Solved WARNING: Hardware noob! What does this odd thing actually do!

[niemiro]

Hello all!

I must tell you that I honestly have no clue about hardware! Absolutely no clue! And I have two questions! I can deal with software, but I needed help from one of the VF gurus to help me with plugging in my PCI-E card! That sort of noob! System Specs set up in my profile, just have a look.

I have a motherboard! Good start! On it is a CPU with a heatsink! Great! It is nice and cool to touch! Good! Next to it is a small heatsink, without a fan, and it is hot enough to put lines on your fingers if you touch it. It is just a small heat sink (about half the size of the CPU - linear, one quarter the size - area) right next to the CPU. Do you want a photo? Any ideas what it is? Do I need to worry about it being so hot? The system works fine, everything else is cool, so I would be tempted to just ignore it. I just became curious, and for someone with my absolute lack of skill, curiosity is dangerous!

I found this out while looking at my RAM. Although my Specs say 32bit, I am about to reinstall with Vista 64bit. Please think along the lines of 64bit OSs. I currently have 4GB of RAM. I use my computer very heavily. Firefox is currently using 523MB of RAM. I sometimes push it up to over a GB of RAM (Internet additct! lol) I use my system for a lot of heavy programming tasks. At the moment, it is early morning. I am currently using 73% available memory. At the middle of the day, that will be 95-100%.

Will I get a noticeable performance increase with 6GB of RAM? I do the occasional game. Low spec games. Old games. Very occasionally, they all run just fine. Or would Windows just continue to fill up my memory, but no noticeable increase in speed for me. I know the increase will never be massive, but I am just wondering whether it would be nothing?

If I do get more RAM, any particular brand? I have seen adverts for Crucial. They have a nice RAM tool. Are they the best?

I also know I need to look up speeds. Do I just look up my CPU and Motherboard speeds, and buy RAM for the lowest, or do I need to multiply things up. It all seems very complicated! What do I need to look up? I would be looking to put in a single matching pair. Would this be alright?

Could I then put my two old 1GB sticks into another computer? It is a fairly modern computer, so I don't think I need to worry about 0, 1, or 2 notch RAM, in a pair.

Are heatsink RAM sticks worth it? Looking at my system, I would say no.

Thank you so much for all your help, and patience with a noob!

Richard

P.S. I never overclock things!

P.P.S: Is there some other upgrade that really stands out. I can't really afford an expensive processor or anything like that, but maybe something stands out to your trained eyes!

 

[pebbly]

At a guess that would be the Northbridge chipset next to the cpu , as to the ram a 64bit system can make better use of ram over 4GB here is a link to an article about ramdefinitions which may help you understand the timings better Memory Timings Explained

 

[Joan Archer]

I'm not technical either Richard but putting more RAM into the machine is always going to make a difference but make sure you check what your motherboard can take with regards speed and make.

Also RAM is there to be used and Windows will always find a use for it otherwise it's just a waste.

Just my thoughts for you.

 

[niemiro]

Hello!

Thank you both so much for your answers! Sorry for the delay! I wanted time to think! Northbridge was not something I had actually heard of before, but I have now, and it certainly seems to be the right thing. It has probably been hot for years. I shall just ignore it, and you have quenched my curiosity! Thanks Pebbly! Topic one resolved!

Again, thanks Pebbly for the excellent link! I read it, and learned a lot! And thank you, Joan, for your excellent contributions!

I have got another question now! *worry all around* I ran the crutial memory scanner: Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - Determine My Memory Needs

It offers memory at 1.8V and 2.0V. This thread says very definitely that 1.8V on 2.0V is fine: will running 1.8V ram at 2.0 kill it? - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

But I don't know what I have! I assume that 2.0V will not work on 1.8V. I looked in the Dell manual, but couldn't find anything about it. I assume that I am on 1.8V, but not for any particular reason.

If I need 1.8V, that gives me this: 4GB kit (2GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC, CT1167040 from Crucial.com as I don't want to go for the slower speed. £10 for not losing memory speed is money well spent - it is only £10.

However, if I can use 2.0V, I have far more options, and even some faster memory like this one: 4GB kit (2GBx2), Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-8500 upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC, CT1198084 from Crucial.com

I shall contact Crucial to see if their scanner actually accurately gauges speed properly, and I shall hunt around for a motherboard manual.

