Computer newbies forum: Upgrading RAM on Dell Dimension 8200

You did get a pair of these? I couldn't tell.

Bob

Let it configure. Sometimes it takes you to the BIOS screen which all you need to do is save and exit.

Bob

Thanks for the reply. I did have all slots occupied on each try - with the continuity modules or with matching memory cards. I was under the impression that you could match different capacity RDRAM's - for example two 128's in RIMM1 and RIMM2 and two 256's in RIMM3 and RIMM4. Even if I am wrong, that wouldn't explain why it wouldn't work with the two new 256's in RIMM1 and RIMM2 and the continuity cards in RIMM's 3 and 4. How would I determine the relative speed of the cards? Is this written on them somewhere?

Look on your old memory sticks and check the NS number, it will probably be either 800-40 or 800-45. The new memory must be the same number.
Once I installed the correct memory, nothing else was required, my Dell 8200 recognized it immediately
Good luck

I agree the NS numbers must match like pc 1066 or pc 800 ! You have to match the speed of the pairs and the individual pairs have to have the same capcity i.e. 2 x 256 MB, with 2 x 128 MB match as well. Also Non EEC for the 8200 and 8250 (not cheap memory very expensive as memory goes if its 1066). Try Memory Suppliers http://www.memorysuppliers.com they have a OEM Samsung memory and should supply a match for you at the best price i found. I just got 512 MB (2 x 256) 1066 Non EEC for 40 buck less then others wanted. I found them through http//:www.pricewatch.com. I found only slightly better prices, but it was non name brand with shot term warranty, so try the other.

BIOS unless it solves a known problem you're experiencing.

VAPCMD

Eureka! I got the replacement modules with the correct speed, and they worked first time like a charm. Thanks to everyone who posted suggestions. I'm back in business.

I'd agree on should be same speed but where does it specify the capacity must be same for four RIMMs?

Here's some info from the Dell website on the 8200
Memory

Architecture RDRAM
Memory connectors four
Memory capacities 64-, 128-, 256-, and 512-MB non-ECC RDRAM
Minimum memory 128 MB
Maximum memory 2 GB with Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP;
512 MB with Windows Millennium Edition (Me)
Memory type PC800 (non-ECC)
Memory speed 40 ns or faster
BIOS address F8000h

I just upgraded the memory in a Dell Dimension 2400 with a gig of ram. After research and reading of problems with other memory I called Dell. Now it go's zoom zoom zoom.

I had a devil of a time upgrading my Dell 8200 from 512 RD Ram to 1 Gig, and Dell was of absolutely no help whatsoever. I decided to run the Crucial advisor, purchase the RAM form them and cross my fingers. It worked perfectly.

I added 512 mb (2 x 256) to my Dell 8200 years ago. I used the program CPU-Z to check the type of ram already in the computer.
PC800 (400 MHz)
Samsung part number for slot 1 & 2: MR16R 1628AF0-CM8 (2002)
Slot 3 & 4: MR16R 1628EG0-CM8 (2004)

This thread has made me a little paranoid.

I have an 8250 that came with 256 MBs of 1066 RDRAM, I believe in a pair of 128 MB modules. Obviously, it's running pretty slow these days.

I made the mistake of shopping for RAM on eBay without doing sufficient research. I bought 1GB (2 x 512 MB) Samsung Rambus 800-45ns ECC, which also came with 256 MB (2 x 128 MB) Samsung Rambus RDRAM PC800-40ns. They're enroute now. I plan to pull my existing 1066s and put in these two pairs of 800s.

After reading this thread and some other information, I have several concerns:

1) In the manual for my 8250, it says RDRAM should be 40ns or faster. Will the 45ns modules even work in my system? Can they harm it?

2) I see now that 1066 RDRAM is superior to 800. Given this and the 45ns caveat, will I actually be sacrificing more speed than I'm adding by increasing the RAM to +1 gig?

3) Will the 40ns modules work with the 45ns modules? I've seen conflicting information on this. My understanding is that all the memory will be recognized, but at the slower 45ns speed.

4) The manual says the RDRAM needs to be non-ECC. I know the 512 modules ARE ECC. Not sure about the 128 modules.

Any help you guys could provide would be much appreciated!

Hey,
Pre-Installed on my 8200 System are 2x 256MB 800-40. Removing those and REPLACING the two by Samsung 2x256MB 800-45 leads to the BIOS error message:
Used RDRAM incompatible, please install modules with 40ns or faster.

Since they are faster I am not sure what to do. Bios is up-to-date.
You have any ideas?

hi

I have similar problem. I rather stupidly looked at 45ns rimms being faster than 40ns when I decided to by 1gb of ram from ebay.
The Dell 8250 needs 40ns or faster. Clearly now I understand that 45ns is slower than 40ns!!
The PC does not boot, just returns the message that "incompatible memory in Rimm slots, replace with 40ns or faster".
(This I think has been mentioned elsewhere in this thread)

Does anyone have a solution to force the 8250 to accept 45ns rimms?
Everything else about the Rimm I have is compatible(non ecc, PC800 etc etc)
The BIOS setup has no menu for Ram options....maybe there a BIOS update which allows this?

Thanks to all and hoping there is a solution

Hi

Yeah thats a solution. However I have the 45ns rimms already at a good price.
To resell back on ebay is a hassle and costs
If there was a known way to make the 45ns rimms work then thought that would be best

Cheers