How can I find out what kind of RAM I have?

[Barkeep49]

I have decided to go on a bit of a computer upgrade spree tomorrow and besides getting a MIMO router and card for my wirless connection I also want to go from 1 GIG of RAM to 2. However, it's beena bit since I purchased my computer and I don't remember exactly what kind of RAM I have. I plan on buying 2 1 GB modules (I currently have 4 250 modules). Since I will be replacing all of my modules does it even matter what kind I have now? Any help is appreciated on this Chirstmas day.

[vtbub]

Yeah, it does matter. Your computer should tell you what kind of ram is in there. Worst case, take an old module out and bring it to the store.

I know Staples has an online configurator. I got new memory for christmas.

[AgustusM]

I like this site for that type of information, even if you don't buy from them - put in your computer model and it should tell you what you should have. Of course you could always just open it up, take one out and look at the label on it as well - but I like the easy approach of this website.

http://www.memorysuppliers.com/meco.html

Merry Christmas to all and god bless

[Airhog]

There are only a few types of memory on the market these days.

SDRAM - Older ram, used by AMD and intel. Slower than new memory. This kind of package has two slots dividing the gold fingers on it
RDRAM - Used only on Intel chips. Your motherboard has to support this kind of memory for it to work. I don't like it personally.
DDR - Newer ram, faster than SDRAM. Is best in pairs if your motherboard supports Dual channel. Only has one slot in between the gold fingers, There is also overclocked DDR, which is memory that meets certain tolerances.
DDR2- Newest memory on the market. Fast. I assume that it will work in a computer that accepts DDR, however, if your motherboard cannot handle the faster memory speed, it won't be faster.



You might be able to go into your bios and determine the maximum speed of your memory. The easiet way would be to open your case, grab the model number of your motherboard off of it, and look it up on the internet, and they you will not just what kind of memory you can use to get the most bang for your dollar.

[MizzouRah]

I think Crucial.com has the same memory configurator or you could open up your pc and type the part number in to google.

[Rizon]

Download "Sandra" (It's free and won't install viruses, spyware or other badies). Within System Summary it will be listed.

Find it here:
hxxp://www.sisoftware.net/

PS: That's Sandra Lite, the other versions cost money.

[Barkeep49]

Thanks to everyone, especially Rizon for that nifty little program.

Ok I found out that I have DDR. Now my question is this: I have four slots currently and know that my system can handle at most 2 GIG. I also believe that with this I have to install in pairs like the bad old days. If I were to buy 2 1 GIG and remove all four of the current ram, will there be any problems? In particular I am looking at geting the RAM which CompUSA has on sale for 89.99 each.

I really appreciate the help.

[MizzouRah]

Thanks to everyone, especially Rizon for that nifty little program.

Ok I found out that I have DDR. Now my question is this: I have four slots currently and know that my system can handle at most 2 GIG. I also believe that with this I have to install in pairs like the bad old days. If I were to buy 2 1 GIG and remove all four of the current ram, will there be any problems? In particular I am looking at geting the RAM which CompUSA has on sale for 89.99 each.

I really appreciate the help.
Yes, I think with DDR, empty slots can exsist.

[Poli]

I need a bit of a RAM upgrade myself. My old Gateway 800Mhz processor is running with 192MB of RAM.

Maybe I'll put off BBCF for now. :)

[Airhog]

With DDR you can upgrade single sticks or in pairs, however, if they are not done in pairs you lose Dual channel capability.

[Barkeep49]

Thanks again to everyone for their help. The ram has been installed and my computer is running faster than ever (especially with my new MIMO network in action as well)

[Airhog]

Good to hear Barkeep. I wish I didn't need a new couch or a dining room table, otherwise I might spend my tax return this year on some new computer goodies :D

[sterlingice]

Also, sometimes it's better to leave a slot or two of memory open. I'm not sure why by a lot of places, when reviewing mobos, have problems with 3rd and 4th slots on them. Anyone know why that is?

SI