Should I increase DDR2 SDRAM memory?

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mikelondon

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Jun 19, 2013
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I currently have 1GB (2 x 512MB) RAM in my desktop pc.

Is it worth increasing the RAM for performance? The PC is old and seems slow and since RAM is now cheep it seems like a no-brainer?

I have a Dell Dimension E521 running Windows XP

The RAM is:
DDR2 SDRAM 512MB
Speed: 533 MHz

The motherboard has 4 slots, two of which are used.

If it’s worth adding RAM then I seem to have a few options:
1) Add 2 more 512MB in the free slots
2) Replace the 2 x 512MB with 2 x 1GB

I know that memory works in pairs but would it be possible to keep the existing 2 x 512MB and add 2 x 1GB in the free slots? If I were to do this would the existing RAM speed (533 MHz) bring down the new RAM to that speed?

Obviously there are other options, i.e. put larger memory cards in but is the pay off worth it to do this or would 2GB (or 3GB) be enough?

Thanks in anticipation!
 
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cyrusfox

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Sep 24, 2009
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Don't do it, save the money for the next build, xp is pretty dang efficient with low memory, if you can get it off Craiglist for a couple bucks, sure fine, do it. Buying new, heck no. Not worth it for the performance. Trust me, 4 years ago I upgraded a similar dell box with DDR(1) from 1GB to 2 GB, the max it could take, I saw no increase in performance. I have upgraded other computers (an old P4 on DDR2 and an AM2 chip also DDR2) and they were still slow. Its just not worth it unless you are getting the RAM substantially cheaper than market value.

Also you could get 2x1 GB alongside 2x512 MB, it will work just fine. Heck you could even break the pairs up if you want, and add just a single dimm but then you'll probably lose the dual channel.
 
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jemm

jemm

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The point is that the cheap memory are DDR3, while your DDR2 remains expensive, and very hard to find to buy.

On the other hand increasing the amount of RAM may help you in many tasks -- by adding different frequencies it will run by the lowest.

You may add up to 4 GB RAM in your set up. As you already have 1GB (2 x 512MB), then try to get another 2 x 512MB to make it 2 GB, but get the exactly the same sticks, tough 4 x 1 GB would be the best option for your Dell.

I´d go for a totally new building tough! :)
 
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outlw6669

outlw6669

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Dec 4, 2006
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No, at this point you would be better off saving your upgrade budget for a new system.

Now, if you can obtain a set of DDR2 for free....
Yes, adding more memory would probably give you a bit better performance.
More memory will allow you to have more programs running before you need to swap to your hard drive, which really kills performance.

So long as you find two matching DDR2 sticks, you can run both your current 2x 512MB sticks and the new ones together.
It may be a little tricky to configure the settings; you will need to use the highest voltage, lowest speed and highest timings listed for any of the sticks.
 
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Legohouse

Legohouse

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May 13, 2013
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Hello,:hello:

Is it worth upgrading the memory? Yes, it's worth upgrading memory and it is likely to increase performance but considering your PC I do not recommend it. Instead as mentioned in the above posts invest the budget in a new PC. If you are not contemplating on getting a new PC any sooner then upgrading the memory is the better option.

If you are willing to upgrade then you can look at the following answers:
Yes, adding 2 x 1GB along with the existing memory(2x512MB) will work fine. It will not bring down the speed of the new memory (downclock) as long as you go with the same speed as the old memory i.e, 533MHz. It will downclock only when higher speed is mixed with a lower speed memory.

The best recommendation would be to go with 4 x 1GB modules. 4GB is a decent amount of memory but I think your processor will be a bottleneck. Yes, the performance is noticeable.

It all depends on what you have decided. If you are using your PC for basic stuffs and nothing memory or CPU intensive stuff then I think you would be alright with 4GB of memory and this system. Whatever you decide good luck.

Compatible memory for Dell Dimension E521 can be found in these sites:
http://www.memorystock.com/memory/DellDimensionE521.html
www.crucial.com

Cheers,mate :sourire:
 
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mikelondon

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Jun 19, 2013
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Thanks for all the suggestions guys!

I got some cheap RAM from ebay, just awaiting delivery.

On the recommendation to alternate the different capacities i.e. 512MB, 1GB, 512MB, 1GB. I don't understand the reason for this, an explanation would be appreciated.

The slots on the mother board are colour coded: 1 & 2 are grey (containing the current RAM) and 3 & 4 are black (currently empty). This would suggest that the new RAM should go in 3 & 4 black.

I'm happy to do either configuration if I understand the reason why.

Cheers!
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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You want the same amount of DRAM in each channel and mixing sixe want the higher density first, so replace the 512s with the 1GBs, and put the 512s in what were the empty slots, that puts 1.5 GB in each channel so the full 3GB will run in dual channel
 
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