Solved Upgrading old computer - Which memory to choose?

andis59

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I have an old Computer that's running Window XP at the moment.

here is the spec:


OS Version: Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Service Pack 3, 32 bit
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.80GHz, x86 Family 15 Model 2 Stepping 9
Processor Count: 2
RAM: 511 Mb
Graphics Card: RADEON 9200 SERIES, 128 Mb
Hard Drives: C: Total - 152617 MB, Free - 91723 MB; I: Total - 476937 MB, Free - 403223 MB; R: Total - 15 MB, Free - 15 MB;
Motherboard: , P4X400-8235
Antivirus: Microsoft Security Essentials, Updated: Yes, On-Demand Scanner: Enabled
One of the main things to do is to put in some more RAM, but...

According to Speccy I have:
RAM
Memory slots
Total memory slots 3
Used memory slots 1
Free memory slots 2
Memory
Type DDR
Size 512 MBytes
DRAM Frequency 133.2 MHz
CAS# Latency (CL) 2.5 clocks
RAS# to CAS# Delay (tRCD) 3 clocks
RAS# Precharge (tRP) 3 clocks
Cycle Time (tRAS) 6 clocks
Physical Memory
Memory Usage 77 %
Total Physical 511 MB
Available Physical 112 MB
Total Virtual 1.22 GB
Available Virtual 611 MB
SPD
Number Of SPD Modules 1
Slot #1
Which doesn't tell me much...

So I understand that I have 3 memory slots and I using 1 ;)
But what kind of memory should I buy, there must be gazillions of different versions...

// Anders
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05
Supports up to 3.0GB DDR200/266/333 SDRAM which you can find real cheap now, heck, I might even have a few sticks around here by me.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home build
OS
Windows 7 Pro x64
CPU
AMD FX 4100 4 Core 3.6GHz AM3+
Motherboard
ASROCK 970 Extreme3
Memory
16GB G.Skill RipjawsX
Graphics Card(s)
Radeon 6850
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar D1
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 23" LCD
Hard Drives
SSD 120GB
WD 750GB Black series
WD 640GB Black series
PSU
700W
Case
Antec 100
Cooling
Hyper 212 Plus
Internet Speed
50MB
Thanks for the info!

Just so that I get it right (hardware is NOT my thing...)

It looks like I can get some Crucial or Corsair from my local dealer. Could you please suggest which "version" to buy?

// Anders
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built - Jan 2013
OS
Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
CPU
i7-3820
Motherboard
Asus P9X79-PRO - Bios 4608
Memory
GSkill F3-14900CL9Q - 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX660 - Driver 352.86
Sound Card
On board Realtek ALC898
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer S271HL
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
#1- Samsung 840 Pro Series
#2- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
#3- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
PSU
Corsair CMPSU-850TX-V2 - 850 watt (by Seasonic)
Case
Corsair Obsidian 550D
Cooling
Standard 3 120mm case fans, Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Keyboard
MS KC-0405
Mouse
Intellimouse 5-button
Internet Speed
56 Mbits/Sec (on a good day)
Antivirus
Avast & Malwarebytes
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
Asus DVD - DRW-24B1ST 24X
I feel a bit silly, but....

I can't find the exact models that you pointed at, but what about this:

Corsair Value S. PC3200 DDR-DIMM 1GB VS1GB400C3
Would this be a suitable memory?

// Anders
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05
Go to Crucial.com.

When there, you can let it sniff your PC and it will tell you what Crucial RAM is known to be compatible.

Or enter your PC make and model number into the configurator and it will show you the compatible RAM.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Ignatz Special; 4 speed manual gearbox; factory air conditioning; one of one
OS
Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
CPU
Intel Skylake i5-6600K, not overclocked
Motherboard
AsRock Z170M Extreme 4, micro ATX
Memory
8 GB HyperX DDR4-2666 (2 x 4 GB)
Graphics Card(s)
none; graphics are integrated on CPU
Sound Card
onboard: Realtek ALC1150; external: USB Behringer UF0-202
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell S2340M 23 inch IPS
Screen Resolution
1600 x 900
Hard Drives
System: Crucial MX100 series SSD, 128 GB;
Data: Samsung Spinpoint 103SJ, 1 TB;
Backup: WD Caviar Green WD30EZRX-00D8PB0, 3 TB
PSU
Rosewill SilentNight 500 watt fanless, semi-modular
Case
Antec Solo II
Cooling
Noctua NH-U12S; Noctua F12 intake, Noctua S12A exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft 200 6JH-00001 USB
Mouse
Dell or Microsoft optical wired; USB
Antivirus
Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes Premium
Browser
Pale Moon
Other Info
All fans PWM; speeds at idle: CPU circa 500 rpm; intake circa 600 rpm; exhaust circa 600 rpm; CPU temps 27 idle and 47 C load in a warm room (27 C/81 F) when running Intel Extreme Tuning Utility stress test.

