How do I tell what type of memory my computer uses?

[Danbo]

I have a Dell 8250 that is about 4 years old. Still works pretty good for what I do with it. But, I want to upgrade the memory. I only have 512 mb right now. I know my computer uses the expensive RDRAM memory. My question is, is it PC800 or the faster stuff? I don't know where on my computer to look for this info. System info simply says Pentium(R) 4 at 2.4 ghz and 512 mb memory. ???

Also, I just bought a PNY Geforce 6600 AGP 8x video card with 256 mb of memory(originally came with a 64 mb card MX420). On the box it says that the card requires a 300 watt power supply. According to what I can find, my Dell 8250 only has a 250 watt power supply. Is this critical? I have already bought another 500 watt power supply, just in case.

 

[PerformanceFirst]

You might run into some problems with the power supply because Dell makes their motherboards and cases and maybe power supplies proprietary. I'm not saying this with certainty, but it's possible. You might want to try the card anyway and see what happens. For the memory, try this program:

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

You just unzip it, there's no installation necessary. It should give you specs for stuff like memory, processor etc. If that doesn't work, Dell should have something on their website that retrieves information about your computer for you. I last used this 5 or 6 years ago, but I remember I was able to type in a serial number on a Dell on their site somewhere and it pointed me to all sorts of info on the computer.

 

[Ken C.]

http://www2.pny.com/configurator/index.aspx

 

[warrior24]

I would put the new power supply in. As for the ram you should be able to tell by removing the stick of ram and usually it will say what speed it is. However its most likely the PC600 since it would be cheaper for dell. Be sure to wear an esd strap.

256MB (2x128MB) Dell Dimension PC600 nonECC Memory Kit (p/n 311-8463) $79.96
512MB (2x256MB) Dell Dimension PC600 nonECC Memory Kit (p/n 311-8464) $199.96
1GB (2x512MB) Dell Dimension PC800 non-ECC Memory Kit (p/n 311-8473) $499.98

 

[Danbo]

Thank you, my friend!

I used the program and found out my computer is not as old as I thought. I bought it from a guy at work cheap last year. Made in March 03. My computer uses the PC1066 RDRAM(which is good to know, as I almost bought the slower stuff this morning). :thumbup: