Understanding Ram?

V

vonfeldt7

New Member
Alright, I decided that I want my own computer (I have an old one...but..well..its crap). So I decided I would buy this computer . I wanted to upgrade the processor to the 4200+ and the vid. card to the 256MB NVIDIA Geforce 7300LE TurboCache.

I was thinking about also upgrading the RAM...but then I noticed that theres 2 gig sticks at both 2 and 4 DIMMS (both for the same price). I didnt understand this...and looked into it...now I'm just confussed beyond beleif. I've read various things (including the thread on this site about RAM) and I'm still confussed about a few things:

1. Does it matter if I select the 2gig 2DIMMS or the 2gig 4DIMMS

2. If I select a certain one...will it run at 1t or 2t (and how can I tell).

3. And lastly...do I need 2 gigs? I'm a casual gamer and I also run photoshop cs2, etc. I usually wouldnt worry about it...but with everything I see about vista...I dont know

Sorry for the long rant...or if you cant understand my questions. I've tried to find the answer myself...but find all the information overwhelming (maybe I'm too tired...school has been crazy lately).
 
ram3.jpg


"Can you hear me now?"
 
What the crap guys, is it so hard to answer vonfeldt's questions?

With 2GB - 2 DIMMs you will have 2 1GB sticks. With 2GB - 4 DIMMs you will have 4 512MB sticks. With 4 sticks you will run 2t command rate, 2 sticks can run at 1t. I'm not sure if the Dell BIOS will/is able to run 1t though. 2 sticks is generally better and if you want to upgrade letter then you don't have to get rid of any RAM.

Just playing casual games and using photoshop, you probably wouldn't need 2GB with XP but in vista you'll probably want it just to be safe.
 
Don't "upgrade" to the 7300LE. It's utter crap. It's the lowest end "new" card that you can get. Stay with the integrated graphics, and then put the $40 saved towards a better video card. At least an x1600 or a nvidia 7600. You won't be happy with the 7300LE.
 
Thank you to the last two posters...that helped. I'll definitely get the 2dimms one then. And about the graphics card...I looked into it, and even the best one you can get with this package is bad (according to cnet). So now I have a new question.

How can I find a graphics card that will be compatible with this computer? (What all do I have to "match up"? I know the connectors have to be the same...and something about power?
 
The system uses a PCI Express 16x graphics card. Any PCIe card should fit (a full length card might be a tight squeeze though, the motherboard has got a weird layout), you just need to be sure the power supply you get can handle the added load.

edit: oh. to those of you who posted garbage in here, I don't mind if you make (or try to :P) a joke in your post but give people an answer to their question as well, or try to get more information so you can answer the question later.
 
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Cromewell said:
The system uses a PCI Express 16x graphics card. Any PCIe card should fit (a full length card might be a tight squeeze though, the motherboard has got a weird layout), you just need to be sure the power supply you get can handle the added load.

edit: oh. to those of you who posted garbage in here, I don't mind if you make (or try to :P) a joke in your post but give people an answer to their question as well, or try to get more information so you can answer the question later.
Click to expand...

How do I do this? Where can I look to see how much power a certain video card uses? (or what kind of power supply the computer comes with) I read somewhere that it comes with a 305W psu...and that you cant replace it?
 
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generally, the better the video card, the more power.

you probably shouldnt go higher than a 1650xt or a 7600 gt on the stock power supply running that dual core amd.
 
If I buy a new psu?

like this

Or is this a crappy one? (I dont care if its loud...the computer I have now sounds like a lawn mower...so anything would be better).

Assuming this is decent, will it fit?
 
Okay, so if a video card says it needs "x" amount of watts, how do I know that the psu can supply that, plus the motherboard,etc.

Also, will certain graphics cards not work with vista? (directx 10)? (even the directx 9 cards?)
 
Yes DirectX9 cards will work with Vista.
If a video requires a certain wattage power supply, and you're wondering about a power supply, look at the wattage the company tells you on the power supply information (box, manual, whatever), but don't just trust that. You also have to check and make sure that the amperages on the 12V rail are 16-18A+. A good power supply will run you $50+ (more like $70+).
 
The video card will say 450W minimum PSU, so that means you need a 450W PSU. You don't need to calculate power usage of all your components
 
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