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion Elite 495UK
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
CPU
Intel Core i7 870 @ 2.93GHz
Motherboard
MSI 2A9C (CPU1)
Memory
8Gb Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 664MHz
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia GeForce GTX 460 1024MB dedicated RAM
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
HP2310i
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
1x1954GB Hitachi HDS22020ALA 330 (RAID), 1x1954GB Hitachi External for backup and storage
PSU
460W
Case
HP Elite
Cooling
Air cooled
Keyboard
Logitech K750 solar-powered keyboard
Mouse
Logitech Wireless M180 mouse
Internet Speed
2Mb
Other Info
Pure Avanti Flow Internet Radio with iPod Dock, 64Gb iPod, HP USB Speakers, Sony MDR-V500 Headphones, Sony Vaio F-Series Laptop
That was easy! :D

OK, now I have ordered 3 x 1GB of memory.
Hopefully I will be able to insert them into my computer ;)
As I said Hardware isn't my cup of tea!

Thank you all for the help!

// Anders
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05
Make sure your computer is switched off with the power cord disconnected.

Use an anti-static lead if you have one and be careful to hold the RAM modules by the edges.

Make sure you insert them the right way round and don't try and force them.

If you check Crucial's site I do believe it has a video showing you how to fit RAM modules.

Please keep us posted about the outcome. :)
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP Pavilion Elite 495UK
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
CPU
Intel Core i7 870 @ 2.93GHz
Motherboard
MSI 2A9C (CPU1)
Memory
8Gb Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 664MHz
Graphics Card(s)
nVidia GeForce GTX 460 1024MB dedicated RAM
Sound Card
Realtek HD Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
HP2310i
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
1x1954GB Hitachi HDS22020ALA 330 (RAID), 1x1954GB Hitachi External for backup and storage
PSU
460W
Case
HP Elite
Cooling
Air cooled
Keyboard
Logitech K750 solar-powered keyboard
Mouse
Logitech Wireless M180 mouse
Internet Speed
2Mb
Other Info
Pure Avanti Flow Internet Radio with iPod Dock, 64Gb iPod, HP USB Speakers, Sony MDR-V500 Headphones, Sony Vaio F-Series Laptop
Fyi:
DDR-266 = pc2100
DDR-333 = pc2700
DDR-400 = pc3200
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home build
OS
Windows 7 Pro x64
CPU
AMD FX 4100 4 Core 3.6GHz AM3+
Motherboard
ASROCK 970 Extreme3
Memory
16GB G.Skill RipjawsX
Graphics Card(s)
Radeon 6850
Sound Card
ASUS Xonar D1
Monitor(s) Displays
ASUS 23" LCD
Hard Drives
SSD 120GB
WD 750GB Black series
WD 640GB Black series
PSU
700W
Case
Antec 100
Cooling
Hyper 212 Plus
Internet Speed
50MB
Ok, so I installed the 3 < 1GB memory sticks and it looks like it worked.

I do have an error in Siw where in the Memory Summary section it says
Property Value
ELIZA (VIA Technologies, Inc. P4X400-8235)
Memory Summary Reported by BIOS
Warning! Wrong values reported by BIOS
Maximum Capacity 768 MBytes [Wrong value reported by BIOS]
Maximum Memory Module Size 32 MBytes
Memory Slots 3
Error Correction None
DRAM Frequency 133.2 MHz
Memory Timings 3-3-3-6 (CL-RCD-RP-RAS)

Device Locator Slot 1
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Part Number 16VDDT12864AY40BF2
Serial Number D37AD42B
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR (PC3200)
Speed 200 MHz
Supported Frequencies 133.3 MHz, 166.7 MHz, 200.0 MHz
Memory Timings 2-2-2-6-0 at 133.3 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 2-3-3-7-0 at 166.7 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 3-3-3-8-0 at 200.0 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No
Device Locator Slot 2
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Part Number 16VDDT12864AY40BF2
Serial Number D37AD40C
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR (PC3200)
Speed 200 MHz
Supported Frequencies 133.3 MHz, 166.7 MHz, 200.0 MHz
Memory Timings 2-2-2-6-0 at 133.3 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 2-3-3-7-0 at 166.7 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 3-3-3-8-0 at 200.0 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No
Device Locator Slot 3
Manufacturer Micron Technology
Part Number 16VDDT12864AY40BF2
Serial Number D37AD408
Capacity 1024 MBytes
Memory Type DDR (PC3200)
Speed 200 MHz
Supported Frequencies 133.3 MHz, 166.7 MHz, 200.0 MHz
Memory Timings 2-2-2-6-0 at 133.3 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 2-3-3-7-0 at 166.7 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Memory Timings 3-3-3-8-0 at 200.0 MHz, at 2.5 volts (CL-RCD-RP-RAS-RC)
Data Width 64 bits
EPP SPD Support No
XMP SPD Support No
I have looked in the BIOS but I can't find any value about Max Capacity or Max Memory Module Size

Is this something I need to worry about or not?

