Another Computer Question (Because I'm an IDIOT) - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

dawsongirl · 11-12-2008, 01:19 AM

I want to buy more memory for my new desktop. I go to a couple memory sites, and they give me 3 choices. DDR2 667MHz, DDR2 800MHz, and DDR2 1066 MHz. This stupid computer came with NO manual, and all I could get off Acer's website was that it probably has 667 or 800 in it. That's helpful.

Am I going to have to open this thing up to see, or is there a way I can find out so I buy the right one?

Big C · 11-12-2008, 01:26 AM

In the words of Ned Flanders, "Well, as the tree said to the lumberjack, I'm stumped."

bandito · 11-12-2008, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawsongirl

I want to buy more memory for my new desktop. I go to a couple memory sites, and they give me 3 choices. DDR2 667MHz, DDR2 800MHz, and DDR2 1066 MHz. This stupid computer came with NO manual, and all I could get off Acer's website was that it probably has 667 or 800 in it. That's helpful.

Am I going to have to open this thing up to see, or is there a way I can find out so I buy the right one?

I'm like you when it comes to stuff like this. Maybe stop at Staples Or Best Buy and ask someone there, I'll bet they can help you. Good Luck!!

robyrob · 11-12-2008, 11:12 PM

there are programs you can download that will identify what RAM you have, basically the speed depends on what bus speed you have, and you can use compatible RAM with a faster speed, but it will only run at the fastest speed it is capable of in your system

read about it here http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial122.html

and a good free utility is here: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php#about

you could also look in the BIOS setup to see what speed it is running, or use the memory finder tools at www.crucial.com or www.kingston.com

if you can find your model # for your PC, I could probably help you find specs for it.

dawsongirl · 11-13-2008, 12:29 AM

Acer Aspire AM1201-ED5000A

I did initially look at kingston's site, and they gave me the three choices and I didn't know which one to choose.

robyrob · 11-13-2008, 01:19 AM

well, your system comes with the PC2-6400 / 800MHz

your system is compatible with all three of those speeds, you should always try to match speeds, but a faster memory module will only run at the same speed as the slowest memory in the system

you should stick with the 800MHz, unless you are planning on replacing the original memory

keep in mind that with 32 bit Vista, the most memory you will be able to use is 3.5GB - in other words, you have 2Gb now, you can add two 512MB modules to take you to 3GB total, or add two 1GB modules to take you to 3.5GB total (there would be more memory in the system than Windows will recognize).

dawsongirl · 11-13-2008, 09:54 PM

Once again Roby, you saved my day. Thank You, Thank You!!

robyrob · 11-13-2008, 10:03 PM

no problem, happy computing

11-12-2008, 01:19 AM	#1
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	Another Computer Question (Because I'm an IDIOT) I want to buy more memory for my new desktop. I go to a couple memory sites, and they give me 3 choices. DDR2 667MHz, DDR2 800MHz, and DDR2 1066 MHz. This stupid computer came with NO manual, and all I could get off Acer's website was that it probably has 667 or 800 in it. That's helpful. Am I going to have to open this thing up to see, or is there a way I can find out so I buy the right one?

11-12-2008, 11:12 PM	#4
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,200	there are programs you can download that will identify what RAM you have, basically the speed depends on what bus speed you have, and you can use compatible RAM with a faster speed, but it will only run at the fastest speed it is capable of in your system read about it here http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tuto...torial122.html and a good free utility is here: http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php#about you could also look in the BIOS setup to see what speed it is running, or use the memory finder tools at www.crucial.com or www.kingston.com if you can find your model # for your PC, I could probably help you find specs for it.
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11-12-2008, 01:26 AM	#2
Big C I Heart Angie Watson Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 21, 2006 Posts: 3,531	In the words of Ned Flanders, "Well, as the tree said to the lumberjack, I'm stumped."

11-13-2008, 12:29 AM	#5
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	Acer Aspire AM1201-ED5000A I did initially look at kingston's site, and they gave me the three choices and I didn't know which one to choose.

11-13-2008, 01:19 AM	#6
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,200	well, your system comes with the PC2-6400 / 800MHz your system is compatible with all three of those speeds, you should always try to match speeds, but a faster memory module will only run at the same speed as the slowest memory in the system you should stick with the 800MHz, unless you are planning on replacing the original memory keep in mind that with 32 bit Vista, the most memory you will be able to use is 3.5GB - in other words, you have 2Gb now, you can add two 512MB modules to take you to 3GB total, or add two 1GB modules to take you to 3.5GB total (there would be more memory in the system than Windows will recognize).

11-13-2008, 09:54 PM	#7
dawsongirl Member Forum Icon Join Date: Jan 04, 2001 Posts: 53,140	Once again Roby, you saved my day. Thank You, Thank You!!

11-13-2008, 10:03 PM	#8
robyrob certified wackball#3 Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Aug 03, 2003 Location: hiding under the third booth at Arnold's Posts: 58,200	no problem, happy computing