Does anyone know...

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ditzyscrap

New member
So, my computer needs more RAM. I called Dell this morning to ask what kind of RAM I needed, and the A$$ on the other end wouldn't TELL ME what kind to get, said I could ONLY get it through Dell, because no other kind would be compatible. I think that's BS, lol (and I ended up hanging up on him because he made me so mad)...

Anyhow, so...is he telling me the truth? I finally found the place to figure out what type to buy, and this is the details (I need to buy 2...he told me my computer can only hold up to 2GB, right now I have 1GB worth in 2 slots):

Storage Capacity: 1 GB
Memory Type: DRAM
Technology: DDR II SDRAM
Form Factor: DIMM 240-pin
Memory Speed: 533 MHz ( PC2-4200 )
Latency Timings: CL4
Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC
RAM Features: Unbuffered
Module Configuration: 128 x 64
Supply Voltage: 1.8 V
Compatible Slots: 1 x memory - DIMM 240-pin

OK, so reading this, I'm guessing I need a 1GB DDR2 SDRAM, 240-pin, right? So...can I take that in to Best Buy and they'll give me what I need? I know how to take the memory out and replace it myself (Dell has had me do it before when we were testing the motherboard because my computer wouldn't power on)...but if it would be less hassle, I was thinking of taking my computer in to the Geek Squad tomorrow and leaving it there for the week, for them to tell me the exact type of RAM to buy and just install it for an extra $30 (which, btw...would be only a few $$ more than buying through Dell and having it shipped).

I just don't want to go buy the memory and then find out the Dell guy wasn't lying to me, lol, and they've somehow set up their system that you can't use any other type. My problem is, I can't order memory from Dell because they won't ship to a PO Box - when I bought my computer, I lived in town and had a street address...then we moved to a small village that does NOT have street addresses, only PO Boxes, and I end up getting in an argument with the person on the other end that NO I don't have an address that is not a box number (they just do NOT get this concept, at all, lmao). Anyhow...tired of dealing with that...I'd rather just pick it up somewhere near me and not have to wait, etc.
 
Well, I upgraded my Grandma's RAM when I was there in April and the Geek Squad told me that since it was a Dell, that I had to get it from Dell. I did, but the particular RAM chip she needed was only $25.
 
My hubby works for Dell- I'll ask him. He's not one to jack around, and he's in business sales so he'd have no reason to tell you something crummy like the lovely rep you talked to. I'll ask when he gets home.
 
I ended up calling a local computer store and they installed more RAM dirt cheap.

Good luck and yeah, the guy at Dell is a big fat lier.
 
LOL, well I finally got through and yeah, the Geek Squad guy said the Dell guy was lying, lol...I told him the specs and he said "yep, we've got that in store...the same brand, too". He said to bring it in and we'll see how it's configured, I may be able to upgrade to more than 2GB. So, in it goes tomorrow! :)
 
i think it may have something to do with the Dell warranty or service agreement? I already voided mine by popping it open to install an internal HD -- did need a part that didn't come with the drive, but was able to get it from a sm local PC repairer for a smile.

So, I'd say, if you have a Dell warranty/svc agreement, don't pop it in yourself, but if not - I think you have the right idea and go for it! More ram sounds like a great idea - you've tempted me to tinker with mine again...
 
DH says Dell is "non-proprietary" (one of the only computer companies that is)- meaning you can buy anything for your Dell- they aren't locked in to any hardware.

So yeah- you talked to an a$$! You should be able to get the RAM wherever you want.
 
I *am* under warranty until November, and am pretty sure my hard drive is about to fail any day now, lol...so don't want to screw up that warranty. But, how would they ever know...the guys that come to fix it don't really look at anything, just replace whatever and go. And the guys at Dell told me I could replace it myself...they just ship it to me and I put it in - since it's an upgrade.
 
ditzyscrap said:
I *am* under warranty until November, and am pretty sure my hard drive is about to fail any day now, lol...so don't want to screw up that warranty. But, how would they ever know...the guys that come to fix it don't really look at anything, just replace whatever and go. And the guys at Dell told me I could replace it myself...they just ship it to me and I put it in - since it's an upgrade.
Click to expand...

If the HD goes under warranty, just pop the memory out before you ship it back to them. I am sure you can ask the Geek Squad guy to show you where he is putting it, and how to take it out should you need to.
 
Hey Bree-

I didn't know the answer, but asked DH (builds computers) and here is his answer. :) Side note- ZipZoomFly says it doesn't ship to P.O. boxes, but you could do a search for the same thing at a site that does (NewEgg says it ships to residential P.O. boxes in rural areas...would that work?).

From Jay: The new RAM needs to be added in pairs and is sold that way, you can't just add a 1GB, it'll need to be two 512 or two 1GB chips.

This first link is for a pack of very good RAM 2x512 or 1GB total:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=85016-33

This second one is for the same but more RAM- 2x1024 or 2GB total:
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80098-45

If you choose the first then you will have 2GB when done, if you use the second then you will have a total of 3GB when you are done. Do not buy it from Best Buy or even ask them anything as they are umm...less than knowledgeable about all things computers. The links I posted for you are to a website where I get all of my computer parts, it has competitive prices and is a very reputable online store. You were also correct in your assessment of Dell trying to bamboozle you in to buying it from them. If you had, it may have cost you 2-3 times more for the same RAM.

I hope that helps, Bree!!
T.
 
I bought a new Dell in October, and chose the minimum memory of 2GB and added another 2GB myself from crucial.com because it was cheaper than Dells price for 4GB. And it worked just fine.
 
If your 1GB of RAM is taking up 2 DIMM slots, in order to get 2GB of RAM, you'll need to take out the ones you have and buy 2 new 1GB DIMMs. Otherwise, if you only take out one and add a 1GB DIMM, you'll only end up with 1.5GB of RAM. Your 1GB of RAM is divided into the 2 DIMMs which means there is 500MB of memory in each DIMM. Does that make sense?

As for the whole "does it need to be Dell" thing, I dunno...it needs to be the right speed. We have a Dell and bought some Kingston RAM for it before and it didn't work so we returned it.
 
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Yep, I knew about the slots thing...I've got 2 slots with 512MB in each (or whatever makes up 1GB, lol). So I would need 2x1GB, or the guy said I could possibly just put 1x2GB in one slot and leave the other empty...said they could take a look at it and see. The 2GB one is cheaper than buying 2x1GB, so I'm HOPING I can go that route.

And the Best Buy guy said it doesn't matter the speed, if it's higher, it's made to slow down to whatever your computer is able to use. As long as it's the same or higher, you're good to go. But, this is why I'm thinking of just taking it in...that way, if THEY screw up, THEY fix it, haha.
 
Another question - if you take your computer in to the Geek Squad, do you have to pay up-front for the services and products they'll use...or do they make you pay when you pick it up? The answer to this question will determine whether I drop off my computer tomorrow, or on the way back (after payday)...
 
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