PCA Forums

Hey guys, how is everybody, i really havent been around in a while. oh well. heres my question: im currently running on a dell dimension 2400, 2.19 ghz, but only 128 mb of RAM. the thing is as time goes on, this thing gets slower and slower. and about every 6 months dell tells me i probably have a virus, and i need to reinstall xp. but i was thinking, wow, that is really a small amount of RAM, and figured that was half the problem. i want to get another stick of 256, because my grandpa is the one paying, and he doesn't want to spend too much. will this, and maybe a reinstall of the OS help with the speed issue? BTW, the computer takes almost 2 minutes to boot before u can actually use it.


Any input is appreciated, Thanxs.

128Mb is not enough for XP. XP alone uses 110Mb in a clean install.

Don't experiment with RAM. Go to Crucial's website and use their database to find the exact match for your computer. Dells can be fussy.

well, my grandpa wants to order from the dell website, hes kinda picky like that. so, i found some 256, 400 mhz from dell for like 54.99.

that should work if crucial says that it will...Dell's are a little picky because they read the code on the ram and it has to be exactly what it is looking for...check over at anandtech hot deals they used to have a 10% off crucial if you either went through thier link or use a coupon like anand or something

Well it's a Dell so if you order the memory from Dell you won't have any problem - except you'll probably pay too much for it.

I haven't had any problems upgrading RAM in the 2400s. We run about 2 dozen of them at work, and all were ordered with minimum memory b/c memory upgrades were so expensive. We then went and bought a bunch of 512Mb sticks from Newegg (good quailty, not generic) and upgraded the machines ourselves as they came in. No hiccups with any of them. Maybe the 2400s arne't as finicky about RAM.

ok, so where does everyone suggest buying the memory from?? heres the specs from the dell website:
Package Type: 184-pin DIMM
Logical Type: 32x64
Speed: PC3200 / 400 MHz
Description: Non-Parity, Unbuffered
Units Required: 1
System Type: Desktop/PC

and that was at 59.99. i was looking around, but was really unsure of where the best place to buy it would be. as always, any help is appreciated.

Get it from Dell, Crucial or Corsair. Just if you use Crucial or Corsair use their online database to enter your make and model to make sure you get the right memory.

you were looking at Dell's site and found a 256mb for $54.99
you can get 512mb from Crucial for $54.31
sounds like a better deal to you?
Plus, Crucial has a compatiabilty guarantee also.
here is a link to ram for the specific model:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts. ... &submit=Go

thanks zypher, im definately going with the 512 from crucial.