upgrading memory from 512k pc2700

[BSB1953]

I inherited an old Dell Dimension 4600 with a Pentium 4 (2.66 GHZ). Current memory is 512K (256K each in 2 of the 4 slots. (pc2700) DDR using Dual Channel. Max Ram 4ghz.
I would like to get at least 1gig or more, but I don't know if I should stay with the pc2700 or change to pc3200. I don't care if I have to dump my current 2 sticks, if it means greater speed.
Also, how much memory should I add? Is there a very big difference between 1ghz and 2 ghz, and 2ghz and 4 ghz?
Thank you.

[SpywareDr]

Crucial® Memory Advisor results for the Dell Dimension 4600 Desktop/PC

[BSB1953]

Thank you for your speedy reply. I should have mentioned that I have a Pentium 4 with the 533MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) 32 bit Windows XP, but I still don't know how to choose between the DDR pc2700 or the DDR pc3200 (as you mentioned I can use either type). Still need to know how much appreciable difference in speed/performance I will gain by switching to 3GB instead of just 1GB (from my current 512K).
Thanks again.

[ShyguyXPC]

First of all, you can start by stating the memory properly.

Its not 512K.


its 512MB (Megabyte)

not unless your Dell is an old Intel 286 era PC, is that memory measured in Kilobytes.

Then you go on to say Max RAM is 4GHz... again, its Gigabytes, GB. GHz is a Clock speed, not capacity.

would help to learn those terms before looking to upgrade parts.

Really need to do a bit more google searching and reading before attempting a Parts Upgrade if you don't have a firm grasp of things as simple as what GHz is, GB, MB, or "K" (KB).



As to performance difference between PC2700 and PC3200 (DDR 333MHz and DDR 400MHz), there's not that much difference really, nothing you will see really noticeable gains on, especially if your looking at upgrading to 1 or 2GB of RAM running Windows XP, which I assume is the OS installed on it.

[SpywareDr]

1) 3200 is roughly 20% faster than 2700. And, since the two are the same price, might as well go ahead and get the faster one.

2) Yes, you will be able to 'feel' the difference when jumping from 512KB to 3GB ... even if you were to get 2700. 3200 would be a bit faster though.

[ShyguyXPC]

1) 3200 is roughly 20% faster than 2700. And, since the two are the same price, might as well go ahead and get the faster one.

2) Yes, you will be able to 'feel' the difference when jumping from 512KB to 3GB ... even if you were to get 2700. 3200 would be a bit faster though.

Again... 512MB, not KB... MegaByte, Not KiloByte...


Its important that the OP knows the difference and states the right size when talking about it.

[SpywareDr]

Sheesh, these "senior moments" are getting to be a bit of a habit.

Thanks for catching the error ShyguyXPC.

[JLK03F150]

On a P4 with a 533MHz FSB there will actually be no difference in performance between PC2700 & PC3200 because the PC3200 will downclock. Intel can't run PC3200 at its rated speed with a 533FSB CPU.

Edit: In my experience, 2GB is plenty of RAM for a WinXP PC. I never came close to using all 2GB in my old P4 rigs.

[BSB1953]

Thanks all who replied to my info request.
Hopefully there will be no more senior moments from me.
(unfortunately, that's the price I paid for teaching HS for 25 years)

[JLK03F150]

Newegg has 2x1GB DDR memory for $46.00.
Newegg.com - CORSAIR 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model VS2GBKIT400C3

Welcome to TechIMO

We all have our senior moments, so no worries! lol

[SpywareDr]

I've heard the brain is the second thing to go.

Forget what the first one was.