Thanks again!

Richard

 

[osholt]

Rule one: DO NOT TOUCH INSIDE OF COMPUTER WHILE IT IS ON.
Rule two: earth yourself before touching system components.

Now for some advice.

All modern PCs have thermometers in them to prevent catastrophic failure and to regulate temperature.

They have cut off points which when hit causes an emergency shut down (like pulling the plug)

For most computers this is 100ºC.

This is to stop your PC from damaging itself.

If this hasn't happened to you you will be fine for the most part.

As for RAM. I made a little picture which isn't terribly useful or accurate but is quite fun.




Oli

 

[Hopalong X]

Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - About Crucial:Media Toolbox

Did you happen to find this at Crucial?

It will scan to see what is installed and give you suggestions.
I realize you got options at Crucial just checking if you used the scanner or entered the Brand/Model option.

Scanner is more accurate and specific to actual installed.

Mike

 

[niemiro]

Yes, I used the tool. That scan I showed you was the result of the tool. However, I cannot believe that this old system is is good for 2.0V and 8500 frequency. I shall probably try contacting Crucial, just to confirm that their tool cannot scan for this, rather than my computer is better than I thought, and I shall also try to find my motherboard manual, unless anybody has any knowledge?

Richard

P.S. Oli, your picture has single handedly resolved all questions relating to voltage, temperatures, frequencies, motherboards and everything else!

 

[Hopalong X]

PassMark RAMMon - Identify RAM type, speed & memory timings

This is what you need. Pick the 32 or 64bit.

Extreme amount of details on your RAM.
Mike

 

[Golden]

But I don't know what I have! I assume that 2.0V will not work on 1.8V. I looked in the Dell manual, but couldn't find anything about it. I assume that I am on 1.8V, but not for any particular reason.

Hi Richard,

Note sure if this helps you, but...

Speccy (if you don't have it) will allow you to find out the voltage of your current RAM for a starting point. Get it here Speccy - System Information - Free Download

This is a screenshot of mine from Speccy

 

[A Guy]

Just for future reference, here is the Dell XPS 420 Owner's Manual

Documentation

A Guy

 

[bobkn]

Hello!

Thank you both so much for your answers! Sorry for the delay! I wanted time to think! Northbridge was not something I had actually heard of before, but I have now, and it certainly seems to be the right thing. It has probably been hot for years. I shall just ignore it, and you have quenched my curiosity! Thanks Pebbly! Topic one resolved!

Again, thanks Pebbly for the excellent link! I read it, and learned a lot! And thank you, Joan, for your excellent contributions!

I have got another question now! *worry all around* I ran the crutial memory scanner: Memory upgrades from Crucial.com - Determine My Memory Needs

It offers memory at 1.8V and 2.0V. This thread says very definitely that 1.8V on 2.0V is fine: will running 1.8V ram at 2.0 kill it? - Overclock.net - Overclocking.net

But I don't know what I have! I assume that 2.0V will not work on 1.8V. I looked in the Dell manual, but couldn't find anything about it. I assume that I am on 1.8V, but not for any particular reason.

If I need 1.8V, that gives me this: 4GB kit (2GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC, CT1167040 from Crucial.com as I don't want to go for the slower speed. £10 for not losing memory speed is money well spent - it is only £10.

However, if I can use 2.0V, I have far more options, and even some faster memory like this one: 4GB kit (2GBx2), Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-8500 upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC, CT1198084 from Crucial.com

I shall contact Crucial to see if their scanner actually accurately gauges speed properly, and I shall hunt around for a motherboard manual.

Thanks again!

Richard

These are the RAM that Crucial recommends for your specific model (not determined by a scanner, although it may be the same list):

Computer memory upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC from Crucial.com

I imagine that if you wished to run memory faster than DDR2-800, you'd need to set a memory multiplier in the machine's BIOS. I doubt that Dell's BIOS settings are flexible enough to permit that. (Corrections will be cheerfully accepted.)

I believe that you'd get your best performance with the DDR2 800 with the lowest latencies (4-4-4-15), although the performance gain over less expensive RAM with longer latencies may be trivial. The more expensive stuff ("Ballistix") comes with pretty heat spreaders, which may not improve the performance of the RAM at all.

