Is this RAM compatible with my computer?

[jaehwanie]

Hello everyone,

I'm planning on upgrading my Dell Inspiron 570 from 2gb to 6 gb of ram.

This is the card that I'm hoping to buy.
http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-CT2CP25664BA1339-240-pin-PC3-10600-Memory/dp/B001R4BT1M/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

My quesiton is, is this compatible with my computer?

How do you know if it is?

Will post additional information if asked to.

Thanks

 

[itzdanielp]

More info needed

need at least the CPU.



Also, even if the RAM will work (which it probably will) you would have to install a 64bit version of windows to use all 6GB, the OS that comes with the computer is limited to ~4GB.

 

[jaehwanie]

Thanks for the answer
I have 64bit windows 7 fortunately.

Processor: AMD Sempron 140 2.7ghz
Graphics card: Radeon HD 4200

Thank you and tell me if you need more

 

[itzdanielp]

Yes it will work. but....


The Current memory (and max supported) is 1066MHz DDR3, what you picked on the Amazon site is 1333MHz, which means the computer will slow your new RAM down to match the old stick. It would be better to get something from this list.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006050%20600006125&IsNodeId=1&name=DDR3%201066%20%28PC3%208500%29

 

[jaehwanie]

Thank you so much!

Possibly my last question, is it better to get one stick of 4gb ram, or 2 sticks of 2gb ram?

Also, happy new years to you sir

Edit:
Does 1066MHz and 1333MHz actually make a whole lot of difference?

Im falling to this product now:
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-ValueRAM-1066MHz-Non-ECC-Desktop/dp/B001UR61Z0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

 

[cliffro]

Crucial's system configurator lists as high as DDR3-1600 for his computer....

Depending on your budget, it might be simpler to just buy a cheap 8GB kit.

 

[itzdanielp]

Thank you so much!

Possibly my last question, is it better to get one stick of 4gb ram, or 2 sticks of 2gb ram?

Also, happy new years to you sir

Edit:
Does 1066MHz and 1333MHz actually make a whole lot of difference?

Im falling to this product now:
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-ValueRAM-1066MHz-Non-ECC-Desktop/dp/B001UR61Z0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

If it was me and I really wanted 6GB I would go with 2 2GB sticks, but as Cliffro said it would be best to just get an entire matched kit with how cheap prices are right now.

 

[jaehwanie]

So at the end of the day,

would it be better to get
this
http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-ValueRAM-1066MHz-Non-ECC-Desktop/dp/B001UR61Z0/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

or this

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-ValueRAM-1333MHz-Non-ECC-Desktop/dp/B002K23V1Q/ref=pd_cp_e_1?

Thanks all of you

 

[jaehwanie]

Included picture.

 

[blazorthon]

It would be best to get an 8GB memory kit for $30-40 instead of mixing two kits.

Using a single 4GB module would mean it won't run in dual channel, slightly decreasing performance. Besides that there is NO guarantee that it will work regardless of what someone else here says about that. Mixing RAM kits often fails even if the memory kits don't seem different and there is no getting around that fact.

You can try mixing your current RAM with another 4GB module but I recommend against it. RAM is so cheap now and really, is it too much to spend $30-40 to get a much greater chance of success and slightly better performance and a full 8GB?

 

[cliffro]

It would be best to get an 8GB memory kit for $30-40 instead of mixing two kits.

Using a single 4GB module would mean it won't run in dual channel, slightly decreasing performance. Besides that there is NO guarantee that it will work regardless of what someone else here says about that. Mixing RAM kits often fails even if the memory kits don't seem different and there is no getting around that fact.

You can try mixing your current RAM with another 4GB module but I recommend against it. RAM is so cheap now and really, is it too much to spend $30-40 to get a much greater chance of success and slightly better performance and a full 8GB?

I can attest to the memory mixing, I had 2 4GB kits trying to make 8GB both were identical in specs and my AMD system did not like it one bit in Ganged or Unganged modes.

Here is some highly rated(By reviewers on Newegg) PNY RAM an 8GB kit for 34.99 with free shipping that will most likely be as slow or fast depending on how you look at it, as Amazon's Super Saver Shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820178333

or some equally high rated Gskill Ram of the same specs sans heat spreaders at the same price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231424

Though if you prefer Amazon(for whatever reason, maybe you have Prime) here is the PNY kit for the same price with free shipping as well.
http://www.amazon.com/PNY-PC3-10666-1333MHz-Desktop-MD8192KD3-1333/dp/B004DHNAGM/ref=pd_cp_e_4

 

[jaehwanie]

Best answer selected by jaehwanie.

 

[cliffro]

I thought I should clarify my comment about the mixed RAM just a bit, the 2 kits were both Corsair XMS3, exact same model/make and everything, the only difference was the revision #. So when you have issues like that with identical ram, imagine the likelihood of issues with different brands etc.