Forum Moderators: phranque
1) Read motherboard specs to find out what kind of memory goes ok (I found DDR PC2700 the maximum supported by Asus)
2) Buy the DIMM, turn off pc, remove old dimm, put new one in same slot
3) Reboot, everything works great and win xp reconizes the new memory
Is that easy or is there other things to consider?
Do I need to set up something?
The most important thing to do is ensure you get the right RAM. If you have your motherboard's manufacturer (Asus) and model number, then you go use the wizard on crucial.com to see what it supports.
Once you get the RAM, handling it becomes paramount. RAM is extremely susceptible to static electricity - a spark so small you can't even feel it can easily destroy a stick of RAM. You can remove it from the box, but it should have been shipped in an anti-static bag, leave it in there until you are ready to do the installation.
Power down your computer, and unplug the power cord. Modern PC's still draw a small amount of current, even when turned off. Open up your case and locate the current RAM stick. Remove it by pressing on the tabs at either end equally - I've never had problems releasing one end first, but every manufacturer says to release them together, and there has to be a reason.
Keep in constant contact with the case while you open the bag and remove the new RAM - this will keep you grounded and prevent static from building up. Install the new RAM the same way you removed the old stick, pressing down equally on both ends. It should lock into place. Put the old RAM in the anti-static bag - you may want it later, or someone else may want it.
Put the cover back on, power up, and everything should work. Most modern motherboards will autodetect the new RAM, as should Windows. Remember: get the right RAM, avoid static, and be gentle.
Chad
Chad
Kaled.
If your computer is a dell or any other name brand computer this should be nothing to worry about.
In most cases, leaving both sticks in should work fine. However, 1) it's recommended to put the largest DIMM in the lowest numbered slot, so adding a 1GB to a 512MB, you'd want to put the 1GB in the first slot, and the 512MB in the second. 2) I assume the manufacturer put the fastest speed allowed in, but if the current stick of RAM doesn't match the new stick, then it will slow it down. Not likely, but I've seen it happen.
The best thing to do would be install the new stick, make sure everything works, make sure the system is stable for a few days, then install the old stick in the second slot. If everything continue to work, enjoy you 1.5GB :)
Chad
If, in fact, you are talking about DDR333 (PC2700) which is DDRSDRAM they come in speeds like DDR333/400 etc also called PC2700/3200 etc. I would risk mixing PC2700 with, say, PC3200. Performance would default to the slower RAM and if you had any crashing problems you could always remove the slower RAM from the system.
Many motherboards are very tolerant of mixed RAM.
Get for a few $ a wrist anti static ...whatever it the name!
Not to forget doing a good backup
Have at hand a floppy or a CD that you can boot from
if you do not know how to do it
do a G and you will find many tutorials.
Memory
Supported RAM Technology SDRAM, DDR SDRAM
RAM Installed ( Max ) 0 MB / 2 GB (max)
Supported RAM Speed PC2100, PC1600, PC2700, PC100, PC133
Seems yes, it support pc133 and pc2700, and I have pc133 but I will abort on idea of mixing...
