RAM shopping

Trinis · August 2009

I'm in the market for a RAM upgrade on this rather bland Dell I picked up for $25 (!). CPU is 2.8ghz, and the motherboard has four DDR SDRAM slots. I currently have 896mb of ram in it with some 512mb and 256mb sticks I scavenged and a 128mb stick that came in it.

I'm looking to upgrade to the maximum it can handle or use effectively. I heard somewhere that the conversion is 1 ghz per 1gb of ram (so having 3gb would be best?), but I've also heard that matching sticks is more effective than having a mismatched setup. So I was wondering what configuration would be best for me: two 2gb sticks or three 1gb sticks?

Money is definitely a consideration here. If the recommendation comes out to be two 2gb sticks would I still be able to run the pc well with a single stick, then buying a second one next month?

Thanks in advance.

Solysp · August 2009

Step 1 would be to find out what model motherboard you have, and from there find some documentation on what RAM speeds and size it can support.

Trinis · August 2009

Motherboard Properties
Motherboard ID <DMI>
Motherboard Name Dell Computer Corporation OptiPlex GX270

Front Side Bus Properties
Bus Type Intel NetBurst
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 133 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 533 MHz
Bandwidth 4267 MB/s

Memory Bus Properties
Bus Type DDR SDRAM
Bus Width 64-bit
Real Clock 133 MHz (DDR)
Effective Clock 267 MHz
Bandwidth 2133 MB/s

Chipset Bus Properties
Bus Type Intel Hub Interface
Bus Width 8-bit
Real Clock 67 MHz (QDR)
Effective Clock 267 MHz
Bandwidth 267 MB/s

edit-
Since my effective clock speed is 267 Mhz on the memory bus, does this mean I need RAM that is equal or less than this speed, or will it run higher speed ram at 267 Mhz? The bandwidth of 2133 MB/s seems to support 2 gig sticks, am I reading that correctly?

Dman · August 2009

Trinis wrote: »

I heard somewhere that the conversion is 1 ghz per 1gb of ram but I've also heard that matching sticks is more effective than having a mismatched setup.

This is wrong. regular windows xp can only use 4 gigs of ram total, that includes your graphics card. the ghz reference does sort of apply in that the faster your cpu is the faster your ram can be set but your also limited by the motherboard.

Trinis wrote: »

but I've also heard that matching sticks is more effective than having a mismatched setup.

This is correct, mismatched sticks all run at the speed of the slowest stick.

Trinis wrote: »

If the recommendation comes out to be two 2gb sticks would I still be able to run the pc well with a single stick, then buying a second one next month?

You can run on a single 2gig stick ....assuming your motherboard can handle it

You need to know a little about your motherboard.

ram also often runs best in pairs. if I was you I'd buy a 2pack of 1g sticks and run those and possibly the two 512 sticks you already have. It'll cost you about as much as another computer

$25

but it's probably the best you can do!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147%201052108080&name=240-Pin%20DDR2%20SDRAM

elfdude · August 2009

press windows key, then r (or click start>run) type dxdiag and hit enter

click the save all information button and upload it here.

I'm suspecting that the ddr2 sdram ram that dman linked won't work but I don't know for sure. If I'm right you need ddr1 ram and it's going to be pretty expensive as far as ram goes (40$ or so for a gig). It's very bad ram but it'll probably be the best you can get. I'm guessing you have 184 pin ddr1 sdram capabilities.

Trinis · August 2009

Wow thanks for all the good info. I ran the scanner at crucial.com, and from the results offered it seems that I max out at 1gb per slot. The prices over there are too steep though. I had checked Tiger Direct but Newegg seems to have the best deals. Since the Crucial scanner tells me I can support up to DDR SDRAM PC3200, will and PC3200 ram work? Looks like I can get a couple 1gb PC3200 sticks for about $60 there.

Edit> Yes you are exactly right elfdude, I can only support 184 pin ddr1.

Trinis · August 2009

Massive spoiler for dxdiag if it is still needed.

