Need more ram for vostro 1500

I just purchased a new dell vostro 1500, and when choosing the computer specs, I didnt upgrade the ram. I have heard on many different posts on this forum that ram can be bought for cheap and installed easily. I am a complete computer newbie and would love for someone to tell me what type of ram to purchase. I dont know if there is a specific type, or if I have a broad range of types to choose from. If I do have a broad range what type should I get? I will be using the computer for gaming and it has vista on it. The vostro has 1gb ddr2 667mhz on it right now.
This will really help me out, and after I make this purchase I wont have to worry about this whole buying a computer business anymore.
Thanks

 

I remember someone giving a website that shoes which RAM chips are compatible with which brand and models of computer, but I don't remember the website. It'd be great is someone could point that website out.

 

A lot of sites offer this, www.Crucial.com is one site that has a pretty simple interface for finding memory that is appropriate for your notebook.

 

That website doesn't let me buy one 2GB chip for Dell Vostro 1500.

 

I still dont really understand how much I should get. Should I get one 2gb chip??? How many can I put into the computer?
Thanks for the help so far

 

I suggest you get another 1GB module. DDR2 type RAM works best when you have twin modules (same size & speed).

Getting 4GB is expensive and unneccesary right now. Windows will only see about 3.4GB and you'd have to remove the current 1GB module.

 

you can put in 4GB the OS will only recognize a little above 3GB. That said I would check out that link and RAM deals on this site and I would buy 2 X1GB sticks, should be fine run perfect with dual channel. That is what I would do, good luck! expect to pay under $100 the less the better!


Edit: I assume they sold you 2 X512KB?

 

I had a different approach. I ordered mine with only 512MB, so that my 1500 comes with one slot left empty. I'll put a 2GB in that slot for a total of 2.5GB. And from what I've heard, more ram >> dual channel

 

yeh, mines also coming with only 512mb ram! should i remove it and place 2x1gb stick? or keep it and add a 2gb stick?

Also, what if you have 800fsb? should you get 800mhz ram?

 

As others have said I'm quite sure the vostro comes with 2x512 not 1x1gb.

I'm debating on what to do myself. On the one hand it's about 85 or so for 2x2gb chips but on the other I think it's about 120 for 1x2gb chip. I don't know if it's really worth the extra money to get more ram especially since the cheaper will be dual channel...

 

If $85 for 2X1GB or $120 for 1X2GB I would only go for 2X1GB, the .5GB diff vs dual channel and save $35? Oh yea!

 

I believe that it will be worth it! think about it, if you buy 2x1gb then thats ok! having said that u have filled both spaces for the ram!if you get one 2gb stick and then keep the 512mb in there, it will be easier to upgrade when x64 is sorted out

I also read something posted on this forum about dual channel not havin a great affect in dual core processors!

 

Valid point but when this happens 2GB sticks might cost what 1GB sticks cost now. As far as dual channel not working well with dual core never heard so don't no but on the face does not make since, also unless your system needs the extra Ram you will receive no benifit. Food for thought.

 

True, its some what of a awkward situation

 

Santa Rosa notebooks like the Vostro 1500 can not fully use/support DDR2-800 ram. So if you put a 800mhz ram into your laptop is will downclock to 667mhz. So it should be cheaper to get DDR2-667 sodimm.

Look in the Hot ram deals thread for great prices on ram.

 

Even at 800fsb, your ram is currently clocking at 667Mhz so there is no reason for you to get 800Mhz ram...

As far as the type of ram you guys should be buying, it should be this:

DDR2 200-pin SODIMM 667Mhz (PC2 5300) Ram

If your Vostro comes with 1GB (like mine did), it will have 2x512MB which if you buy only one 1GB stick, you will no longer dual channel (as the sticks will be different and you will be running 1.5GB of Ram). You can run 2GB at dual channel if you buy two Ram sticks from the exact same company with the exact same speed and everything... if you insist on dual channeling like I did, I suggest you buy two of the same sticks of ram from wherever you are buying it from. While some people have said that you need to buy dual channel ram kits (which are more expensive), I achieved dual channeling in my Vostro 1500 without a kit but purchasing the same RAM sticks. Goodluck!

 

Thanks alot guys, that really helps. im guessing my computer does come with the 2x512 chips, so now I just have to decide between getting the 1x2 option, or 2x1. Oh man, so many hard decisions when it comes to computers! I guess Ill just have to see which option is more worth the money, and I was wondering if dual channeling really helps all that much???
Well anyways, thanks again for all the helpfull advice, this forum has done wonders for me.

 

whats the difference between 5300 and 5400?? does the vostro run both?
also the 200 pin compared to 240??
Thanks

 

Yeh i never quite got the difference, the vostro does run both however! (not sure about the pins tho?)

If the 800mhz ram is fully compatible with the 800mhz bus why cant it run in 800mhz?

 

No difference between 5300 and 5400, some manufacturers round up, some down.

Get 200pin, 240pin are for desktops.