More RAM for Vostro 1500

Hello. I'm from the UK and am asking about adding an extra gig of RAM to a Vostro 1500 (which already has 2GB).

This would appear to be the perfect choice - http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&cs=ukdhs1&sku=A1488882 - but I'm unsure as to what this means, " nstallation in matched pairs of modules is required, please order quantity two. What exactly is it saying? That I have to buy 2 gigs?!

 

Dell is just trying to rip you off. It is recommended to buy RAM in pairs, but not required.

I highly suggest you check out local and mail-order shops for RAM, as their prices are generally lower and you get higher quality parts. Dell RAM is typically a complete rip off.

 

It says that you have to get 2 identical RAM modules: same manufacturer, same size (512 MB, 1 GB or 2 GB), same FSB speed (533 MHz, 667 or 800 MHz).

If you already have 2 GB you should get 2 x 2GB memory and sell your 1 x 1GB that you have right now. This way you minimize the risk of incompatibility.

Anyway, don't buy RAM from Dell, as Greg mentioned too. You can get it much cheaper elsewhere.

 

Thanks very much Lao and Greg for your fast replies.

I'll have a browse round at other stores... Thanks for the advice

 

hello again. i've found out what RAM is in this via cpuid wizrd:-

General Information :
DIMM_A ( ) : 1024 MB - DIMM
DIMM_B ( ) : 1024 MB - DIMM

Information SPD EEPROM (DIMM_A) :
Manufacturer : Kingston
Part Number : KY9530-QAB
Serial Number : 456456
Type : DDR2-SDRAM PC2-5300 (333 MHz) - [DDR2-666]
Format : SO-DIMM (67.6 x 3)
Size : 1024 MB (2 ranks, 4 banks)
Module Buffered : No
Module Registered : No
Module SLi Ready (EPP) : No
Width : 64-bit
Error Correction Capability : No
Max. Burst Length : 8
Refresh : Reduced (.5x)7.8 µs, Self Refresh
Voltage : SSTL 1.8v
Prefetch Buffer : 4-bit
Manufacture : Week 27 of 2007
Supported Frequencies : 200 MHz, 266 MHz, 333 MHz
CAS Latency (tCL) : 3 clocks @200 MHz, 4 clocks @266 MHz, 5 clocks @333 MHz
RAS to CAS (tRCD) : 3 clocks @200 MHz, 4 clocks @266 MHz, 5 clocks @333 MHz
RAS Precharge (tRP) : 3 clocks @200 MHz, 4 clocks @266 MHz, 5 clocks @333 MHz
Cycle Time (tRAS) : 9 clocks @200 MHz, 12 clocks @266 MHz, 15 clocks @333 MHz
Min TRC : 12 clocks @200 MHz, 16 clocks @266 MHz, 20 clocks @333 MHz

Information SPD EEPROM :
Manufacturer : Kingston
Part Number : KY9530-QAB
Serial Number : 456754
Type : DDR2-SDRAM PC2-5300 (333 MHz) - [DDR2-666]
Format : SO-DIMM (67.6 x 3)
Size : 1024 MB (2 ranks, 4 banks)
Module Buffered : No
Module Registered : No
Module SLi Ready (EPP) : No
Width : 64-bit
Error Correction Capability : No
Max. Burst Length : 8
Refresh : Reduced (.5x)7.8 µs, Self Refresh
Voltage : SSTL 1.8v
Prefetch Buffer : 4-bit
Manufacture : Week 27 of 2007
Supported Frequencies : 200 MHz, 266 MHz, 333 MHz
CAS Latency (tCL) : 3 clocks @200 MHz, 4 clocks @266 MHz, 5 clocks @333 MHz
RAS to CAS (tRCD) : 3 clocks @200 MHz, 4 clocks @266 MHz, 5 clocks @333 MHz
RAS Precharge (tRP) : 3 clocks @200 MHz, 4 clocks @266 MHz, 5 clocks @333 MHz
Cycle Time (tRAS) : 9 clocks @200 MHz, 12 clocks @266 MHz, 15 clocks @333 MHz
Min TRC : 12 clocks @200 MHz, 16 clocks @266 MHz, 20 clocks @333 MHz

Memory Controller Information :
Memory Controller : System Memory
Location : Mainboard
Error Correction Capability : No
Number of connectors : 2
Max. Module Size : 4096 KB


so what kind of ram would work with the above? and the above would indicate it's not 667mhz as i thought....

 

I bolded the info you need. I'd suggest buying 2 x 2GB DDR2 PC-5300 667 MHz modules and replace the ones you have right now (and sell those ones).

 

Check out the Hot ram deals , or go straight to newegg and look for 4 gb laptop memory, should be around 70$ now.

 

thanks again Lao, you've been a big help!

eleron911, thanks for starting me off on my shopping!

would this be compatible with vostro 1500 http://www.dvd.co.uk/Hw/Kingston-Va...pin-DDR-II-DDR2-667/KVR667D2S5_2G/product.htm

 

Should be perfect

 

Yep,it`s good. It has a lifetime warranty so you`re covered. Plus, it`s cheap

 

thanks again chaps! you've been very helpful. i shall be making an order shortly