Need 8 GB ram for DELL XPS 630i with Dell DRUID Mother Board A00

[joestar]

Hi,
Need 8 GB ram for DELL XPS 630i with Dell DRUID Mother Board A00. Budget is about $100. Currently have 4 GB Total Samsung 1GB 1Rx8 PC2-6400U in 4 slots. Will be tossing current RAM. Please advise.

Thanks,
Joe

 

[rchris]

Your post caught my attention because I still have an XPS-630 (among other computers). Just a few thoughts about your question:
- You probably already know this, but unless your OS is 64-bit, it can't make use of more than your current 4GB of memory.
- The increased performance from the increase in memory may not be that perceptible (depending, of course, on your uses).
- Memory for the old motherboard is probably going to be more expensive than memory for a new motherboard upgrade.
- Your $100 bucks might be better used toward an upgrade--motherboard, CPU, memory. The 630i case is kind of a classic, so many have upgraded. See my630i.com for more info and help.

 

[joestar]

Hi rchris,

Thanks for the info. What if I keep my Intel Core2 processor E8400 (3.0 GHz, 1333FSB) w/Dual Core and 6MB cache and just get a new motherboard and ram? What would you recommend for a mobo and ram? Would my NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT video card fit in a new mobo?

Thanks,
Joe

 

[rchris]

No reason for a new motherboard if you keep the CPU and RAM. For increased performance you need a new CPU, which will require a new motherboard and RAM. There are a couple of CPUs that would be an upgrade with your current board, but they wouldn't add enough performance to be worth the trouble and cost.

 

[joestar]

Rchris.

Thanks for the info!
Joe

 

[rchris]

Rchris.

Thanks for the info!
Joe

You're welcome. Just another thought...I'm surprised your 8800 video card has lasted this long. If you have to replace it (or want to replace it), an upgrade of the graphics card will give you a significant performance boost--much more bang for your buck than more memory, and with no change to your CPU or motherboard.