How much RAM does my PC have??? Help again...

[Prevost]

I just opened my PC and replaced the CD-ROM drive with a DVD-R/RW/CD-RW unit (BenQ) and feel now a sudden urge of upgrading my memory...

I guess the two long plastic modules I saw are the two SIMM modules. My System query says I have "127.0 MB RAM" so I suppose those are 128 MB. Now, my problems are:

Can I replace RAM by myself too?
How do I find how much RAM my PC supports?

For I wouldn't buy 512MB if I'm to lose them.

For additional info, my PC is a Celeron 700 MHz manufactured in 2001.

[Prevost]

I just opened my PC and replaced the CD-ROM drive with a DVD-R/RW/CD-RW unit (BenQ) and feel now a sudden urge of upgrading my memory...

I guess the two long plastic modules I saw are the two SIMM modules. My System query says I have "127.0 MB RAM" so I suppose those are 128 MB. Now, my problems are:

Can I replace RAM by myself too?
How do I find how much RAM my PC supports?

For I wouldn't buy 512MB if I'm to lose them.

For additional info, my PC is a Celeron 700 MHz manufactured in 2001.

[ziggurat29]

You can replace them with ease. Generally there is a plastic lever at each end which, when pushing down will cause them to pop out.

As for what to get, you'll have to check what the max for your machine is. Should be listed in the paperwork for your machine, if you have it, or just use google. Google on the machine name like 'etower 500ix2 spec memory max' or whatever. Most of the memory houses have a 'configurator' (what a word) that you might can use as well. I'm going to guess that you can take PCI133 with a max of maybe 512 MB but please don't take my word for it. Try and research it..

[tanalasta]

This would depend how many memory slots you have left. Cheaper computers unfortunately only come with two.

So you have a choice of buying 1x512Mb RAM or 2x256Mb.

Unfortunately, the 128Mb you have in your computer would then go to waste. To be honest, 128Mb RAM is sufficient on an antiquated Celeron such as yours provided you're running Windows98 and not XP.

Given You're looking to setting youself back several hundred dollars, why not consider a complete system upgrade? If you salvage your current machine for parts (HDD, CD-drive etc...) and find a reliable and trustworthy person to build it for you without ripping you off - you'll end up with a much better system.

[Prevost]

I have been thinking of buying a new PC seriously. But since I had only a CD-ROM drive, I thought I needed a new unit in order to Backup or Copy in CDs my hard drive data for the new computer. And afterwards the idea of "improving" a bit my actual computer came to life, since it is working fine and satisfies my needs. ops: Also, its microtower footprint is good for me.

But, no doubt, I want a 512Mb RAM P4 with ATI digital-output-enabled graphics and a nice Sony xbrite display...well, at least now I can backup :roll: !!!

[Darius Wey]

Originally Posted by Prevost

Can I replace RAM by myself too?
How do I find how much RAM my PC supports?

For I wouldn't buy 512MB if I'm to lose them.

For additional info, my PC is a Celeron 700 MHz manufactured in 2001.

This all depends on your motherboard: what the maximum amount of RAM is recognised in each module; what the maximum amount of RAM is that is compatible with the entire motherboard configuration; what type of SD RAM you will require, etc.

Bear in mind that SD RAM is definitely more expensive than your typical DDR RAM memory modules now. I agree that you may as well go for a new system if it's within your budget. Personally, I like to avoid those "system packages" and build my computer outright. That way, I know what parts I'm using, etc.

[Prevost]

Darius, actually I know that some people (many?) in PPCT like to build their PCs on their own, but also I see that those some people have serious computers knowledge or are even professionals on them.

Because of that, I don't feel able of doing so.

Also, in Panama it is not easy to buy top computer parts...in that case probably I'd need to bring them from the USA. To put this in other words, here in Panama there is a company that "builds" computers. But, how good components are they using when they sell a system with monitor for about 1/4 of the price of an "equivalent" Dell WITHOUT monitor???

Apart of that, since my computer, with its humble specs, has given me fine quality service for three years, why would that not happen with a good brand modern unit?

I've been looking for my PC papers but it looks they are lost. I'll try to find info in the net.

Can anyone of you describe memory modules' shape? For I have seen two white long plastic pieces about 4 inches long portruding from the motherboard and I'm taking those for RAM... but in fact I'm not sure if they are.

[Prevost]

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp...000787&cat=MBB

This is my computer's motherboard. Can any of you let me know where there are the RAM modules and which type they must be?

It is stated that it has two DIMM sockets for up to 512Mb.

[Darius Wey]

Originally Posted by Prevost

Darius, actually I know that some people (many?) in PPCT like to build their PCs on their own, but also I see that those some people have serious computers knowledge or are even professionals on them.

Because of that, I don't feel able of doing so.

It may seem quite complicated at first, but if you have a keen interest in it, it's actually quite easy to pick up.

Originally Posted by Prevost

Also, in Panama it is not easy to buy top computer parts...in that case probably I'd need to bring them from the USA.

Yeah - that always makes things tough, unfortunately. :cry:

[maximus]

Originally Posted by Prevost

http://www.compgeeks.com/details.asp...000787&cat=MBB

This is my computer's motherboard. Can any of you let me know where there are the RAM modules and which type they must be?

It is stated that it has two DIMM sockets for up to 512Mb.

RAM modules are the two black vertical stripes on the left of your processor. Purchase your RAM at a vendor with good return policy

Strangely, I cant find your motherboard on MSI's motherboard website :

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/produc...&NAME=Archives

The closest configuration to yours (Intel 810E chipset) is :

http://www.msi.com.tw/program/produc...il.php?UID=117

Which means, it support 512MB SDRAM with 128 bit only.

[Prevost]

Thank you Maximus!

In fact, it is an MSI motherboard. I found the info I was looking for at Gateway's Support Site using my purchase invoice I found here...and I also found at Gateway's some BIOS updates I didn't knew existed. Anyway I didn't downloaded them, for my research on my system has taken me to the (logic) conclusion that apart from RAM, there is almost nothing I can upgrade on it nowadays.

At Gateway's site I found the motherboard's physical description.

It has been very interesting to learn some about what is inside a PC, and curiously, now I don't see them as something as misterious as I thought it was. I even feel it is not too difficult to build one by myself...although I'm still affraid there must be a piece I'll need in order to make it work that still I don't know even exist... ops: :mrgreen:

Also, I'm now aware of how important is having some knowledge of what motherboard is within that system so handsome we see at the retailer. Probably now I have better knowledge than some salespeople...