RAM upgrade question...

A

all5horizons

New Member
So I'm trying to upgrade my computer so I can get the most out of playing decent games (specifically Medieval Total War II), and while I have a pretty crappy video card (Radeon X300 SE), I've only got 512MB of memory and I figure this will be the easiest to upgrade first. I have a Dell Precision 370 and a 3.4Ghz Pentium 4 Processor. For my memory specs, it says:

Dual channel DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) non-ECC and 533-MHz (PC2–4300) ECC SDRAM.

NOTE: Ensure that you do not mix ECC and non-ECC memory.

NOTE: Your computer does not support registered or buffered memory

So basically what should I buy to get up to decent gaming speed for the most reasonable cost?
 
Emperor_nero said:
Maybe 1GB DDR2 800MHZ? try from www.newegg.com
Click to expand...

DDR2 memory over 533mhz will not work on a DDR/DDR2 board unless the board is a Socket AM2 type board capable of running both types. :rolleyes: At look at the board specifications is the first thing to do in order to see what memory is supported. The specifications are found at http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/precn_370?c=us&cs=&l=en&s=dfh&

A pair of 1gb dimms would give a boost for gaming as well as a good video card. PC2-4300 is the fastest supported 240pin memory there. Fortunately 2gb of Kingston Hyperx PC2-4300 memory is available at http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144176 :D
 
Four DIMM slots support up to 4GB dual-channel DDR2 400 non-ECC memory or Up to 4GB2 DDR2 533 ECC memory

DIMMs available as follows:
DDR2 400 non-ECC 1GB, 512MB or 256MB
DDR2 533 ECC 1GB, 512MB or 256MB
 
Yeah I plan on upgrading my video card too, but I've been told that my memory is low enough that I may see results first by upgrading RAM first.
 
DDR2 memory over 533mhz will not work on a DDR/DDR2 board unless the board is a Socket AM2 type board capable of running both types.
Click to expand...
DDR2-667 and up works just on any system with memory controller that supports it not just AM2.

I have to agree with your recommendation though...DDR2-533 would be what I'd suggest. Do you know if your system came with ECC RAM or not?
 
Some boards will run DDR400 or DDR2667 memory due to having two sets of dimm slots as well as the different memory controllers. The obvoius difference seen right off is going from 184pin to 240pin types. You can't run both types together when adding memory there.

What are you using for sound there? Once you start building up the case there you will want something besides onboard if you are using that. Creative's EAX is about a "must have" for a good number of the newer games out. Even on a good number of some older ones Sound Blaster always seems to come through there. :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top