Passing maximum memory

[DTSMAN]

I have an old Dell laptop that Dell paperwork says has a max of 512 memory. I can only get to one slot. Each slot has 128 in it. I have upgraded to XPpro, and want to know if I put a 512 or 1gig in the user accessible spot, will it work and speed up the computer?
It is up to date on bios updates as well if that makes a difference.

Bo

Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)

http://www.redgreen.com

 

[linney]

A machine with more RAM would be beneficial for an operating system such as XP. You will need to match any extra RAM with what is remaining and unaccessible to you.

Have you looked at the Dell web site to see the specifications of your model and whether there is any mention of the maximum amount of RAM it can use?

Memory Questions
thread779-1037352

 

[vacunita]

I have an old Dell laptop that Dell paperwork says has a max of 512 memory

How old is the Laptop? Specific model?

Is that a general overall Max allowed for the machine? Or a Max ammount it can take in the user accessible slot?

If you want to make certain, use the Dell to visit Crucial's website. And run its Memory Advisor tool. It will tell you exactly how much and of what type your machine can take.

http://www.crucial.com/

Normally if its explicitly stated, then the machine will simply not be able to recognize a chip with more ram than its maximum.

----------------------------------
Phil AKA Vacunita
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Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[JPaules]

Bumping up to 512 from 128 will make a difference however how much is 512MB of that type RAM going to cost you? Is that slight increase in speed going to be worth the money you will have to spend? How long do you intend to use that system?

Personally I wouldn't spend any money on a system old enough to have had an OS older than Win XP. I'd put the money aside for a new laptop. I just saw an ad today in my email for a new laptop for $499. That would probably dance circles around your old system with 512MB RAM.

--
JP

 

[DTSMAN]

The laptop came with XP. The manufacturer says it will hold a max of 512. I can not get to 128 of it, as it is built in. I have been to Crucial and Googled this without a good answer. It is a Dell Inspiron 2650.


It has two 128 chips in it. One I can not get too. So, if I put a 512 on top of that 128 that is in there, will there be adverse effects?

So, the question is, "If I exceed the max memory dictated by the manufacturer, what are the end results?"


Bo

Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)

http://www.redgreen.com

 

[JPaules]

If you exceed the max amount of RAM, it might read up to 512 or it might not work at all. Plus there is the possibility that it would refuse to read that memory card you put in and then you'd be running with 128. There's a slight possibility it would overtax your system and damage components.

According to Dell's website, you can only put a 256 in that open slot. You can certainly try to prove them wrong but you need to be prepared to deal with the consequences if you're wrong.


--
JP

 

[vacunita]

More than likely it will not recognize a memory module of more than 256MB. So installing a 512MB module will not do much. You'll be running at 128MB internal. Installing a 256MB module seems to be the only easy option.

Should you be so inclined, and willing, the built in 128 module may be accessible if you take apart the laptop. Likely removing the keyboard and a couple other panels would provide access to it.






----------------------------------
Phil AKA Vacunita
----------------------------------
Ignorance is not necessarily Bliss, case in point:
Unknown has caused an Unknown Error on Unknown and must be shutdown to prevent damage to Unknown.

 

[DTSMAN]

Thanks guys. That was what I was looking for before I spent $40 on a 512 chip and it not work. It's an old computer I gave to my young daughter who uses it mostly for facebook, email, and yahoo instant messaging.
I'll see if I can access the internal and put 2-256mb in it and not go over the limit.

Bo

Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)

http://www.redgreen.com

 

[Sympology]

Try the crucial memory advisor.

It should be able to tell you what you can have and a rough cost of what it will cost.

(Choose scan my system)

http://www.crucial.com/

Robert Wilensky:
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