Quick question on RAM ????

[adrianse]

I have a question on RAM. I am doin ga software upgrade on a 233 mhz with 32 megs of RAM. I want to install XP and of course I need more RAM. I pulled the RAM out of the motherboard and I can't ell what it is other than some small handwriting that says 32 MB SDRAM. I need to know how to tell if it is PC100 or PC133 etc.

Also I could use a reccomendation on how much RAM I will need for this upgrade. The computer is used for surfing and word processing, no high end games.

Thanks

Toby

[TdM]

OK well it doesn't matter if you put pc133 ram in with pc100 ram it'll just clock down to 100.

Best bet if you can't find out get 133... anyway can you still get 100 and if so surely the prices must be about the same I would just get 133 anyway.

You can usually tell which it is by a sticker or writing on one of the end chips - there is another way by looking at the serial numbers on the chips but I don't know exactly how this works.

[juppy]

Hi Toby,
I think you can use PC133 in place of PC100 and not cause any problems (someone correct me if I'm wrong). It should just run at the slower speed. A better way would probably be to go to www.crucial.com and see if their memory finder program can tell you what you need. Usually all you need to know is the brand and model of your motherboard.

[Mr N8]

I would recommend that you use at least 256mb or RAM, so XP will run well. Running it on a 233mhz machine will be cutting it close, so I would put in as much RAM as the board can take. My guess is that it will take either a max of 256mb or 512mb.

[RobH]

More than likely it is PC66 since the 233 processor runs on a 66mhz bus.Figure to buy all new and put that to the side.You might want to see if the board is capable for a processor upgrade as well-hth

[superbee]

Hey, on my old computer i have a 233 mhz mmx processor with 80 megs of edo ram and its running xp. I just use it for the internet and stuff like that and it runs fine.

[cuffs007]

Hi Adrianse...

What mobo do you have inside? Or, give a few more details on your system... We could be a little more specific in helping if you could provide us with that information... 256mb of ram is desired to run XP, but less may just work... There are a number of variables to that situation, like programs running in the background besides your OS...

For good ram, I suggest Crucial, Mushkin, Corsair, Samsung... you can also do OK with PNY, Kingston, and SimpleTech...

Good luck

[adrianse]

I ended up building a brand new system for them. thanks for the posts.....

[RobH]

Originally posted by cuffs007 Hi Adrianse... What mobo do you have inside? Or, give a few more details on your system... We could be a little more specific in helping if you could provide us with that information... 256mb of ram is desired to run XP, but less may just work... There are a number of variables to that situation, like programs running in the background besides your OS... For good ram, I suggest Crucial, Mushkin, Corsair, Samsung... you can also do OK with PNY, Kingston, and SimpleTech... Good luck

Hey cuffs just for your information,my stepson has an old deskpro with a 166mmx and 128 meg of PC66 and seems to run xp without a hitch--dont see how it doesnt make the minimum.

[cuffs007]

it's not a minimum that i set... it's a suggested amount of ram by Microsoft...

[RobH]

Originally posted by cuffs007 it's not a minimum that i set... it's a suggested amount of ram by Microsoft...

Yes I know-I read the readme on the XP Disk,I was just refering to the fact it didnt make the grade and still works without a hitch

[glc]

I've seen quite a few major brand systems (Dell, etc.) being sold with XP and only 128 megs ram.

[cuffs007]

ok ok ok... I was just stating what Micro$soft printed.... nothing more, nothing less... I'm positive it CAN run well with less than the suggested amount of RAM... No need to "ram" the messenger... hehe ... it's all cool-io with me!