR333 instead of DDR400 at the present time is an eventual upgrade where DDR400 can be used on newer system boards still while DDR333 dimms are out except for upgrading an older board. Soon DDR400 will go by the wayside since DDR2 is already what is seen on most new boards. Is your model the Inspiron or Dimension? The B110 number doesn't match on support searches. Your board most likely runs dual sided dimms where you will see ic chips on both sides not just one on a dimm. I do find it odd that DDR400 would only run at 266mhz while DDR333 will see 320mhz there. That has to do with the cpu fsb on two different model lines mainly. With the faster model having DDR333 seeing 320mhz that should also see DDR400 right up close to 400mhz drop 10 or 20 there.

On choice of brands many will go after Corsair, Crucial, Kingston. with OCZ being the premium name there. The Micron sold at the link above would see $90- with a return policy from a regular vendor rather then a see who bids the highest on a one time deal. At a pc show recently I picked up a pair of Kingston 1gb DDR400 dimms for $110-! For $10 over the EBay price I got not only faster but larger dimms. If Micron compares to PNY you'll get by with a pair of 512s from the vendor ok.
 
I see what you mean about future upgrades. I think I'll go with the DDR400, once I find a decent buy. My computer is a Dell Dimension 1100 (or B110). It goes by both numbers for some reason.
 
I found that my I have a 533mhz fsb. So, I assume that DDR400 dimm will run at the 266? Would it be wise to go with the DDR333 if I don't plan on upgrading much else beside memory? This stuff is all so confusing, but I'm starting to get it - I've read lots of FAQS, and forum discussions help a lot too.

Thanks again, Eye.
 
The FAQ you posted earlier referred to the Celeron with a 400mhz fsb. That would drop the DDR400 down to 266mhz according to that information. With the 533mhz fsb that should climb. Apparently the model cpu installed has the final say in what speed the installed memory runs at on Dell systems. Seeing those faqs from Dell support makes me glad I build my own cases to avoid the confusion seen there. It seems like they are going in a reverse direction when faster memory is backclocked on a new model.
 
Corsair has a good name so those should out well for you. You will see a difference right away when running any good sized programs. Having 1gb or more of ram will help in a lot of ways. You may not notice it at first but even Windows will load a little faster when starting the system.
 
Excellent! That's exactly what I need. I especially want to try World of Warcraft, but I didn't think it'd run very smooth with such minimal ram. My fiancee plays Zoo Tycoon and it bogs down, so maybe this'll help. Also, I get a "windows virtual memory running low" message quite a bit.

Again, many thanks for your sagacious insight.
 
If needed you can adjust the size of the page file to compensate or even disable it if there are any problems seen running those games. Generally the best place to look for gaming issues is right at the game manufacturer's FAQ or troubleshooting section for tips.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top