// Anders
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05
If the Bios recognizes 3GB of RAM, and Windows recognizes 3GB of RAM, then the issue may be with SIW.
Try CPU-Z instead to see if it has a problem with it.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built - Jan 2013
OS
Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
CPU
i7-3820
Motherboard
Asus P9X79-PRO - Bios 4608
Memory
GSkill F3-14900CL9Q - 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX660 - Driver 352.86
Sound Card
On board Realtek ALC898
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer S271HL
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
#1- Samsung 840 Pro Series
#2- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
#3- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
PSU
Corsair CMPSU-850TX-V2 - 850 watt (by Seasonic)
Case
Corsair Obsidian 550D
Cooling
Standard 3 120mm case fans, Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Keyboard
MS KC-0405
Mouse
Intellimouse 5-button
Internet Speed
56 Mbits/Sec (on a good day)
Antivirus
Avast & Malwarebytes
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
Asus DVD - DRW-24B1ST 24X
I have run CPU-Z and saved the result to a file (since I don't understand most of it). I attach the file

An other thing (you have to tell me if I should start a new thread)

I changed some values in the BIOS setup (Which I know was kind of bold of me...)

DRAM Timing: Was manual but I changed it to By SPD

DRAM Clock: Was 133 MHz and I thought since the memory are 200 MHz I should use that. But then the computer froze at Verifying DMI Pool Data. If I change it to 166 MHz it works
 

Attachments

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05
As I said, if the BIOS recognizes all 3GB and Windows does too then you do not have a problem. CPU-Z sees all the RAM too.

As for your BIOS settings, for most people just setting them to Auto will work in most cases. In most cases the AUTO setting is the one enabled if you reset the BIOS defaults. You only start changing these settings manually if you are intent on overclocking. SPD enabled is a good choice if the settings are default AUTO.

You've already started 'overclocking'. With your current settings you can push to 166 but not to 200. That is the essence of overclocking -- playing with the settings to get the most performance and a stable system. If you want to go this route I would suggest starting a new thread in the Overclocking forum here.

If you want to start with a clean slate you can do so easily by going to the EXIT tab in the BIOS and choosing "Restore Defaults" or similar wording. Be sure to make note of all your current BIOS settings first in case you need to reset anything back to be able to boot. The most common one is the IDE/AHCI mode setting if you are running SATA hard drives, the default is normally IDE, which is fine if you have an IDE/PATA hard drive. Restoring defaults is a good thing to do when adding new hardware to the motherboard and will clear up a lot of errata.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built - Jan 2013
OS
Windows 7 64 Bit Home Premium SP1
CPU
i7-3820
Motherboard
Asus P9X79-PRO - Bios 4608
Memory
GSkill F3-14900CL9Q - 16GB
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce GTX660 - Driver 352.86
Sound Card
On board Realtek ALC898
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer S271HL
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1080
Hard Drives
#1- Samsung 840 Pro Series
#2- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
#3- Western Digital WD1002FAEX Sata3 Black
PSU
Corsair CMPSU-850TX-V2 - 850 watt (by Seasonic)
Case
Corsair Obsidian 550D
Cooling
Standard 3 120mm case fans, Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Keyboard
MS KC-0405
Mouse
Intellimouse 5-button
Internet Speed
56 Mbits/Sec (on a good day)
Antivirus
Avast & Malwarebytes
Browser
Firefox
Other Info
Asus DVD - DRW-24B1ST 24X
Ok, I did reset the values and reentered where I thought the should be the old values.
Siw still reports that BIOS is reporting the wrong value, but I can live with it ;)

A big thank you to all that have donated there knowledge and time to help me with this!

// Anders
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Vostro 1720, HP 7300 elite mt
OS
Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit 7601 Multiprocessor Free Service Pack 1
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU P8700 @ 2.53GHz, 2 cores
Motherboard
Dell Inc. 0J056T
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GS, 512 Mb
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1440 x 900 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
ST750LX003-1AC154 ATA Device 698,64 GB
Keyboard
Standard Keyboard - PS/2
Mouse
Microsoft Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 (IntelliPoi
Internet Speed
14 - 20 Mb/s
Antivirus
AVG Free
Browser
Chrome
Other Info
Bios: Dell Inc. A08, 2010-03-05
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