How to install Dell RDRAM memory?

[jsteph]

I have a Dell Dimension 8100, and it has 4 memory slots. 2 slots seem to have memory sticks, and the other 2 seem to have sticks, but they're thinner, and seem like 'blanks'. Is there such a thing? I have 256 meg, and I'm guessing it's the first 2 slots with 128 each and I can only guess the others are blanks or some sort of terminating sticks.

I want to buy a single 256 meg stick. Can I put that in the 3rd slot, with the 2 128's still in slots 1 & 2? Or do I have to add it in matched pairs? I tried Dell's support site, and it was possibly the most un-navigable site I've ever visited, so there was no help there.
Thanks,
--Jim

 

[micker377]

Interesting:
I did a google search for a Dell Dimension 8100. The first site that came up, showed "memory kits". I brought one up and under specs it states "Upgrade Type Proprietary". Looks like you might have to contact Dell (Hell) support for an answer. Good luck!

 

[ttterk]

Your System Reference is available at:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dsleest/.

Annoyingly enough, a better description of your memory (and accompanying "continuity modules" and their use) is found in (my) Dell Dimension System Reference at:

http://docs.us.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8250/replace.htm#1106497.

To order memory for your Dell Dimension 8100, just click on "Order Support" at the top of any Dell screen, select "shopping," "software & peripherals," "memory," and use the memory selector to get to a page of memory you can use. I got this page in response to my query:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/...amilySelection=Dimension&ModelSelection=67917

FYI I checked around and ended up buying from Dell; the relatively small additional cost over cheaper vendors was worth the peace of mind, and I've been happy with my memory upgrade.

Sloth is the mother of invention. Necessity is just a mother...

 

[jsteph]

Thank you both very much, that helped alot. I guess those 'continuity' modules, along with the reason the memory is twice as expensive, is why rambus is not the industry standard. But I've got the box upgraded and it's working fine...
--Jim