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Unregistered
10-11-2003, 10:40 PM
i got a gateway computer with 256MB DDR SDRAM. If i want to update my memory do i have to buy the same DDR SDRAM type too? thanks
Fruss Tray Ted
10-12-2003, 12:29 AM
It needs to be of the same speed but not neccessarily the same size.

If it's pc2100 RAM you'll need to use some of the same but it can be any size you choose- 128 256 512 etc.

BTW Welcome to http://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif
Unregistered
10-12-2003, 01:55 PM
how do i know if my comp is pc2100 RAM or not?
Budfred
10-12-2003, 02:09 PM
The description of the computer from Gateway should tell you what the specs are, including the type of RAM. If it doesn't there are utilities that you can run, like Belarc (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html) that can tell you all sorts of details about your system....
Bullman
10-12-2003, 02:36 PM
I have been pleased with the RAM I have gotten from www.crucial.com. Their site is pretty easy to use, and they have a Memory selector in there. You just enter your Gateway model number and it will tell you exactly what your computer uses. The prices don't seem to be all that bad either.
Paul Komski
10-12-2003, 03:29 PM
Go Crucial!
Fruss Tray Ted
10-12-2003, 03:39 PM
My response was only an example. I did not mean to imply that you have pc2100, it could well be 2700 and so forth.

I'll enter another vote for Crucial so the 'motion' may be passed... ;) I've had good luck with their 'value RAM' of several types in many machines.
Unregistered
10-13-2003, 10:41 PM
well thanks for helping me out but i have another question

what will happen if i install a wrong type of memory?
Budfred
10-13-2003, 11:03 PM
It depends... If you install SDRAM when you need DDR RAM, you won't be able to because the slots won't support it. If you install a slower speed of RAM, it will slow down what you have. If you somehow manage to install the wrong type in spite of the slot not fitting, your computer won't boot until you remove it, hopefully without any permanent damage to the slot. Basically, the main thing that would happen is that you would have to go to a lot of hassle buying it, trying it and returning it....
Unregistered
10-14-2003, 02:50 PM
you install a slower speed of RAM, it will slow down what you have.

how do i install a slower speed of RAM when im trying to update it?
Fruss Tray Ted
10-14-2003, 08:54 PM
By upgrading you usually increase the amount of RAM in your system. But RAM runs at a specific frequency hence the speed. It is similar to different types of harddrives. The old ones would spin at a much slower speed than todays harddrives which are approaching 10,000 RPM (rotation per minute). The older you go the slower they were and the performance level went with it also.

What do you have for a system? Try Belarc Advisor (http://www.belarc.com/images/navbar2_01.gif) if you don't know. This will tell you the mainboard, what softwares you have, how much RAM and type, and so forth.
Budfred
10-14-2003, 10:08 PM
Unregistered,

My point is that it is really difficult to mess up a RAM upgrade. If you try to install the wrong type of RAM, it won't fit. If you install the wrong speed, it will simply slow down what you have or it won't work if it is completely wrong... The best bet is just to figure out what you have and get another of the same thing. If needed, take it out, take a picture of it and take the picture to the store... Chances are good that Belarc or the Crucial link or other options will tell you precisely what you have and then you just write it down and take it with you to the store. Once you have it, make sure you are grounded with the computer, plug it in to the available slot and lock it in place....