I want to add 256 MB RDRAM to my Dell Dimension 8100 (which now has
256MB)for a total of 512 MB. The Dell website sells 256MB modules for
$150.95, and they are listed as 800 MHz non-parity. They say 2 modules
are required, but it's not quite clear whether the $150 is for one or
two modules. Surfing Price Watch, modules seem to be available for
about $80 shipped. My question is in parts:
1. Do I have to buy 2 modules, effectively doubling the price? ie,
does it take $301.90 from Dell or $160 from a Price Watch source to
add 256MB?
2. Does non-parity equate to non-ECC, and can I deduce that since Dell
is offering non-parity as the upgrade, that my 256MB is non-ECC or
non-parity?
3. Does it make a difference whether I get 600 MHz or 800 MHz modules?
4. My system resources typically go to under 50% after I've had
Outlook and Explorer open for a while. Is the additional memory likely
to help with that? I've already eliminated background programs to the
extent that i can.
5. I see Samsung, Kingston, SyncMax, Dell, and generic brands out
there. Is any one better than another?

Hello boomering,

Phew, your questions bring back all kinds of "happy" memories,
remembering the first time I set out on a similar journey.  I have a
Dell Dimension and can truthfully say "been there, done that".  If it
makes you feel any better, now that it is over, I sometimes wonder why
I didn't upgrade my memory sooner - upgrading memory is one of the
easier things you can do for your Dell (although I didn't tackle
RDram). I hope to be able to answer all of your questions and set your
mind at ease - I'll keep to your Q & A format.

1. Do I have to buy 2 modules, effectively doubling the price? ie, 
does it take $301.90 from Dell or $160 from a Price Watch source to 
add 256MB? 

Yes, your RDram must be replaced in matched pairs (just as you would
replace brake pads on your car).  "Kit" means that there are two RIMMs
in the package (if the part number says 256MB Kit, that means there
are two 128s making the total 256). The $150 price from Dell should be
a Kit with two RIMMs included, so no need to double the price (but if
not, then time to look elsewhere).

2. Does non-parity equate to non-ECC, and can I deduce that since Dell
is offering non-parity as the upgrade, that my 256MB is non-ECC or
non-parity?

No, you need ECC kits.

3. Does it make a difference whether I get 600 MHz or 800 MHz modules?

Get the 800 MHz, if for no other reason than it's easier to find.  It
won't make a dramatic difference, but every little bit counts.

4. My system resources typically go to under 50% after I've had
Outlook and Explorer open for a while. Is the additional memory likely
to help with that? I've already eliminated background programs to the
extent that i can.

Well, have you considered eliminating Outlook? 8-) It's a gas guzzler
and there are other programs worth at least a try-out. That said,
traditionally most memory gurus say that upgrading RAM won't help with
Resources (they are two different beasts - your Resources are factory
set and although you can tweak for optimum performance, buying RAM
isn't going to bulk 'em up). However, after I upgraded I noticed a
definite improvement with Resources and suspect you will too. One
thing that can help your Resources, if you haven't already, is to go
to: Start/Run/type in msconfig/Start/ and uncheck all the stuff you
don't need or use.

5. I see Samsung, Kingston, SyncMax, Dell, and generic brands out
there. Is any one better than another?

Yes, stay away from the generics or "Value" for your baby. Try to buy
Dell, Kingston or Samsung and make sure it is for your specific model
number. I bought the Kingston and it has been trouble-free.

Kinston: Dell Dimension 8100
KTD-DM800/256 256MB Kit
KTD-DM800E/256 256MB ECC Kit
KTD-DM800/512 512MB Kit
KTD-DM800E/512 512MB ECC Kit
KTD-DM800E/1024 1GB ECC Kit
© 2001,2002 Darrell's computer help site
://www.google.ca/search?q=cache:CNkOpK59CbEJ:home.pacbell.net/dbk4297/dell_rdram.html+dell+8100+upgrade+rdram&hl=en&ie=UTF-8


Additional Links:

Silicon Mountain:
http://www.siliconmt.com/cj.html?AID=9836299&PID=1199746&manufacturer=DL&submit=GO

Price Grabber:
http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=451993/search=memory/ut=ceacf6d7560aeb46

Crucial.com, a popular site for memory but unfortunately they don't
have any RDram right now:
http://www.crucial.com

Use this site to check a seller's rating before you buy:
www.resellerratings.com

Well, I hope this helps and is clearer than mud!  My personal
recommendation would be, if you can get a Kit from Dell for $150, than
go for it - the price is in the ballpark of everywhere else, you won't
have to worry if you bought the right one for your machine or not, and
their service is terrific.

