| Upgrading memory is a quick and inexpensive way to | | | | Dell Vostro 200) to find the right memory. Or try Dell's |
| improve your Dell computer's performance. However, | | | | website and use your model number or service tag to |
| with so many types available, selecting it for computer | | | | find the information needed. |
| systems takes a little research to be sure you get the | | | | A cryptic line such as "800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM |
| right Dell computer memory for your system. | | | | DIMM" can be easily decoded once you know what |
| How Much Dell Computer Memory Do You Have? | | | | each piece of the code reveals so that you can |
| Before you add more Dell computer memory, you | | | | purchase the right memory. The first set of numbers |
| need to know how much your system already has. To | | | | tells the memory speed (800 MHz), the second set |
| find out, right-click on the "My Computer" icon on your | | | | describes the technology (DDR2 SDRAM), and the |
| desktop, then select "Properties" to get a dialog | | | | third set the form factor (DIMM). |
| showing system information including the amount of | | | | How Much Can You Take? |
| memory. Let's assume it shows 512 MB, which means | | | | Your computer has slots, generally 2-4, for memory. |
| you have 512 megabytes (millions of bytes) of | | | | Each slot can take a certain maximum capacity. A slot |
| computer memory. | | | | taking 512 MB accepts a smaller stick (256 MB) but |
| The next thing you need is the number of modules or | | | | not a larger one (1024 MB or 1 GB). The number and |
| "sticks" of memory in the computer. Computers | | | | capacity of slots can be found at the same places as |
| generally come with parts lists detailing components | | | | type of memory. |
| inside the computer. If you saved this information, it | | | | For example, say you have a Dell Dimension 3000. |
| should show the number and size of modules. If not | | | | You look it up and find it has 2 slots, each taking a 1 |
| then turn off the computer, remove the cover and | | | | GB stick. You know it has 512 MB of memory and |
| count the memory sticks. | | | | upon looking inside you see that one slot is filled and |
| What Type of Dell Memory Do You Need? | | | | one slot is empty. You could buy a 1 GB memory stick |
| The wrong type of Dell computer memory won't fit in | | | | for the empty slot and increase your memory to 1.5 |
| the memory slots and will be useless. Even if it does | | | | GB. If you wanted to go to the maximum memory of |
| physically fit, memory comes in different speeds and | | | | 2 GB, you would have to discard the existing 512 MB |
| putting slow memory on a fast motherboard puts | | | | module and install two 1 GB modules. |
| serious brakes on system performance. | | | | Dell computer memory can seem confusing, but by |
| If available, computer manuals or parts lists are a good | | | | narrowing down your selections by computer model |
| place to find this information. Most memory vendors | | | | you can quickly locate and purchase the memory you |
| allow you to look up your computer model (such as | | | | need to add lightning speed to your system. |