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View Full Version : Memory questions (Dell Dimension 4700, etc.)



Raz1r
05-29-2008, 08:51 PM
I've been wanting to upgrade my mom's computer for awhile, so I thought I would give her the RAM in my current system. It's a stick of DDR2-667, 2GB capacity.

The specs on the technical specifications (http://www.webmadeeasy.net/ComputerDocs/Dell/Dimension/4700/ServiceManual/specs.htm) page say that the Dell takes DDR 533. Will my RAM work in her computer? I don't really care if it's slower, it's just a temporary fix until I buy her a replacement memory set. I just don't want to fry my RAM, in case I have to RMA the Ballistix Tracers I have in the mail.

Also, will the DDR2-800 Tracers I bought work with my motherboard which takes DDR2-667? Do they have a higher voltage requirement because of the LED lighting?

I understand that they will work only at 667mhz, but I figured two sticks is better than one because I think my board (http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en-us/mb/content.php?S_ID=283) is dual channel. I'm not sure though, it's kind of hard to tell.

Trace
05-30-2008, 12:50 AM
It should work, as the speed is backward compatible.

Even if they have a higher voltage requirement, it should be able to produce the necessary amount.

Spawn-Inc
05-30-2008, 11:11 AM
also if your motherboard can handle it then you can "overclock" the ram to 800MHz.

Raz1r
05-30-2008, 03:41 PM
Cool, thanks guys. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to fry anything.

Raz1r
06-10-2008, 07:38 PM
I don't know if it was a freak accident or what, but now my PSU is making a hissing noise and won't fully power my board. It just beeps, which the manual says is because no RAM is installed. I don't care if the PSU bought it, I just hope my video card, mobo and RAM didn't fry as well. So now I don't even have a place to test my new tracers.

I think the RAM fried the board, I guess RAM isn't backwards compatible. Either that or my PSU couldn't handle it. The PSU is definitely fried, it won't power anything at all.

I'm gonna go pick up a new PSU from CompUSA tomorrow. Also, I'm putting an order in for an Atom motherboard and a Mini ITX case, so expect a review!

nevermind1534
06-10-2008, 07:49 PM
Put the old stick back in and change the voltage settings to what the new one takes and put the new one back in. If it still doesn't work, then your board doesn't like that specific model/manufacturer of memory. I'm running DDR2800 in my DDR2667 motherboard and it works fine.

J-Roc
06-13-2008, 06:33 PM
Computers are almost idiot proof. If it fits in the slot, it should work.

nevermind1534
06-13-2008, 07:56 PM
not always with cheap parts.