Have you surfed the Dell Forum yet?  If not, you're in for a treat. I
have solved many of my problems there, either by looking at old posts
or posting anew. The quality of help available is a-one, and fairly
fast too. Here's the link:  http://delltalk.us.dell.com/supportforums
. I would suggest browsing the Memory Forum there before tackling the
job, I'm sure you will pick up some good tips.

That's all I can think of for now - if I've missed something in your
post, or if you any questions, please let me know before rating my
answer.

Good luck!
Sincerely,
hummer

Search Strategy: (I mostly used my own resources)
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=rdram&num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=dell+8100&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images

Terms Used:
rdram 
"dell 8100"

---

Request for Answer Clarification by boomering-ga on 12 Dec 2002 08:50 PST

Hi hummer,

Thanks for the info. There are a couple clarifications i hope you can
do:
1. Would you clarify the non-parity (which i think means without the
bit for error checking) being ECC (which i thought meant
error-checking)? (see part 2 of my question above)
2. Re the pair/kit issue. I went into the Dell Support site and saw
there that 256 MB of RDRAM is 2 128MB modules. Dell sells 128 MB
modules for about $80 (ie $160 for 256MB?). Kingston 256 MB kits are
about $115 from sources like Memory to Go. But additionally, 256 MB
modules are available for about $80 from many sources in Price Watch,
and 128 MB modules are widely available at $40. This would seem to
tell me I'm smarter not buying a kit. But if I go that direction, i
would need to be doubly sure about ECC. Please give me your comments.

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 12 Dec 2002 18:57 PST

Hi again boomering,

Ok, I'll try to help. First, let's nail the ECC issue.  Dell shipped
the 8100s with non-ECC unless ECC was requested when you ordered it.
So let's find out for certain what you have -

To enter the BIOS:
Hit the F2 key when you see the Dell splash screen while you are
booting up.
Scroll the set-up arrow down to "System Memory".
You will see how much RAM you have. 
Hit the ENTER key and a box will appear listing how much RAM is in
each slot.
* It will also say whether it is ECC or NON ECC.

I'll wait to hear back from you on that. In the meantime, I am going
to research the price issue. I've been out all day and rather than
quickly looking at things tonight, I'll be able to do a more thorough
job in the morning.

I'll talk to you tomorrow,
hummer

---

Request for Answer Clarification by boomering-ga on 13 Dec 2002 00:12 PST

Hi Hummer,

I went through the BIOS and it says my RDRAM is NON-ECC. I asked for
the clarification because you told me I needed ECC, so i was confused
about that as well as the pricing. I'm going out of town tomorrow
morning before noon, but will be back Saturday night. Thanks for the
help; If I don't see your response before I leave, I'll check in when
I get back.
Best Regards,

Boomering

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 13 Dec 2002 06:29 PST

Good morning boomering,

That's fine, thank you for checking. As long as you're not in a hurry
for this, I'm going to take my time and try to get this all sorted out
for you, I understand why it is still confusing - my clarification
should be waiting for you upon your return Saturday. I'll assume you
now have 600 mhz - also, it would be nice to know if your computer is
just an average home computer or if you are doing some heavy-duty
gaming type stuff.

Have a good trip,
hummer

---

Request for Answer Clarification by boomering-ga on 13 Dec 2002 09:36 PST

Hi Hummer,

Just caught your last message as I'm leaving. Actually, my RDRAM is
400MHz according to the info in BIOS. The system is about a year and a
half old, so maybe it was an early RDRAM. And I'm getting into gaming
more. I just installed a new video card: MSI G4Ti4200-VTD64, and I've
ordered some good 3D games to see what it can do. I also want to start
doing digital video editing -- I've got a digital 8 cam and Adobe
Premier. So when you check pricing -- I'm open to replacing the 400MHz
modules if it's going to make a difference. I'll look for your message
Sunday morning.

Thanks,

Boomering

---

Clarification of Answer by hummer-ga on 14 Dec 2002 16:51 PST

Hi Boomering,

I hope the following information gives you everything you will need to
make an informed decision.
 
