oliverdrums

I am trying to upgrade the memory in my PC.

I have a Dell Vostro 200 Desktop (MT) and it has a Foxconn G33M02 motherboard inside it.

It came with 2X1GB DDR2 sticks already but I wanted to put another two in the spare DIMM slots.

I bought some OCZ RAM (http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Home/Pr...ffiliateFuture) which seemed to be compatible.

When I tried to install the new memory (both sticks at the same time) it wouldn't boot.

I then tried just one and it worked for a couple minutes with all 3 GB then went to a blue screen and powered down.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Oli

dai

is the new am the same speed as the original ram and set at the same timings

oliverdrums

Cheers for the reply.

The original RAM is PC2-5300 (I think) but the new stuff I got is PC2-6400.

As to the timings I am unsure - the OCZ RAM is 5-5-5-12 I think but don't know about the factory Dell RAM.

I've never done anything with the BIOS as I don't know how (yet) - I thought it was as simple as plug and play...?

Also the new RAM is the same voltage (1.8) even though the website said it was higher.

dai

all the sticks need to match the fsb speed
in theory the faster should drop back to the lower speed but in real life it does not always work out
but the voltages need to match up
the m/b defaults at 1.8 and you need to set it manually but if one runs at 1.8 and the other at 2.1 it can be a problem

oliverdrums

I currently have this;

Base
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo E4500 Processor (2.20GHz,800MHz,2MB cache)
Memory
2048MB 667MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM [2x1024]

Is there something I need to do to the BIOS to get in to slow down the new RAM?

I've read that there may be problems changing the BIOS for Dell motherboards.

dai

see what this gives you

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

oliverdrums

Lovely, thanks a lot.

I'll give it a go when the Mrs goes to bed and I'll keep you posted.

I've used the program and I can find two FSB speeds.

There is one under CPU which is Rated FSB 798.1 MHz.

Another one under Memory which is FSB:DRAM 3:5

Under the SPD bit it says the Max Bandwidth PC2-5300 (333MHz)

linderman

try removing the old sticks and install the new sticks only in the same slots used by the old sticks


report your progress

oliverdrums

Hey Linderman - thanks for the reply.

I did initially try this too, with both and just one of the new sticks.

With only both of the new sticks in (the same slots as the original memory) the computer wouldn't even turn on properly - it just made the loud fan noise continuously, normally this only last a second or two and then it boots.

With just one stick in slot 1 it would boot ok, but then when I go to shut down it goes to a memory dump blue screen and then keeps restarting because of a hardware error.

linderman

I would say return those sticks and try a diff pair ......... 2 x 2 gig sticks of PC2-6400 and dont use the old ones would be a smarter move.

go to the corsair or crucial website and use their memory selector to get the model numbers of sticks that work for your system

then; using those model numbers, you can shop at your favorite online vendor

oliverdrums

Before I bought these sticks I did use one of those memory selectors - it said

* Graphics Support: PCI Express x16
* Maximum Memory: 4096MB
* Slots: 4 (2 banks of 2)
* Standard Memory: 512MB removable
* USB Support: 2.x Compliant
* Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.

and

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300,DDR2 PC2-6400 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.
--------------

Would it be safer to get more PC2-5300 RAM (same as the factory fitted memory) or should I go for the faster Crucial PC2-6400 as their site says its compatible?

Also on another forum I have read that someone managed to install 8GB RAM on this Vostro motherboard (Foxconn G33M02) as it is higher spec than Dell let on - maybe 2GB sticks will work?

linderman

http://www.corsair.com/configurator/...aspx?id=620235




http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...N2X4096-6400C5

wrench97

Get the part number sticks listed on the configuration utility used not just the speed and timings specs Dell systems are picky about ram. I usually only use Crucial in them myself.

oliverdrums

Cheers for all the help.

I'm currently sending the first kit back and just trying to work out if I should brave 2x2GB as some memory selectors say my motherboard can cope with it and others don't...

I'll take you're advice on Crucial too - thanks.

wrench97

4 Gig according to Dell> http://support.dell.com/support/edoc....htm#wp1123070

linderman

actually without even thinking about it; I agree with WRENCH, when i buy memory for OEM built systems I always turn to crucial as the first stop, I didnt even realize that without "hearing" it ..............weird


but crucial has the best and most complete system specs, particulars and model number offerings of any in the memory competition for OEM built systems

oliverdrums

I managed to get hold of 2x1GB Crucial PC2-5300 memory sticks and tried them last night.

I installed both at the same time and the computer wouldn't boot (I read you were suppose to install RAM in pairs so I assumed this meant at the same time... I was wrong).

I then tried seperately and hey presto, it now recognises 4GB of RAM!

Sadly I have to return the new memory as it was just borowed so now I am in a conumdrum - do I keep using my old RAM (PC2-5300) and buy 2X1GB PC2-5300 or do I get 2x2GB PC2-5300 or do I risk it all and try 2x1GB PC2-6400?

And I will definetely be sticking with Crucial - cheers!

linderman

two sticks of ram runs with less trouble than 4

your ram configuration will run at the speed of the weakest and slowest sticks

your call; if you are patient, I would try the 2 x 2 PC2-6400

if not patient, then shop ebay and online vendors for the EXACT model numbers of the sticks you borrowed from your friend

oliverdrums

I'll take your advice - I'll order 2 x 2GB Crucial PC2-6400 RAM.

I'll keep you posted on how it goes...

Thanks again for all the help, it is much appreciated :)

brooklynikes

Hi, I also have a Dell Vostro 200 but a slim tower. Is there any way to install more than 4GB of ram on this thing with the G33 chipset? Or would I have to completely upgrade my mobo to do so? And if so what is the skill level required to change a mobo? thanks in advance.