help me figure out RAM!

[stormy]

I'm getting a new Dell Inspiron 8500, but i need to keep it cheap so i'm getting the cheap RAM from them and getting 512MB from Crucial. I just don't understand how all these RAM terms fit together, i want 266mHz ddr sdram. but what does PC2100, 2700, et al mean? I think i need to know the number of pins too, but it doesn't say on the Dell site. Explain! What do i want?

Sidenote - it came down too the Dell vs a 14" iBook. If anyone wants to weigh in on that choice i'd like to hear it. I like Unix and the *much* better styling of the ibook, but couldn't turn down the performance and gorgeous widescreen of the Dell. Even though it is bigger and uglier. Plus i already have a Windows iPod, funny how i might finally buy a Mac and it wouldn't be compatible. There probably is some way to make it work.

NO a powerbook is not an option (it would have been an easy choice but i'm on a budget)

[Rich]

The 2700 is better than the 2100. I don't even remember what they mean, since it's doesn't really make that big of a difference. I'd go with the 2100, just cause it's cheaper.

[Rumpy]

2100 and 2700 refers to the speed of the ram. Higher the number, the faster it is. You should be able to just select what system your getting on the crucial site. I'd be surprised if the Dell site didn't tell you which speed ram it is.

[Hero]

"once you go Mac, you don't go back"

that's the rule of thumb with the iPods - a Win formatted CAN go Mac, but then that's where it stays. No Mac to Win formatting whatsoever.

And what Rumpy said is right. The numbers just mean RAM speed. Certain motherboards will or won't take up to certain speeds of RAM, and certain amounts, so if you are planning on getting more be sure it'll work first.

If you know the model and all that, Crucial's website should tell you straight up what's usable. And you can always check Dell's site to be sure.

...Funny...I answered this same kind of question at work last week.

[Lhadatt]

You'll need PC2100 SODIMMs for this, since it's a laptop. They're a bit more expensive than normal.

http://crucial.com is selling a 256MB SODIMM module for $39. Their 512 MB module goes for $136. Their 1 GB module goes for $1000. Clearly, you can see laptop memory is expensive. Prices will drop, but this stuff will be at a premium for a while yet.

http://www.crucial.com/store/listmod...ackage&cat=RAM

BTW, PC2700 modules require motherboards that can do 333 MHz RAM, while PC3200 modules require 400 MHz boards.

[Javon_McCloud]

I think this is how it goes

PC 2100 - 266 Mhz
PC 2700 - 333 Mhz
PC 3200 - 400 Mhz

You can't mix and match, and make sure your MB supports the size RAM chip you are getting. The Best Buy I work at has 512 MB PC 2700 for $36 and 256 MB PC2100 for $26.

[Chemist]

Yeah you got it Javon
The the higher the PC number the faster, which is better unless your motherbaord and processor cant handle it then its just a waste.. i have my 256 of DDR 400 which is PC 3200 and its pretty F-ing nice.. i just need to upgrade and get 512 soon.

[Dolemite]

I couldn't help you with RAM, but maybe HE could:

[Lhadatt]

Originally posted by Javon_McCloud
I think this is how it goes

PC 2100 - 266 Mhz
PC 2700 - 333 Mhz
PC 3200 - 400 Mhz

You can't mix and match, and make sure your MB supports the size RAM chip you are getting. The Best Buy I work at has 512 MB PC 2700 for $36 and 256 MB PC2100 for $26.

Did you even read my post? Jeez.

People, he needs SODIMMs because he is on a laptop. PC2100 SODIMMs above 256MB are going to be more expensive. It may not be worth upgrading at this point.

[stormy]

$80 for 512MB at crucial is much cheaper than the $150 Dell wanted. Otherwise i think it was a good deal

P4m 2Ghz
64MB GeForce 4 4200 Go
15.4" 1680 x 1050 widescreen
cdrw/DVD combo drive
30GB HD
wireless card
XP home
256 MB ram (to be thrown away, replaced with 512MB)

$1600 after rebate