i have a dell dimension 8100. when i go to the dell site to try to get more RAM, i enter my service tag, and the type of RAM it says i need is the following:

256MB RDRAM
Speed: PC800
Non-Parity
Unbuffered
Package Type: 184-pin RIMM
Logical Type: 128Meg x 16


so basially what im telling u is this is the type of RAM i need cuz im not familiar w/ ram specs. but for 256 MB, its going to cost me $150. ive seen RAM much much cheaper then this. why is that? when i asked dell, they told me it was b/c "i knew i was getting quality RAM and i could get technical support with it." is this tru, or am i just getting ripped by dell? i was reading that crucial ram is good, but can i use that type of RAM? where can i get RAM cheaper, that i can use with my system. thanks.

Hi m8

Well I logged onto the UK Crucial website and put in your model description and this is what it told me..........

We're Sorry!
No modules are currently available for this system. Your system may require proprietary or non-standard parts. If your system requires RDRAM or Rambus technology click here. For more information about compatible upgrades for your system, please contact your system manufacturer.

Alternatively you can call us on 0800 013 0330 (free from within UK) or 44 1355 586100 (from outside the UK) or e-mail us your system details to to check for an alternative upgrade solution.

Basically what Dell is telling you is that they want to sell you RDram at an extortionate price, As for technical support any reputable reseller will offer support if needed and supply the memory at probably a lot less cost. I'm assuming your in the US so do a search on the net and contact the supplier for advice. I'm sure you'll get some suppliers details from others on this forum who are in the US.

Smiffy

Go with the Dell RAM, its better for the system.

jaice, other then the reason that is by dell, why is it 'better'? also, i have kinda the same question regarding a new hard drive. once again, on the dell site, the types of hard drives (for 80GB) listed are these:

1.)
80GB Hard Drive for Dell Desktop Systems Hard Drive
7200RPM
Interface Ultra ATA/100
Cache 2 MB
Average Seek time 9.5 ms
Average latency 4.2 ms
for Dell Dimension
price: $110

2.)
another 80GB by dell, except it doesnt specificially say 'for dell dimension', which is what i have. so this isnt really an option.

3.)
80GB Seagate Barracuda ATA IV Internal EIDE Ultra ATA/100
7200 rpm
3.5"
9.5 ms Seek Time
100 MBps
2 MB Cache
price: $105.80

and thats it (maxtor is also listed but in 160 gb). so if they have maxtor and seagate, then i could also use western digital. so for the same price as the above two, i could get the new WD special edition 80GB drive with 8MB cache. so should i go with that, ahead of the dell one? thanks.

Originally posted by Jaice
Go with the Dell RAM, its better for the system.

Why would you do this...? Dell don't manufacture the memory it's purely a case of the memory being R&D'd with that particular Dell model. If you could obtain the same RDram from another supplier at a reduced cost surely that's a better option...?

Smiffy:confused:

right now i have a HD, a cd drive, a cd burning drive, and a dvd burning drive. i can sitll add another HD, right?

jesseg31,unless you have an add-on ide card,NO. You can have 4 devices,2 on the primary and 2 on the secondary channels.As for the memory,my 8200 came with Samsung memory.Dell does not yse anything special!Crucial does not,and never did sell RDram!Just try Newegg or Googlegear.

You don't have to buy any hardware upgrades from Dell. They aren't any better than many other vendors. Dell just has a niche in that it can tell you your system specifications by your service tag and tell you exactly what hardware is compatible with your system. So basically you are just paying extra for the convenience of not having to know all of that information yourself. jeepers94 is correct in that I'm sure that you have an IDE setup and can only run four devices without an additional IDE card.

I say there better because you sure to get the RIGhT part, that will run well on your system. The only company that manufactors RAM is Micron. I have a Dell, and I have 1 Dell stick and 1 Micron stick.

If you buy a new car, say a Ford Mustang, you would rather take it back to Ford and get it fixed, instead of taking it to Honda right.(lets say they also had the parts).

But thats just my opinion

What?Micron is the only company that makes ram?FYI,there are several manufacturers of ram.Like I said before most RDram is SAMSUNG! Crucial is owned by Micron,but Micron does not make RDram so they do not sell it!
My DELL machines ,that use RDram,CAME WITH SAMSUNG! Most of the DDR systems that I installed came with Micron.Memory is not as hard to figure out nowdays.A couple of years ago there were many flavors of each memory type.Just buy from a reliable source!

Would everyone please keep this civil? There's no need for this to get out of hand. Thanks. :)

jeepers94: notice I said "Manufacture", meaning Program the chips, other companys put them on the PCB board.

Jaice,I was going to let this drop but I thought I would answer your last poke!Micron is the only manufacturer in America,not the world! Did you ever hear of Infineon,Hynix or Nanya?These are all companies that "Manufacture"meaning Program chips.These along with Micron are the top teir.There are also lesser known Asian plants! Now,I just know you are going to tell me you meant Micron makes all the silicon.As a side point,Infineon makes the chips for Kingston.I am not trying to argue with you,I just wanted to set the record straight.Let's drop it nou,OK?