System Information

Time of this report: 8/10/2009, 17:58:36
Machine name: HOHOHO
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090206-1234)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: OptiPlex GX270
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A04
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz
Memory: 894MB RAM
Page File: 381MB used, 1942MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

DxDiag Notes

DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

DirectX Debug Levels

Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

Display Devices

Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8400 GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_06E4&SUBSYS_05CE196E&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1024 x 768 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Default Monitor
Monitor Max Res:
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0011.8250 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 6186880 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 6280416 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-45A4-11CF-E45A-C52500C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x06E4
SubSys ID: 0x05CE196E
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

Sound Devices

Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D5&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.3555 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 2/28/2003 09:17:18, 545024 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Analog Devices
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX(tm) 2.0 Listen/Src: No, No
I3DL2(tm) Listen/Src: No, No
Sensaura(tm) ZoomFX(tm): No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

Sound Capture Devices

Description: SoundMAX Digital Audio
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: smwdm.sys
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.3555 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 2/28/2003 09:17:18, 545024 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

DirectMusic

DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
SoundMAX Digital Audio, Software (Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

DirectInput Devices

Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

USB Devices

Gameport Devices

PS/2 Devices

DirectPlay Service Providers

DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Internet TCP/IP Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
IPX Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpwsockx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Modem Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)
Serial Connection For DirectPlay - Registry: OK, File: dpmodemx.dll (5.03.2600.5512)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

DirectPlay Adapters

DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Wireless Network Connection 2 - IPv4 -

DirectPlay Voice Codecs

Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech(TM) 8.6 kbit/s

DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps

Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives

Drive: C:
Free Space: 13.6 GB
Total Space: 38.1 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: WDC WD400BB-75FJA1

Drive:

Model: HL-DT-ST CD-ROM GCR-8483B
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:46, 62976 bytes

Drive: E:
Model: MZIFEFE C9A30XEFC SCSI CdRom Device
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:46, 62976 bytes

System Devices

Name: Video Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2572&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&10
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) 82865G\PE\P Processor to I/O Controller - 2570
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2570&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&00
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24DE
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24DE&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&EB
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbuhci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:35, 20608 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:37, 59520 bytes

Name: Standard OpenHCD USB Host Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24DD&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&EF
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbohci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:35, 17152 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:37, 59520 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24DB&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&F9
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pciide.sys, 5.01.2600.0000 (English), 8/17/2001 13:51:52, 3328 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:29, 24960 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:30, 96512 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D7
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D7&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&EA
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbuhci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:35, 20608 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:37, 59520 bytes

Name: SoundMAX Integrated Digital Audio
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D5&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&FD
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ksuser.dll, 5.03.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:11:56, 4096 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\ksproxy.ax, 5.03.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:42, 129536 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\ks.sys, 5.03.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 15:16:36, 141056 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\drmk.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:14, 60160 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\portcls.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 15:19:41, 146048 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\stream.sys, 5.03.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:15, 49408 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\wdmaud.drv, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:45, 23552 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\smwdm.sys, 5.12.0001.3555 (English), 2/28/2003 09:17:18, 545024 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\smsens.sys, 5.12.0001.0000 (English), 10/28/2002 11:26:06, 3744 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\aeaudio.sys, 1.00.0000.0000 (English), 4/1/2002 13:15:00, 4816 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\a3d.dll, 4.12.0001.2008 (English), 9/19/2001 13:32:26, 720896 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D4
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D4&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&E9
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbuhci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:35, 20608 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:37, 59520 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB SMBus Controller - 24D3
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D3&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&FB
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB USB Universal Host Controller - 24D2
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D2&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&E8
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbuhci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:35, 20608 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbport.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:36, 143872 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\usbui.dll, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 20:12:08, 74240 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\usbhub.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:45:37, 59520 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB Ultra ATA Storage Controllers
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D1&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&FA
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pciide.sys, 5.01.2600.0000 (English), 8/17/2001 13:51:52, 3328 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pciidex.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:29, 24960 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\atapi.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:40:30, 96512 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB LPC Interface Controller - 24D0
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_24D0&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&172E68DD&0&F8
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\isapnp.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:36:41, 37248 bytes

Name: Intel(R) 82801EB PCI Bridge - 244E
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_244E&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_C2\3&172E68DD&0&F0
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Network Connection
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_100E&SUBSYS_01511028&REV_02\4&1C660DD6&0&60F0
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\e1000325.sys, 7.00.0034.0002 (English), 7/11/2003 10:58:42, 121856 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\Prounstl.exe, 7.00.0005.0000 (English), 7/11/2003 12:15:48, 118784 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\e1000325.din, 9/3/2002 02:34:38, 2725 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\IntelNic.dll, 2.04.0000.0000 (English), 12/29/2002 05:00:02, 24064 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\e1000msg.dll, 2/11/2003 09:58:50, 126976 bytes

Name: PCI standard PCI-to-PCI bridge
Device ID: PCI\VEN_12D8&DEV_E110&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_01\4&1C660DD6&0&40F0
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\pci.sys, 5.01.2600.5512 (English), 4/13/2008 14:36:44, 68224 bytes

