Increasing RAM on my PC

[Tyme2fish]

I currently have 95MB RAM and am wanting to increase that due to switching to DSL in the near future. Would 128MB be about right? I am running Windows 98 SE. Sorry if I'm vague, but I'm not very "computer literate". Thanks.

 

[chuckz]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

The amount of memory you have has nothing to do with your internet connection so I'm not sure what you're trying to acheive.<br /><br />128Mb is not considered an extrordinary amount of memory. Windows 98SE will be very happy with it. The reason to increase your memory is to decrease the frequency of using virtual memory (your hard drive). Data is transfered in and out of RAM much faster than from the hard drive.<br /><br />If you want to upgrade to Windows XP, 128MB is about the minimum required memory.

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

RAM is easy to instal. I have done it many times. Don't waste your time going to 128mb. Go to at least 256mb. First you have to determine what type of RAM your motherboard will handle. It has nothing to do with your operating system (Windows 98). You can find the model and make of your motherboard in your paperwork that came with your computer or you can take the side cover off and read the model number from the board itself. Then go to www.kingston.com and see what type of RAM you need. If you have an old computer, which it sounds like since you have Windows 98, then the RAM for your motherboard could also be the old type. You can still get it, just more expensive than the RAM for the modern computers.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

The DSL service I am considering says a minimum requirement is 128MB. That is the reason for my question. Just wanted to know if that was right.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Thanks HEADHUNT. I've been online searching sites that sell RAM and one of them said my system would not handle that much RAM. I don't have a model name or number (Systemax Computer) for my computer but I haven't yet taken off my cover to search for numbers on the "chip cards". I think I better do that before I order anything just to be sure my order will fit the machine requirements.

 

[chuckz]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

When you take the cover off, try to identify the manufacturer and model number of your motherboard. Then you can determine what type of memory, the speed and the maximum amount you can install. The "chip cards" will tell you what you have, it won't tell you what the system can accomodate.<br /><br />You need to be careful about mixing and matching memory cards. Single sided cards and double sided card won't work together. On some older motherboards you need to install memory in pairs, that is two slots at a time.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Me thinks it may just be time to upgrade to a newer PC!!!

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Originally posted by Tyme2fish:<br /> Thanks HEADHUNT. I've been online searching sites that sell RAM and one of them said my system would not handle that much RAM. I don't have a model name or number (Systemax Computer) for my computer but I haven't yet taken off my cover to search for numbers on the "chip cards". I think I better do that before I order anything just to be sure my order will fit the machine requirements.

If you will post the model # of your motherboard, not the chips, I will look it up for you. The numbers are usually directly on the main board and fairly large and easy to see with the cover off, about 1/4 inch tall. Did you save the paperwork that came with your PC?

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

You can also go to www.systemaxpc.com and get support there.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Motherboard Number is 047017 Thanks for the help.

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Originally posted by Tyme2fish:<br /> Motherboard Number is 047017 Thanks for the help.

I'll need a little more info. than that. Did you see a manufacturer name for the motherboard? That number does not look like a motherboard ID/model# but if you had a manufacturer name we could look it up. If you do not want to open your computer again, do you have the paperwork from when you purchased your PC? If you do not have any paperwork you can click on www.systemaxpc.com and then click on support and they have an auto-detect function that will provide some info., most likely just your computer system model from systemac. Let me know what you find out.

 

[nothreat]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

I am new here, but thought I would jump in on this one first. I have found really good RAM pricing at www.newegg.com. Good prices, quick service, and excellent after the sale support when needed. I had a machine (systemmax PC) with 128 and 256 made a big difference. 512 was even better if the MB can handle it.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Systemaxpc would not accept my serial number nor could it auto detect. That is the only number on my mother board that resembles what you described. Thanks for the help anyway.

 

[HeadHunt]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Originally posted by Tyme2fish:<br /> Systemaxpc would not accept my serial number nor could it auto detect. That is the only number on my mother board that resembles what you described. Thanks for the help anyway.

Do you have the paperwork that came with your computer? I have purchased many computers and they always come with a motherboard booklet. If not, I assure you there is additional info. on your board. Most times the model # on the board is printed in large black ink on the front of the board and also a company name like FoxxConn or ChainTech with numbers like M6TEA or something with alpha and numeric characters in a sequence.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Sorry, no motherboard booklet. My computer model is System Max6-Pro series purchased in 5/2000. The number I gave is the only "readable" number on the motherboard that these old eyes can see.

 

[nothreat]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

If it is an old Systemmax it probably takes a 168 pin 100 or 133 mHZ SDRAM in the DIMM module.I have a 450MHz systemmax from 1999 and that is the type it takes. Take a look at this and see if it matches yours - http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduct.asp?submit=property&DEPA=1 <br />Bet it does. Good luck.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Sorry,I found no motherboard booklet. My system is a System Max6-Pro series purchased in 5/2000.

 

[nothreat]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Sorry that link doesn't work. Go to the NEWEGG home page and on the left side click on memory. The select Type (168 Pin SDRAM DIMM), Speed (133MHZ), Capacity (256MB) and click go.<br />Good Luck.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

One of the RAM sites I talked to this morning did tell me that I had a 168 Pin SDRAM

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: Increasing RAM on my PC

Found the site for newegg. What exactly am I looking for then. Sorry to be such a moron here. Just trying to upgrade memory and maybe my own lack of intelligence. LOL