Vista - General RAM voltage question

Hi All, I'm going to double the RAM in my Dell Optiplex 745 from 2 to 4GB (even though i'll only "see" 3.5 in my 32bit Ultimate.. ) According to Dell i can max out at PC8500, but i don't see anything regarding specs on speed or voltage. I'm looking at deals on Newegg for DDR2 1066 (PC28500) with voltages usually listed as 2 or 2.1V. SO, beyond the space in GB features, my knowledge of RAM is VERY limited...as you can tell! The question is can my system handle the speed and voltage...is that even an issue as long as i stay at 8500 or lower??

THANK YOU!

Murph

it used to be simple but since DDR2 it all got a little complicated....

the voltage can vary from 1.8V (standard ram) to 2.3V (some of the higher end stuff)

Now im assuming your bios will be preset to 1.8V and the ram installed will be of the same flavour , yuo really need to get the exact same ram type to avoid any hassles (memory can be a right pain in the rear end)

Obviously running ram over voltage can damage it running it undervoltage can cause all sorts of weird and wonderfull issues. when buying ram the specs will tell you its operating voltage.

The next problem , sometimes when adding extra ram yuo need to up the voltage a tiny bit to get it stable (because your memory controller needs to work harder or because of volt drop due to extra ram)

unfortunately as you have a Dell im assuming the advanced features in the bios (including memory voltage control ) will be locked out by Dell (dont you just love em)

If you get new ram of a lower speed the fsb will default to that speed (assuming its set to "auto" in your bios) so your old ram will run slower , if you get faster it will default to the lower speed of your old ram (the voltage is NOT automatic it can only be set manually)

if however you get ram that operates at 2.1v and your mobo is set to the default 1.8v yuo will most likely have issues

so to summerise , find out what ram is installed now and match it as exactly as you can , even manufacturer if possible

hope this helps , and hasnt confused you even more , if it has feel free to slap me with a fish........i prefer halibut or a nice cod

thanks Archie...no fish-slapping today, that made sense! Now, sticking with the 1.8V because thats what i have now and the Dell boys have me locked out....I'll be replacing BOTH old 1GB sticks with 2GB sticks ...are you saying ("if you get faster it will default to the lower speed of your old ram ") that even if i completely replace the old RAM (not mix old and new) and get faster RAM at the 1.8V that it won't utilize the higher speed??

Hi dustinfrank, i got something for you from our knowledge base for Optiplex 745:
Type: 533, 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Memory connectors: Two
Memory supported: 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, or 2 GB non-ECC
Min. Memory: Dual-channel: 512 MB
Single-channel: 512 MB (single stick)
Max. Memory: 4 GB
BIOS address: F0000h
Hope that helps,
Dinesh.

no mate sorry i thought your wer adding more ram not replacing it completely , if you replace with faster ram as long as your cpu supports that fsb you'll be fine it will automatically up itself

Thanks Archie, *throws guppie*, much appreciated!

@ Dinesh: The Dell can support a max of 8GB....where did you get your info that said "Max Memory: 4GB"??

I work for Dell and this is what shows on the system specs of Optiplex 745 desktop.

hmm, odd. Mine says 8GB max...just checked the Dell support site as well.

*bump*

Voltage question: I know my Dell board is set to have RAM at 1.8V. My question is simply this: is it "ok" to run 2.1V RAM? This is the deal i'm looking at on Newegg...



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