Name: Realtek RTL8185 54M Wireless LAN Network Adapter #2
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8185&SUBSYS_822513D1&REV_20\4&1C660DD6&0&38F0
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\rtl8185.sys, 5.1105.0321.2008 (English), 3/21/2008 17:59:00, 308480 bytes

Name: NVIDIA GeForce 8400 GS
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_06E4&SUBSYS_05CE196E&REV_A1\5&21F8B573&0&0040F0
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\DRIVERS\nv4_mini.sys, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 6280416 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nv4_disp.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 6186880 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 163908 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvapi.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 667648 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvcuda.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 1560576 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvcuvid.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 401408 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvoglnt.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 9596928 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvcpl.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 13684736 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvmctray.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 86016 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvwddi.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 81920 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvmccs.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 229376 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvmccsrs.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (Arabic), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 45056 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvdisps.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 4710400 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvgames.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 3489792 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvmccss.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 188416 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvmobls.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 1273856 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvvitvs.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 3796992 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvwss.dll, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 2744320 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvPVEnc.ax, 6.14.0011.8250 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 1253376 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\help\nvcpl.hlp, 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 177897 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\help\nvwcplen.hlp, 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 55444 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvcod.dll, 1.04.0002.0037 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 139264 bytes
Driver: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvcodins.dll, 1.04.0002.0037 (English), 3/27/2009 10:03:00, 139264 bytes

Some info removed to meet character limit (sound/directx stuff)

Dman · August 2009

arg i was slowly writing up my post when you posted your specs.

according to wiki the slowest ddr2 ram transfers at 3200 MB/s...
ddr1 ram transfers at (among other rates) 2100 MB/s...
which means your almost certainly running ddr1 ram and the stuff I linked won't work (it was all ddr2).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR_SDRAM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM

it's the pins that really matter but the transfer rates tell a bleak story :?
my apologies.

Edit: I am so beated....

elfdude · August 2009

well there you go. Go to newegg, I'd suggest finding the biggest ram you can (I think 1gig is the biggest they offer the higher the number the better), at the fastest speed you can (I think ddr 400 is the fastest the higher the number the better) with the lowest latency and best timing you can find (2/2/2 I think is the best if the lower the number the better). Scale it back from those numbers until you get the to the price you're looking for then find the best you can at that price.

Trinis · August 2009

Yeah, it will never be a top of the line machine or anything, but I was running Fallout 3 on the current setup on lowish settings with very little lag (I do have a 512mb video card). So I think a couple gig sticks should help pretty well. Next step will be a 1 gig card with hdmi so I can play Soldier of Fortune 2 from the couch on my tv... mmmmm.

Thanks so much for the help guys.

BlindZenDriver · August 2009

Trinis wrote: »

I'm looking to upgrade to the maximum it can handle or use effectively.

Whenever I need to know anything about what RAM to get and I do not have some sort of system manual I turn to Crucial. They are a brand name memory company and their home page has a wizard which tells all you need to know. If you buy from them they even guarantee compatibility but otherwise just use their info.

Here is a link to their site where I looked up your Dell http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=OptiPlex%20GX270%20Series%20%28Desktop%20and%20Mini-Tower%29&pl=Dell&cat=RAM (Note I assumed your machine is a normal Desktop/Mid-Tower and not a slim-line model as that would be different).

As you will see in the link Crucial quotes from Dell specs which says 4x1 GB is max. and you should only buy pairs. 2 different sticks of say 1 GB sticks may work but it could also cause problems so if you do not get pairs run some memory test before doing anything important on the machine. Memory problems can cause corrupt files so even with things looking fine you could see trouble next time you need an important file!

Also, as was mentioned elsewhere, you can only use 4 GB max with a 32-bit OS and that includes memory on the graphics card. I would settle for 2 GB with XP as it will do fine or else get 4x1 GB and live with "loosing" a GB.

PS. I have a 3.0 Ghz P4 system with does fine for all but the very latest of games. With the right graphics card you can go a long way. Just remember to check if the PSU is big enough if you upgrade the graphics card.

PPS. If you get into upgrading the graphics card check out if changing the motherboard is cheaper. I think your current has an AGP port for the graphics card and getting a faster graphics card with a PCI Express plus a new motherboard might be cheaper.

Trinis · August 2009

Thanks blindzendriver. I managed to find the crucial tool on my own, and it worked really well. Thanks also for the advice on upgrading video card and motherboard. I just bought a couple 1 gig sticks from newegg for a little less than $70. Too bad I can't run DDR2, soo much cheaper. This should help for now until I can afford to overhaul the whole thing.

Penny Arcade

Quick Links

RAM shopping

Posts