memory upgrade question

joey515 wrote on 8/26/2003, 5:58 PM

I have a Dell Dimension L800r desktop but it only has 128 MB of memory. I want to add more memory but Dell says I have to buy it from them to guarantee that its compatible. Is this a bunch of bunk to make me buy memory from them at a higher price? If I buy other brands, will they work? I understand that Kingston Technology makes good memory. How can I check the compatibility before I order?

Thanks a bunch. Joe

Comments

Chienworks wrote on 8/26/2003, 6:51 PM

Dimension L___r:

Memory
Architecture non-ECC SDRAM 168-pin modules
DIMM sockets two; gold contacts
DIMM capacities 32, 64, 128, 256, and 512 MB
Minimum RAM 32 MB (64 MB for systems running Microsoft® Windows NT®)1
Maximum RAM 512 MB
Frequency 100 MHz
Clock cycle 10 ns (supports four clocks only)
CAS latency three
SPD revision 1.2
Buffering unbuffered
Voltage 3.3 V
Data bus width 64 bits
BIOS address F0000h

Any memory that meets these specs will work fine. Kingston, Crucial, and Corsair all make good inexpensive memory.

JohnnyRoy wrote on 8/26/2003, 7:00 PM

> Is this a bunch of bunk to make me buy memory from them at a higher price?

Need you ask? This is absolute nonsense. Go to Crucial or Kingston or any other reputable memory dealer and use their configurator to get the exact memory you need for less. The configurator will make sure you select the right memory.

I just checked and Dell site has two memory modules listed for the Dimension L Series:

256MB SDRAM, PC100, Non-Parity, Unbuffered $95.95
128 MB SDRAM, PC100, Non-Parity, Unbuffered $42.95

On the Crucial web site they list the following modules for the Dimension L Series (among others):

256MB SDRAM, PC100, Non-Parity, $62.99
128MB SDRAM, PC100, Non-Parity, $35.99

The Kingston site was actually more expensive than Dell at $108 and $55 respectively for the 256MB and 128MB modules. I’ve purchased Crucial memory several times for myself and my friends and have never had any problems.

~jr

joey515 wrote on 8/27/2003, 10:27 AM

Thanks y'all. I figured it was just that easy, I'm just not sure exactly what spec's I need to meet. Chienworks listed the specs for my memory, but when I shop online, such as at Pricewatch.com, very few memory dealers list all of those specs. Which are the most crucial ones that I need to make sure are matched? I assume:

SDRAM
PC-100
non-parity
168-pin
non-ECC

but what about CAS Latency, buffering, voltage, clock cycle, etc?

Thanks,
Joe

Chienworks wrote on 8/27/2003, 10:51 AM

You're correct on the important specs. The other specs are often tied to the first. For example, PC-100 memory pretty much defines latency and clock cycle too. That it's SDRAM for a desktop defines the voltage. Almost all SDRAM is 168 pin (otherwise it's a special order that you probably won't find listed anyway). So if you meet the important specs the others will match too. Note that it is ok to use faster memory than the spec calls for; you can use PC-133 memory in a PC-100 system (actually most places charge less for PC-133). Sometimes in an emergency you can use slower memory than the spec, but that will slow the whole computer down.

Also note that Dell specifies a maximum of 512MB for your computer. I assume it has two memory slots. If you add one 256MB module you'll get 384MB. If you want more than that you'll have to remove the 128MB you already have and replace it with another 256MB.

joey515 wrote on 8/27/2003, 2:04 PM

Thanks for your help. I think I've got all I need. Cheers, Joe