Can I use 3 Ram Slots....

[sirkevinvii]

Hi, I've just bought a 6800 256mb gt for $80, and I wanted to upgrade from my original 512mb ram. I own a Dell PC with 4 Dimm slots.

So my question is, Does anyone know if using all 4 dimm slots for 256mb Ddr memory is efficient or as fast as 2 512mb sticks?? :confused:

Would it strain my power supply? :confused:

I was also thinking of keeping the original 2 x 256mb sticks and adding one 512mb stick, do I need the dimm 3 and dimm 4 to match?

Any suggestions Thanks, Kevin

[saphalline]

Ummm... need to know more about the system. Is your computer capable of using dual-channel RAM? Does it use SDRAM? RDRAM? What chipset?

[sirkevinvii]

Ohh, sorry, the memory i have in my pc now is -- 2 x Elpida 256mb pc3200u, so i am guessing those are DDR... So I assume I cannot use ddr2 ram..... :confused:

Thanks Kevin

[saphalline]

I need to know the chipset or the Dell model number. I'm sure you can use all 4 DIMM slots or any combination of them. But whether or not your PC is dual-channel capable will be the main concern for performance.

And yes, PC3200 is DDR400. So DDR is all you can use. Every type of RAM has a different slot, so SDRAM and RDRAM and DDR and DDR2 are all different. You physically cannot mix them up - the module won't fit in the wrong slot. Unless you force it... in which case you break your mobo...

[sirkevinvii]

Thank you so much.... By the way the way the chipset is an Intel 865PE...
Also, I am using a nvidia 6800 gt which says the minimium power supply should be 350 watts, and I just noticed that my PC only has a 250watt power supply, but it has been working, Anyone think this is a problem?


Thanks a bunch, :D Kevin

[saphalline]

The i865PE chipset is dual-channel capable. Which means that you'll want your RAM to be configured correctly. Each pair in channels 1 & 2 must match in size and density and all modules must have the same speed and latencies in order for dual-channel to work at its peak. Any deviation can cause dual-channel to break, which cuts your RAM bandwidth in half! :eek: Not something you want to do to a P4!

To answer your original question, yes, DIMMs 3 and 4 must match. I suggest getting another 512MB stick identical to the first. Then put the 512 sticks in DIMMs 1 and 2, and move the 256 sticks to DIMMs 3 and 4. You will then keep dual-channel and improve the efficiency of the system as a whole.

The OEM's measure their PSU's differently, so that 250W you have now may indeed be enough to run that 6800 GT. However, I would strongly suggest upgrading the PSU if possible. Running a system to the edge of the PSU's wattage is just asking for trouble. Upgrade to a 400W or higher PSU, especially since you're adding RAM to the mix. And make sure it's a high quality PSU. Check my sticky or ask questions if you need further help with that.

[sirkevinvii]

Do you know if this power supply would work? Are they easy to install? http://cgi.ebay.com/Multi-Outlet-400w-Max-ATX-Power-Supply-for-P1-P4-AMD_W0QQitemZ330015086702QQihZ014QQcategoryZ42020Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also could I just make my PC more efficent by using two ram slots, one CD slot, and no floppy? Would the hardware get screwed up if there wasn't enough power?

[saphalline]

That PSU will barely power your CPU alone! No no, you need a high quality PSU, like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023), at the very least. If you skimp on your PSU, you may pay for it later when your entire system gets fried. High quality PSU's rarely fry parts when they die. They simply die quietly.

You could try cutting your power usage by removing parts, but it won't really matter much. Your second optical drive and floppy drive are of little concern since they probably aren't used anyway while playing a game. The reduction in RAM would help a little bit, but won't get at the root of the problem. Which is the fact that you added a gaming vid card to a computer that was never meant to handle it. That 250W PSU was plenty of power for the system when you got it, but upgrades have worsened the situation. You can buy a new PSU now, or wait until your current one dies. It's up to you.

[sirkevinvii]

Ok Thanks I will buy a new one. One last question, Do you know if my mobo supports 240pin or 184pin ram, or is that the same as all ddr ram, Thanks again

ohh, is it hard to install a new power supply?

[saphalline]

240-pin RAM is DDR2, which won't fit in your system. 184-pin RAM is DDR, which is what your system uses. It's a good way to tell if RAM is compatible with your system, although a myriad of other details also need to be considered.

Power supplies aren't so much difficult to replace as tedious. You have to disconnect all the power cables of your current one, which is a lot since each device has at least one connection to the PSU. Then you remove the 4 screws from the back (or disconnect the bracket, however your system is designed) and then manouever the old PSU out of the case while the many power cables fight you. Then you get to do the whole thing all over again in reverse. :rolleyes:

Not technically difficult, just frustrating at times.

[jlreich]

Yeah they are not hard to put in. Just be mindful of the motherboard. Often times there are capacitors and such packed really close to the where the PSU must come out of. Just take your time getting it out and back in and you will be fine. :)

[sirkevinvii]

Hey, I have my ram and I have two matching pc3200 ddr ram sticks... Should I install them at the same time, because my manual says to install one chip first, then the next? But they are dual channel....

[LadyGrey]

Hi Kevin, Please remember to ground yourself when working inside a computer or you will end up with fried computer and parts. RAM is specially susceptible to ESD. Just an FYI. Take care and good luck!

LGhttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/wink.gif

[saphalline]

Yes, install one first, then the next. It takes a lot of pressure to install RAM, so you'll need both hands for the job. I don't know anyone that would risk their own hardware by trying to install two sticks of RAM at once! That's just asking for trouble.

[sirkevinvii]

OHH, ok thanks, by the way, ground myself.... Uhh, keep my feet on the ground. Can that cause problems, whats your best advice. Should I remove both old ram sticks, then add 1 512, then install the driver, then add the next and install. Thanks

[saphalline]

Oh, no, install both sticks of RAM, one right after the other. But before you power-up the machine. I thought you were talking about taking a stick of RAM in each hand and physically installing them at the same time. No, you can install them together. I thought you were talking about "at the same time" in the physical sense.

[sirkevinvii]

Ahh ;) , Now I see, makes sense now, Thanks Saphalline :D

[sirkevinvii]

That PSU will barely power your CPU alone! No no, you need a high quality PSU, like this (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023), at the very least. If you skimp on your PSU, you may pay for it later when your entire system gets fried. High quality PSU's rarely fry parts when they die. They simply die quietly.

Saphalline, My power supply finally arrived today and I was installing the new one, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817153023, the exact model you recommended, and it doesn't match the power slot on my MOBO!!! ahhhh anyway, mine Mobo has 4 (I believe) fewer pins then the new mobo power cord... Is there anything I can do... What did I do wrong. I have a Intel P4. :confused:

[Cavalier90]

The picture on the Newegg site seems to show four holes on a detachable part of the plug. I seem to remember on my PC the end bit with the 4 extra holes unclips or snaps off leaving you with a 20 pin socket rather than 24. Use just the 20 pin socket and leave the other 4 pin unconnected.

[jlreich]

Yes I have two of those PSU's. There is a detachable 4pin section on the main connector for use with 20pin mobo's. In fact both PSU's are running mobo's with 20pin main connectors.

[saphalline]

Yep, it's detachable. That's why I specifically recommended that one. ;) I'm always on top of the little details... :cool:

Maybe I should have warned you about that one, though! :p Sorry.