Dell Computers and Generic Memory

[Richard_Cranium72]

On my new Dell 800l computer, it was supposed to come with 32mb of RAM.

Dell was nice enough to put a 64mb stick in for free http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

As we all know, power users WANT more RAM.

The deal about Dell "Only" memory is not always true.

I put a stick of generic Kingston PC100 128mb in this one and it runs OK, so far anlyway.

What prompted me was checking prices for the PIII 800 powered L series, the memory was about the same price as for "Generic" memory.

Just FYI,,

BTW, which is better,, 2 sticks=max RAM or 1 big stick ??

DrVette

[jamis]

Basically, the idea behind "dell memory" is that they "garentee" it to work... I guess in some rare cases, some ram might not work so well in some computers.. rare.. but i GUESS it could happen. And yes.. generic memory is alot cheaper than what DELL will charge you for memory upgrades. Definately buy generic memory.

As for 1 stick or 2, it all comes down to expandability.. If you have 2 dimm slots open and want to upgrade with an additional 128MB, buying 1 dimm to cover that will leave you a dimm slot for future memory upgrades... buying 2 64MB sticks means you might end up wasting money should you have to replace one with a large stick in the future.

[NDC]

Hello, Richard.

There is nothing wrong with buying generic memory. When they mark, or should I say sell them as generic memory. It just means that they were memory modules that came out from the same batch as all other memory modules but just didn't meet the standards for Grade "A" memory modules. After the testing is done, they are sorted out into two groups, Generic and Grade "A". The difference between Generic would refer to Latency and Speed Tolerance. That is why you hear people say that you should buy grade "A" memory for overclocking because they will be able tolerate higher bus speeds than they were intended to be used for. For example, I use Samsung PC-100 GL models that are rated PC-100, but can do 124 without any hesitation. From reading articles about this particular model, it will do as far as 127. As for some Gneric Memories, when they say PC-100 they pretty much mean it, it will do about 104, 107 etc... But I've also seen some Generic Memory Modules that do almost as well as Grade 'A" Memory Modules. But one thing to keep in mind is that some Generic and even Grade Memories don't seem to be compatible with certain mainboards. I had problems with using Generic 256MB RAM Modules on a Tyan S1832-DL Dual mainboard. It was being reconized as 128MB, not 256MB! I returned the Generic for a Grade "A" and the problem was immediatly solved. My friend who recently bought a Dell 700Mhz decided buy a Generic 256MB RAM Module which they called "House Brand" from <A HREF="http://www.pricewatch.com" TARGET=_blank>www.pricewatch.com</A>
wasn't able to be reconized at all on his system.

My conslussion is that, there is absolutley nothing wrong with buying Generic Memory, especially if you're not an overclocker. Another thing I'd like to mention is that people seem to be very concerned about there latency setting 3 Vs. 2. To be very honest with you, I haven't seen any visible difference between setting the Latency to 2 from 3. Have any of your seen any visible difference between the two latency settings?

BTW, which is better,, 2 sticks=max RAM or 1 big stick ??

I would have to agree with Jamis 101% on that question. Definetly one big stick!

I had 256 x 256 x 128 x 128 and I really wanted to get an upgrade on my memory because I wasn't able to run some graphic applications at a comfortable pace. But I have only 4 DIMM slots on my M/B. So I ended removing the two 128MB sticks to my son's system that actually didn't even need it, but it was better than just letting them sit or reselling them at a unreasonable price. I regretted ever buying those 128MB sticks! Now I have 256 x 256 x 256 x 256.



[This message has been edited by NDC (edited 11-28-2000).]

[CujoRbd]

Thanks for the info, Richard! I have a friend who was wondering the same thing about his Dell and "generic" memory. I'll have to tell him now of it.


This brings up an interesting point for me. I have a Compaq laptop, and I really want to upgrade the RAM.

However, Compaq's site says to only use certain RAM that's been made specifically for my model.

Is this true? Do I have to use a specific type of stick?

I know I have to use a stick of mem that's made for a laptop, but do I have to buy the exact kind? Or what?

Mostly the reason I ask is because for my model, the cheapest I've ever seen a 64mb stick is for about $140! And that's just rediculous!

So, any help you can provide to me would be much appreciated! Thanks!

[NDC]

Laptop RAM is always pricier than desktop memory, you just can't compare the two.... http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

[CujoRbd]

Well, thanks NDC. I was kinda figuring as much. http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/frown.gif

If anyone knows of any third-party resellers for my laptop, let me know. It's a Compaq Presario 1255. Thanks in advance!


Cujo

[Richard_Cranium72]

CujoRbd,, WARNING !!!

Don't take my VERY limited experience with a Dell unit to heart.

My pal at Office Depot told me of one customer crashing his Dell from some PNY memory, and Kingston didn't work either.
A format was in store for this man, after trying some "generic" memory.

One thing I did to test mine.
1st I took the Dell memory and put it into a old machine(Socket370)Celeron and it booted fine.
2nd Tested the Kingston stick in the Dell.

Tread carefully in this arena as my machine is a very late model 800mhz PentiumIII Socket 370<<<--

as always,
Your mileage may vary http://sysopt.earthweb.com/forum/smile.gif

DrVette