Noob question regarding RAM compatibility

[Enceladus]

Hi,

I'm new here as you can probably tell. Please forgive me for starting a new thread on something that has certainly been discussed before.

I'm looking to upgrade my PC for gaming purposes. I like to think I've familiarised myself with the necessary terms and knowledge, but there's no substitute for advice from the experienced

My mainboard is a Dell 0WG864 (according to CPU-Z) with a FSB speed of 533MHz. There is no documentation that I could find for the motherboard and so I'm unsure whether the RAM I'm looking at is compatible with my mainboard. Is there any way to tell? If I get RAM rated at 533MHz, will that work, or are there other things that need to be matched?

This is the RAM I'm currently looking at:

Crucial 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2 PC2-4200C4 Dual Channel Kit (CT2KIT12864AA53E)

(it can be found at www.overclockers.co.uk but the link wouldn't work :S )

Here are some of my mainboard specs that might also come in handy:

Manufacturer: Dell

Model: 0WG864

Chipset: Intel P965/G965 Rev: C2

Southbridge: Intel 82801 HH (ICH8DH)

LPCIO: SMSC

BIOS:

Dell Inc. Version 1.0.2

Date: 08/30/2006

I'd also gratefully accept any advice on common pitfalls when performing this type of upgrade.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[The Computer Council]

Hello there- welcome to the forums!

OK, I've done a little googling for some specification on your motherboard, but typically for an older Dell board, there's not a great deal of information available, or at least my search didn't yield much.

For greater insight into your hardware, I suggest using This that will tell you the majority of your hardware specs after running a quick diagnostics - it's totally safe to use.

You just need to make sure that your board supports DDR2 memory, if that's what you're planning on buying. It may be DDR1, in which case it won't work or even physically fit (184pin-240pin). You also need to remember that not all RAM is compatible in all boards, but Crucial is pretty good with most boards.

Also, check that your BIOS isn't locked out - on some Dells, it's locked with a password, preventing user access. You may need to access your BIOS to change RAM settings if you swap the RAM out (voltages & timings).

Hope that helps, if you need any additional info, shout up.

 

[FarFarAway]

The first thing I'd do is go to Crucial's site and run their Memory Diagnostic tool. That will then recommend you a set of RAM and you can go from there

Link

 

[Enceladus]

Thanks guys I'll give both ideas a shot. Much appreciated!

Edit: Just ran the Crucial diagnostic and the exact RAM I was looking at is listed as compatible