Q: Dell Dimension e521 Memory Upgrade Advice

[gowens]

:?:

I bought a Dell Dimension e521 w/1gb dual channel 667 (according to the order form) though the manual says "533-MHz, 667-MHz, 800-MHz (when available) DDR2 SDRAM". My questions are:

1. As I shop on various websites (like Crucial.com), shouldn't I try to get the 667 that the order form says I have inside the machine?

2. If I currently have a dual channel system with four total slots, two currently used with a 2x512 config @ 667, is it a good idea to upgrade my current 1gb to 3 total (using all four slots for a total of 3gb of dual channel: 512x2 + 1gx2)?

3. What difference does the memory timing make? I see 3-3-3-12 vs CL=5 (see below).

CT587625 DDR2 PC2-5300 • 3-3-3-12 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 2.2V • 128Meg x 64

CT587631 DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64

4. Finally, Is there any noticable difference between Vista Home Premium with 2gb vs 3gb? If not, then I'll got the cheaper route and get just 1gb (512x2) for a total of 2gb.

 

[bc4]

I'll let the pro's answer the timing questions, or look at the memory forum and you should be able to figure out the timings...

As for question #4, I had one dimm 1 gb ddr 2 4300, running vista ultimate. I bought in an extra 2 dimm of ddr2 6400 cause ram was so cheap --- I didn't notice a difference. (It may be that its unmatched but with 1 gb I only reached 70% ram usage(with sidebar, dreamscene, firefox, ie7, and email running windows desktop mail beta, word and powerpoint), but i haven't noticed any difference.)

With that said, everyone is saying how much Vista loves ram so the more the merrier. If you can afford to by 2x1gb then do it...

You might want to download CPU-Z and check the timings on your current ram --- buying anything faster probably won't help --- but then again i'll let someone with more knowledge answer those questions

I was wondering, why are you upgrading? for gaming? Are you using 100% of your 1gb?