[WhoDoYouThink]

I'm running a Dell Dimension 8200, Windows XP. It currently has 2 sticks of memory. Both are RDRAM (Rambus) 128MB PC800 40ns. I want to take those cards out and install 2x256MB PC800-45ns (Samsung).

Will this work?

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Probably.

I run a Dell Dimension 8100 (not directly comparable to your 8200 but also uses Rambus RAM)
I've been successful running either PC600 or PC800 Rambus RAM.

The distinction that you are indicating (40ns) vs (45ns) both of PC800 is related to the speed of each computation.
The RAM that you indicate you wish to install rated at (45ns) is just a bit slower than your present RAM rated at (40ns).

It is unlikely that you would notice a negative difference.

Increasing the amount (total MB of RAM) is likely to improve the function of your machine (whether (40ns) or (45ns) rated.

RAMBUS RAM functions in paired sets, as you apparently recognize.
I believe that your Dell Dimension 8200 has 4 RAM Slots.
All 4 slots need to be filled when using paired RAMBUS RAM.
Your machine probably has a set of two "dummie chips" installed in slot #3 and Slot #4
These are called "Crimms".

CRIMMs
All RAM slots have to be full; this is new, with RAMBUS we have to fill in blank modules in slots which are not in use. The blank modules are called CRIMMs (with a 'C' for continuity).

I have been successful with my Dell Dimension 8100 when installing 2x256mb in the first two slots, and 2x64mb in the second two slots.
This gives me an unusual total physical 640mb.

512mb RAM should be "adequate" for running XP Pro on my own Dell Dimension 8100, but I do get a performance boost when I increased the RAM total to 640, by adding my old 2x64mb sticks into slot #3 and #4.

If you simply "replace" your present RAM for a Total of 512mb RAMBUS RAM, with the product that you list, you should be fine. If you "add/combine" the new RAM paired in the first two slots, with your current RAM paired in the second two slots, you might be even better.

Memory Ten (a reputable RAM source) actually recommends the product that you indicate:
http://www.memoryx.n...ension8200.html

As with any hardware, "compatibility" is always a concern.
When you make a purchase, be sure to check out the "return policy" of the company you purchase from.

Best Regards

[Doug]

Probably.

I run a Dell Dimension 8100 (not directly comparable to your 8200 but also uses Rambus RAM)
I've been successful running either PC600 or PC800 Rambus RAM.

The distinction that you are indicating (40ns) vs (45ns) both of PC800 is related to the speed of each computation.
The RAM that you indicate you wish to install rated at (45ns) is just a bit slower than your present RAM rated at (40ns).

It is unlikely that you would notice a negative difference.

Increasing the amount (total MB of RAM) is likely to improve the function of your machine (whether (40ns) or (45ns) rated.

RAMBUS RAM functions in paired sets, as you apparently recognize.
I believe that your Dell Dimension 8200 has 4 RAM Slots.
All 4 slots need to be filled when using paired RAMBUS RAM.
Your machine probably has a set of two "dummie chips" installed in slot #3 and Slot #4
These are called "Crimms".

CRIMMs
All RAM slots have to be full; this is new, with RAMBUS we have to fill in blank modules in slots which are not in use. The blank modules are called CRIMMs (with a 'C' for continuity).

I have been successful with my Dell Dimension 8100 when installing 2x256mb in the first two slots, and 2x64mb in the second two slots.
This gives me an unusual total physical 640mb.

512mb RAM should be "adequate" for running XP Pro on my own Dell Dimension 8100, but I do get a performance boost when I increased the RAM total to 640, by adding my old 2x64mb sticks into slot #3 and #4.

If you simply "replace" your present RAM for a Total of 512mb RAMBUS RAM, with the product that you list, you should be fine. If you "add/combine" the new RAM paired in the first two slots, with your current RAM paired in the second two slots, you might be even better.

Memory Ten (a reputable RAM source) actually recommends the product that you indicate:
http://www.memoryx.n...ension8200.html

As with any hardware, "compatibility" is always a concern.
When you make a purchase, be sure to check out the "return policy" of the company you purchase from.

Best Regards