Adding memory to computer - Any pitfalls?

[mandrill]

I want to improve my computer's speed and performance when playing computer games. My computer is a Dell 4700 Pentium 4 with only twin 512's installed. I have 2 free slot and so I could theoretically add 2 1024 MB memory cards.

I got a scan done at Crucial.com and the site told me that my rig would be compatible with twinned DDR2 PC-5300 or PC-6400 memory upgrade cards.

This all sounds a little too easy to be true. Is there anything else I should have in mind when I go buy extra memory??............ Or should I be leaving all this for a professional nerd-spert?

 

[mcdoste]

First of all, I would suggest you check on line at the Dell web site. Check what they have listed as capacity for your system. There are many different types of memory available and if you purchase the wrong kind, you will be stuck with it and it won't work. For example, a Dell Dimension 4700 uses 400-MHz (PC2-3200) or 533-MHz (PC2-4300) DDR2 unbuffered SDRAM non-ECC but you will need to search the web site for your specific model to make sure. You also do not want to mix different memory types as the speed must be the same on each memory stick. Lastly, make sure you only use the momory stick size that Dell recomends.

 

[Garrett]

I want to improve my computer's speed and performance when playing computer games. My computer is a Dell 4700 Pentium 4 with only twin 512's installed. I have 2 free slot and so I could theoretically add 2 1024 MB memory cards.

If you are running on board video, I would upgrade that first (going to a dedicated card will free up system memory, and you will be putting the money where you need the performance).

 

[RonaldMcFondled]

because he wants to increase the performance of his very important time consuming games

 

[mmmburritos]

Adding RAM is just about the cheapest upgrade you can do to your computer. And if you do it right the performance increase can be notable. Just make sure the speeds all match properly and that the paired sticks are properly timed. Apart from that just note that 32 bit operating systems are limited to 3GB of usable memory (which is what you are doing anyway).