[Goff]

Hello. I have a Dell Dimension 8100 desktop computer which I've had for at least 5 years now, and it's still going strong but only has 128MB of RAM. I'm running Windows XP and it's not as fast as most PC's nowadays but still works.

First question is would it be suitable to upgrade the RAM to say about 512MB (Think that would be a good enough upgrade, and I should see a bit of difference?)

And second question, which type of memory do I need for this, and can it easily be bought online. I've tried doing a bit of research and I've read this computer will take ECC and non-ECC memory. I'm not sure what this means, but basically I want to know what memory will work for this PC.

Thanks!

[Advertisements]

This is the only thing I could find, here: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820147302
It seems like a lot but it is all I could find that will work with your computer.

PS: With a 5 year old computer and the RAM so expensive, you might as well just get a new computer. I don't think that $230 price tag is worth it.

Edited by jackflash1991, 27 August 2007 - 04:58 PM.

[jackflash1991]

This is the only thing I could find, here: http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820147302
It seems like a lot but it is all I could find that will work with your computer.

PS: With a 5 year old computer and the RAM so expensive, you might as well just get a new computer. I don't think that $230 price tag is worth it.

Edited by jackflash1991, 27 August 2007 - 04:58 PM.

[Neil Jones]

Your Dell Dimension 8100 takes RIMM memory.

RIMM memory never took off in the marketplace for end-users and just to buy a 256Mb stick of it from Crucial is £75. To buy a 512Mb stick from Crucial is £165. For another £25 on top of that you can buy a new computer with new bits and a whole new warranty.

In all honesty its not worth doing, you'd be better off replacing the computer altogether.

[Goff]

I've found memory for this PC on ebay cheap, am i missing anything?

[jackflash1991]

Post the web page for it.

[Troy]

eBay is not recommended for purchasing computer components, it can be very tricky trying to return faulty parts (if the seller allows for returns), and you would probably have to pay for postage both ways...

[Goff]

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...1QQcmdZViewItem

Theres 1 I've found.

[Neil Jones]

That is from an American seller though.
You can buy it and import it, but:

If you purchase goods through the Internet you should be aware that customs duty and VAT will be payable, as follows:

* Customs duty - if the amount of duty is £7 and over.
* Import VAT - if the value of the goods is £18 and over.


So... $52.95 + $17.95 shipping = $70.90.
£1 = $2.00, more or less.
Therefore £35.

Plus customs duty and VAT at 17.5% on top of the lot.
Plus of course if it turns out to be faulty you'll have lost the money anyway.

[Goff]

Yep, that's true.

If I decide to upgrade I'd try and buy from the UK.

All I'm asking is what type of memory would work?

[jackflash1991]

I would not waste your money on an old computer unless it is supper cheep but the RAM is: 64-, 128-, 256-, and 512-MB RDRAM.

Edited by jackflash1991, 28 August 2007 - 07:55 PM.

[Neil Jones]

Yep, that's true.

If I decide to upgrade I'd try and buy from the UK.

All I'm asking is what type of memory would work?

RIMM memory. See my first post in this thread, those prices were for your computer from Crucial
Not worth it in my opinion, you'd be better off replacing the system and get a huge system boost while you're at it.

[Goff]

Ok, thanks guys.

So how cheap can I buy a good PC online?

[Neil Jones]

Depends entirely on what you want to do with it and how much you want to spend.
Many many places you can buy systems from (online or otherwise), including obvious turkeys like Dell and PC World. Shop around.
Or you can buy a whole bunch of bits and build your own.