 

[niemiro]

Thank you so much again, to all of you! Speccy showed me that I had 1.8V RAM. From my understanding from Google, I cannot run 2.0V RAM in this machine without overclocking, and that doesn't sound very safe to me! They also said that you might have to loosen off on the timing etc. etc. It all sounds very complicated!

Looking at the 1.8V RAM, there is one with a lower speed than my current, which I am not having, and one which is the same speed. This also means that I don't have to worry about the speeds so much. This would then be the choice: 4GB kit (2GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC, CT1167040 from Crucial.com

It doesn't show its timing! I might actually have to ask Crucial about that, although I am sure it will be better than my current summary: 4.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 399MHz (6-6-6-18)

The crucial scanner does guarantee compatibility. However, from one of you knowledgeable folk, is 2.0V guaranteed for the gurus, and I will end up blowing it up, or can you just plug it in and the motherboard will deal with the voltage - I fear not!

Thank you so much for your patience!

Richard

 

[niemiro]

I don't know if it helps anyone, but here is my RAMmon report, as given by the excellent suggestion of Hopalong X. Thank you! See it here: http://www.niemiro.co.uk/SF/RAMMon - SPD Info.html

 

[Hopalong X]

It doesn't show its timing! I might actually have to ask Crucial about that, although I am sure it will be better than my current summary: 4.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 399MHz (6-6-6-18)

I marked the timing in RED below. They just report it different.
CL-6 would be marked 6-6-6 on Crucial DDR3.
It is set to match yours. Perfecto mundo!!
Mike

Borrowed from: http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=3C984BE5A5CA7304

4GB kit (2GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module

CT1167040

• Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
• Package: 240-pin DIMM<LI class=" sfhover">Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
• Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 •

 

[niemiro]

It doesn't show its timing! I might actually have to ask Crucial about that, although I am sure it will be better than my current summary: 4.0GB Dual-Channel DDR2 @ 399MHz (6-6-6-18)

I marked the timing in RED below. They just report it different.
CL-6 would be marked 6-6-6 on Crucial DDR3.
It is set to match yours. Perfecto mundo!!
Mike

Borrowed from: 4GB kit (2GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 upgrades for Dell XPS 420 Desktop/PC, CT1167040 from Crucial.com

4GB kit (2GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module

CT1167040

• Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
• Package: 240-pin DIMM<LI class=" sfhover">Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
• Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64 •

Ah! That is very interesting! And this is why we need to experts! I just ignored the CL=6! Had no clue what it meant, so assumed it didn't mean anything :sarc: Sort of.

It appears that if I get 2.0V, I can get faster memory, with lower latencies. Maybe I should consider getting 2.0V. I just don't know what the consequences will be! Surely having memory with a higher clockspeed, and lower latencies by 2 (nano)(micro)seconds then that would be far better.

Thanks!

 

[Hopalong X]

If there is only 1.8v going to the 2v RAM it will run at default 1.8v anyway.

Match it and be done.
You cannot increase the voltage to the new RAM without increasing voltage to the old RAM.
OC'ing/ overvolting is not good on the old RAM.

 

[niemiro]

Oh yeah! Forgot about the old sticks! I guess the best thing to do would be to buy the fastest 2.0V RAM, and underclock it to 1.8V. I am just about to have a look in my BIOS to see how much flexibility there actually is with these voltages - synchronous, asynchronous, and flexibility. Thanks again, everybody!

 

[niemiro]

Bother! No control at all! Too cheap a stock motherboard! I guess I need to run at 1.8V!

 

[1Bowtie]

If Crucial said the ram will work in the XPS 420 it will, Crucial guarranty it. It will also downclock on it's own, just put it in the bios will do the rest. I have a Dell XPS and buy from Crucial many times never a bad stick.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Unless you are a dedicated and experienced overclocker, RAM is the last thing you want to get cute with. It can be very cranky. The compatibility between a given motherboard and RAM can be very touchy. That's why motherboard manufacturers often have a certified RAM compatibility list.

I gather you have no intention of overclocking your RAM.

In that case, get the lowest priced 1.8 volt package in the size you need on the Crucial confirmed compatibility list and be done with it. That configurator is highly reliable and Crucial is a high quality brand. No need for you to get into the Ballistix product line.

The chances of you noticing any difference if you were to get RAM with faster timings is about zero.