PC parts help

[Toranaga]

Hey everyone, I've been lookin around for some more RAM for my computer, but I'm not to sure what the differences are in RAM and therefore which kind to get.

If someone would list the more reputible companies and tell me what kind of RAM my PC would support, I would be very grateful

Here are the Specs on my PC:
Running Windows 200
Intel Pentium 4 1500 MHz AT/AT compatable, 523,280 KB RAM
37.2 total space on hardrive and 21.1 Gb of free space
MS-Starforece GeForce FX 5600 (AGP8X) = graphics card
This is a 3 year old Dell Dimension 4300 if that helps

Thanks in advance

Oh ya, I'm looking for 1 GB of RAM

[cheetah256]

there should be some info in your manual telling you what type of ram you need. it's most likely DDR ram, but it's not certain. it'll also tell you the highest supported speed.

[mobius]

Since you have a P4, it'll take DDR. You can buy pretty much any speed rating, b/c it's all downward compatable. I'd buy PC2700. I know for sure it's not using anything higher than that. I like www.newegg.com

[pbzmag]

https://www.crucial.com

Select your pc and it will tell what type of memory you need.

[Toranaga]

Thanks for the sites and information.
One last question, are there any brands that I should stay away from? or are most from reputable companies

Thanks

[Bulldog]

Just watch out for the little crappy resellers on Pricewatch and such. Some of those guys are good, but alot of 'em are sharks. Crucial(Micron), Kingston, Corsair, any of the big manufacturers are good. If you don't know much about memory, I would go towards those instead of trying to save a buck, and possibly ending up with compatability problems.

Brands you should stay away from are the no name brands and broker grade stuff. Most of the time they use less compatable chips on the module and you'll have issues eventually.

Edit: Uses the 845 chipset, so you can use ddr266 or PC133 sdram, go for the DDR.

[Banshee23]

www.crucial.com

Select your pc and it will tell what type of memory you need.

Do what pbzmag said & go to Crucial for your ram. In a normal computer you would be able to pick up any brand ram & stick it in there but with Dell's that doesn't always work. They make their own motherboards and the memory seems to be proprietary, at least that was the case with the few Dell's I've serviced in the past. All would not recognize the new ram unless it was the Crucial ram spec'd out for that particular machine. I tried some high end stuff in there too (Corsair, Mushkin) and it wouldn't work. Also tried generic Crucial ram, wouldn't take either. So go use the Crucial memory picker & buy what it tells you for that Dell model

[Toranaga]

Again thanks for all the great information, and I think I know what I need now