Fastest RAM with my setup?

[PhRyZko415]

Hi,

I have been wanting to upgrade my RAM for a few months but don't know exactly what I should pick. After some research I found my setup takes DDR2 RAM and has 4 slots that can hold 1g each, but would like to know what is the highest speed RAM my current setup can handle.



I have a Dell Dimension XPS Gen 4:

Mobo: Dell U7084 http://www.ascendtech.us/dell-dimension-xps-gen-4-mboard-u7084_i_mb4deldimnu7084.aspx
Chipset: Intel i925X ftp://download.intel.com/design/chipsets/datashts/30146403.pdf
CPU: Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 640 http://ark.intel.com/products/27480/Intel-Pentium-4-Processor-640-supporting-HT-Technology-(2M-Cache-3_20-GHz-800-MHz-FSB)
RAM: http://www.surpluscomputers.com/351053/samsung-512mb-ddr2-pc2-4200u-444.html


I know, I know... it's an older system but I still want to get a few more years out of it.

The RAM my Dell came with is PC2-4200. Crucial.com said I can handle up to PC2-5300, but I think the info pages on the Chipset and the CPU say I can handle up to PC2-8500...

Can someone help me confirm what I should buy. Four 1g of PC2-4200, 5300, or 8500?



Much thanks for your opinion and help.

 

[psaus]

From the documentation you provided as well as Dell, your system won't go any faster than PC2-4200.
The recommendations for PC2-5300/6400 is going to be based on lower price and the typical principle that the faster stuff steps down to what the system actually needs.
Crucial is supporting the system with 5300, so you would be safe in buying Crucial's 5300 (if problems, they'll stand behind it and help you.).

However, you're likely to find that 6400 is the cheapest (and easiest to find). If I were you, I'd buy from someone with friendly return policies (e.g., Newegg) and chance the 6400 stuff. If you only have access to not-so-friendly retailers, then you might want to stick with something safer e.g., Crucial 5300

 

[PhRyZko415]

Thanks psaus!

I see what you mean, there tends to be more 6400 to choose from, and sometimes cheaper than the lower speeds.

If I do buy something faster than my system needs is that possibly better than getting 4200? As my computer will be using the 4200's full capacity and the 5300/6400 will only be running a fraction of their full capacity... or does it not really make a difference in performance?

 

[psaus]

No prob

I wouldn't use the term capacity, but instead speed. Capacity is in MB, GB, TB, etc... Though I understand what you mean.

Essentially, DRAM chips are made to work at different speeds, though manufacturers aren't the most forthcoming with this information. Just think of it as most cars can do 90-100MPH, but rarely do you find freeway speedlimits that allow those speeds.
In other words the modules won't run at their max, but you won't see any performance problems. You'll only see the benefit of having more RAM.

 

[PhRyZko415]

Got ya!

I just ordered 2 Corsair 1GB sticks form TigerDirect.com http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1026780&sku=C13-6034

It is PC2-4200. I chose it because it's the only one I found that has the same Timing (4-4-4-12) and Voltage (1.8). I figure if I get something as close to what came with the computer it should work without any problems.

I still only purchased to sticks just to see if it works (didn't want to spend the money on 4 if it happens that they don't work). If it does I will order two more right away. And I checked out newegg.com and they had the same model for the same price, I just went with Tiger because I have a coupon code for $20 off my purchase.


Thanks for your time and help psaus!

 

[PhRyZko415]

Best answer selected by PhRyZko415.

 

[psaus]

TigerDirect has a decent return policy, so you would have been safe ordering all 4 at once.
Further, you went for the exact stuff the system is asking for, so I'd be willing to bet pints this will work with no problems (barring DOA's. ).