Harriet,
It sounds like you had two 256MB memory modules in your Dell, and one has
been removed; so, you only have one left. (See below about CPU-Z for a way
to confirm this without opening your case.) Your computer supports dual
channel memory configurations, which is sort of like the computer seeing the
two modules as if they were one module. This is why they should be
installed in matched pairs, i.e., to take advantage of the dual channel
capability. The two modules need to be put in the slots shown in the
documentation to get them to work in the dual channel configuration (slots 1
and 2, both with the white locking latches, for one pair).
Following through with the original tech's plan to replace your last 256MB
(still in the machine) with two, new, matched modules seems to be the best
plan. DDR2 memory is relatively cheap these days; so, two matched 1GB
modules (sold together in a kit), also sounds like a good plan. (Leaving
your old, now single, module in the machine will interfere with your system
working in dual channel mode, since it will only occupy half of two slots
needed for this to work. You should remove it, during this upgrade.)
It looks like your motherboard supports memory speeds up to DDR2-533 MHz.
However, looking at NewEgg, one of the least expensive 2x1GB DDR2 memory
kits is this DDR2-667 MHz kit from Crucial.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146526
It should work fine in your system, it will just run at the slower DDR2-533
speed.
If you are curious about what speed your current module is running at and
what it is rated for, you can download and run a little utility, CPU-Z.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download425.html
Simply unzip the downloaded file somewhere convenient, and then double click
the file cpuz.exe to run the utility. (It will take a few moments before it
shows the results.) Selecting the memory tab will give you information on
what your memory is currently running at, and selecting the SPD tab will
help identify the memory that is installed in your system. (You can get
information on each slot, if you have more than one module installed.
After you install your new memory, you might want to download a version of
MemTest, either the bootable floppy or bootable CD version, whichever will
be more convenient for you. Run this for a few passes to make sure that you
have indeed corrected any memory problems that apparently were present
previously.
http://www.memtest.org/
Microsoft has also made a similar memory testing utility available.
http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp
Good luck, and ask for more information on anything that is still unclear.
John Sproule
PS: I'm not sure what the second Dell tech was confused about. I think the
information on their web site about installing memory in your system should
have been straightforward to him.
------------ Original Message Below -----------------
Date: Sat, 22 Dec 2007 12:13:23 EST
From: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Memory Sticks
_http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/parts.htm#wp1058792_
(http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8400/SM/parts.htm#wp1058792)
I am in a dilemma and need help. I have a Dell Dimension 8400. Here are
my
specks::
Processor-----------------------Intel (R) 4 CPU 3.00GHz
Memory-(RAM)-----------------256 MB
Operating-System---------------Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
Operating System Version------5.1.2600
I was trying to format cause I had gotten that blue screen, but it would
never go all the way through.. When it was copying the files.. it stopped
midway
and I did this three times. I finally called a tech here to come see what
was wrong. After fooling with it for 2 hours, he pulled a memory stick out
and the formatting was able to go on through. He said I needed another
memory
stick since that one was bad which he said he would order for me. He never
did, and here I sit with a slowed down computer, but at least it works.
I got online with a Dell tech who sent me the above instructions on how to
install the required memory sticks. (The Tech here said he would order me
2
GB of memory - 1 GB each to replace two that were in there.)but I have not
heard from him since.
Now, in reading those instructions Dell sent me, it says this in there
(which confused me so that I don't know what to do now mainly cause I am
not
familiar with the innerds of a computer)
<<< If you install mixed pairs of DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz
(PC2-4200) memory, the modules function at the slowest speed installed.
Similarly, if you install memory modules with mixed CAS Latency (CL) rates,
the
modules function at the speed and CAS latency capablilties of the slowest
DIMM.
Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM connector 1, the
connector
closest to the processor, before you install modules in the other
connectors.
NOTICE: Do not install ECC memory modules. >>>
Since the tech never came back to the house to fix my problem, I'm having
to
do it myself. I need to know what I am to do and exactly where those
memory
sticks are and which one or ones I am to remove when I install the two new
1GB ones when I buy them.
Now.. I had gotten back with a second Dell tech and asked him what to do,
but he was as puzzled about this as I was. Therefore I got no information
from
him in this regard. I just dont know if I am to take all four of those
memory sticks that are in there (or does this computer only have 2 in it)
or just
take 1 out and replace it with the 2 news ones I will be getting.. but the
1 and 3 seem to be in one slot and the 2 and 4 in another. I am totally
confused. Thanks for your help. Harriet
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