2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) or 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 667 (PC2 5300)

[Shpati]

I am about to replace my Dell E510's RAM for new, more, and better RAM. However, I do not know which one is the best combo for my machine. I do not know if I should get a 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) or a 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 800 (PC2 6400). I am confused because one has more GBs and the other has higher speeds and I do not know which one is better. You guys know much more than I do. (By the way, I only have 2 slots for RAM on my motherboard).

 

[GhislainG]

Are you sure that you can install 2GB modules? On Dell's site, they offer 1GB DDR2 - 533 MHz / PC2-4200 - CL4 - 1.8 V. Dell (or anyone else) don't seem to sell 2GB modules for it.

A Dell E510 normally has 4 memory slots. Does yours really have only 2 slots or it still has 2 empty slots?

 

[Shpati]

I am pretty sure that I have only two slots. I did kind of custom ordered by dell from dell. I did not order one off the magazine or something like that. Also, newegg.com said it would work.

 

[GhislainG]

Did you visually verify how many memory slots there are? I'd rely on Dell more than Newegg to determine what works and what doesn't in a Dell.

 

[Shpati]

nvm i do i have 4 slots. I was looking at the wrong slots.

 

[Proximon]

According to Dell's spec sheet you can have only 1GB sticks, up to 4.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/en/sm/specs1.htm#wp1052310

If you decide to buy 4X1 GB DDR2 800MHZ, be sure to get 1.8V:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000170147%201052416064%201052328912&name=4GB%20(4%20x%201GB)

 

[Dafen]

Also, you must consider the following:
- if you have a 32 bit OS, you'll only have 3.2Go of recognised RAM
- depending on your CPU, it might not be worth putting 8Go anyway: if you've got an old P4 or a small C2D (E2/4), they just don't have use of that amount of RAM
- finally, you might not need it: unless you have a wide array of progamms open at the same time, you won't see the difference between 4 or 8Go.
If you're using XP as an OS, I don't event thhink that over 2Go is usefull.

Think about it before spending any money on RAM.