I need RAM for my computer...but what type?

Discussion in 'General Chat' started by endpoint, Dec 27, 2007.

  1. #1
    I have a HP pavilion a1140a desktop computer.

    I only have 512mb of RAM and its time I add more.

    I have been on websites that offer RAM for "my computer"...but is it really that specific?

    Can I go on EBAY and buy cheap RAM?

    What do I have to match up?

    Is this all I need to know?:
    Speed supported: PC3200 MB/sec
    Type: 184 pin, DDR SDRAM

    Should I really care if it low density or high density?????

    Its an Intel based computer
     
    endpoint, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  2. jkrish41

    jkrish41 Banned

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    #2
    First see if you are capable of putting more ram in, and what kind:
    http://www.crucial.com/

    And if they do have it on ebay of the certain kind, then sure you should buy.
     
    jkrish41, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  3. allout

    allout Prominent Member

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    #3
    You can also Google your brand and get all the details for your computer. DDR SDRAM is all you should need to know. Be careful with buying it from eBay because I ordered what I suppose to form there and it was not what the buyer said and it was a nightmare to get it taken care of.
     
    allout, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  4. endpoint

    endpoint Peon

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    #4
    I still dont understand this, high density/low density stuff.

    How do I find out if I can use the high density RAM
     
    endpoint, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  5. ZeroCapacity

    ZeroCapacity Peon

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    #5
    High density and low density are terms that used to be used. Mostly they mean nothing now what you need to look at is chip configuration. Read your motherboard owners manual to find out what type of ram to buy.

    No you do not have to pay a high price for the ram just make sure it is the right configuration. http://www.viking.com has a ram configuration tool that will help you.

    Shawn
     
    ZeroCapacity, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  6. DIgitalLike00

    DIgitalLike00 Banned

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    #6
    First you should find if you are capable of putting more ram in, then you should find what kind of you really need.
    After that you can find nice deal for it...You can try ebay..or go to deal site, like dealstudio.com.
     
    DIgitalLike00, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  7. w3bmaster

    w3bmaster Notable Member

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    #7
    Go to a local store and asck i'm sure you can add ram

    Sdrad
    Ddram
    Ddram 2
    just check and see specifications .... (motherboard book)
     
    w3bmaster, Dec 27, 2007 IP
  8. Colbyt

    Colbyt Notable Member

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    #8
    You need to open the case and see what is in there. According to this page:
    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...771&lc=en&cc=au&dlc=en&product=503172&lang=en

    you have four slots. So you may have 2 or 3 open. Many of the newer systems need memory installed in matched pairs for dual channel operation. I did not spend the time to read the specs to see if your board requires that. Here is the link to the main page of your specs;

    http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/prodinfoCategory?lc=en&cc=au&dlc=en&product=503172&lang=en


    Now you simply go to the crucial site or kingston site and find a memory stick that works in your computer and then you shop for it using the manufacturer's part number.

    Zipzoomfly and newegg are among the places I would look. Ebay is fine if you are buying new memory that matches your part number.

    If I were doing this, I would buy 2 one gig sticks and drop them into the two open slots you most likely have since that little * means that windows XP can not use more than 3 gigs anyway. Not sure about Vista.
     
    Colbyt, Dec 28, 2007 IP
  9. dairyman

    dairyman Notable Member

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    #9
    When I wanted to add another RAM, it created problem and the old one simply perished. The reason? Incompatibility in the speed of the two rams. Suppose if you want to add another RAM with the already available one, then purchase the one with the same make (preferably), same speed (definitely). Otherwise, you are liable to loose the older RAM. Ready for that? ;)
     
    dairyman, Dec 28, 2007 IP
  10. bartezas16

    bartezas16 Guest

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    #10
    Use everest soft for this
     
    bartezas16, Dec 28, 2007 IP
  11. Meth_

    Meth_ Well-Known Member

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    #11
    google "CPU-Z", download it and find out your ram type
     
    Meth_, Dec 28, 2007 IP
  12. houselistedfree

    houselistedfree Peon

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    #12
    you can call you local compusa or fry's and give them the mdl and they can set you up with the memory or you can go to www.crucial.com or www.kingston.com and you can put the type of computer and it will tell you what to get
     
    houselistedfree, Dec 28, 2007 IP
  13. Nosfer

    Nosfer Well-Known Member

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    #13
    DIMM SDRAM or DDRAM. also, i recommend buying 2 ram modules that are "dual channel"
     
    Nosfer, Dec 28, 2007 IP
  14. DRay9911

    DRay9911 Peon

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  15. hhyosong22

    hhyosong22 Peon

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    #15
    Exactly! Buy the same speed/make RAM or sell the one you have and get a Dual channel kit.
     
    hhyosong22, Dec 29, 2007 IP