1) PC600 vs PC800 issue

Your BIOS reads 400Mhz, that means you have PC800 (good!).  If the
BIOS had read 300Mhz, you would only have PC600.  PC800 & PC600 can be
mixed, but they'll default to the lower number.

2) The 4 slots

When you open your computer up, there will probably be two tall
modules and two short thin modules - you are going to take out the two
short ones (just circuit boards, no black chips on either side) and
replace them with your new set. You'll have to move your power supply
up and out of the way.

3) ECC (with parity) vs Non-ECC (non-parity)

Whether you buy ECC or Non-ECC isn't a critical matter, however
Non-ECC is a bit cheaper & faster.  If the two are mixed, all modules
will operate as non-ECC.  I had previously said ECC because that is
what is readily available in kits, but I think I spoke in haste. Since
you already have the Non-ECC, that is what you are going to buy (extra
cost for the ECC would go to waste as it would run as Non-ECC anyway).
I'm glad you questioned my previous recommendation.

4) 40ns vs 45ns 

40ns = 533 motherboard
45ns = 400 motherboard

You've got 400Mhz, so you should get the 45ns (although 40ns
supposedly works for both).

5) Kits vs Singles

Although it is necessary to install the modules in pairs, it is not
necessary to buy the kits. Buying two modules which are sold
separately is ok

6) Samsung or Kingston (check a seller here 
http://www.resellerratings.com/  before ordering). Apparently my faith
in Dell was misplaced - scratch 'em off the list (you can not count on
them to send you what you need, according to the Dell forum).

7) Which to buy

Kingston: # KVR800X16/128: 

This is the best buy I could find for a 45ns and these guys have a
great rating.
All Star Microelectronics: 45ns $46.50 [93]
http://www.allstarshop.com/shop/product.asp?dept%5Fid=195&pid=2883&sid=ANPE2N4M4XP79NL2NMMDD0WXTNHS3QW0
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1984.html  * rated 9.19

For comparison:
Googlegear.com: $90
http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80451 
rating 7.85

Samsung: # MR16R1624AF0-CM8
128MB, RDRAM, 800Mhz, NonECC, 40ns, RAMBUS SAMSUNG ORIGINAL
The low priced modules seem to be 40ns & the seller ratings are lower
than AllStar.
http://www.pricewatch.com/

Very Good Buy:
Coast to Coast Memory: $38 + $3.74 x 2:  [$80]
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1905.htmln   7.4

Googlegear: $44 x 2 = [$88] postpaid
http://www.googlegear.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=80450-8
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1991.html  7.85

Upgrade Solution: $41.95 x 2 [84]
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2578.html    7.21

Avoid:
EstoreToGo.COM: 
http://www.resellerratings.com/seller1313.html

Avoid:
Low Buy Price Computer: No rating

As you know, your head starts to swim after looking at so many sites
after awhile. An easy thing to do, would be to open up your computer
and look at your modules. If they are Samsung, take down the model
number. You can go to the following site to determine exactly what you
have and just buy two more of the same.
http://www.samsungelectronics.com/semiconductors/dram/part_number_decoder/rambusdramrimm_new.htm

You'll find more for sale doing a Google search:
Kingston:
://www.google.ca/search?as_q=&num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=KVR800X16%2F128&as_oq=&as_eq=&lr=&as_ft=i&as_filetype=&as_qdr=all&as_occt=any&as_dt=i&as_sitesearch=&safe=images
Samsung:
://www.google.ca/search?num=100&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&as_qdr=all&q=+%22MR16R1624AF0-CM8%22&btnG=Google+Search&meta=

For me, I would give a slight edge to Samsung, except I couldn't find
a seller rating/price/45ns to match the Kingston. I've not heard or
read anything against Kingston, and as I mentioned, we have been happy
with ours.

I'm glad you got back in touch and asked for a clarification and I
hope this all helps, but if you need further clarification, or if I've
forgotten something, please do not hesitate. I highly recommend that
you have a look at the Dell forum, it really is a big help, whether
you ask questions or not.  So, boomer, good luck, happy gaming, and if
you get a chance, let me know what you end up with and how you make
out.

Sincerely,
hummer
p.s. Just read this over one last time, and I see that I left out #
pins - you need 184 pins.