29 replies to this topic

[ba5852]

Thank you once again for your help.
I agree with you on adding more RAM. I'll check to see what the max capacity is.
I will be donating to help your fight against malware.

[Google]

[guestolo]

Thanx for the donation
I usually go over to Crucial.com
You can either use their scanner, or manually look for which Ram is needed
You don't necessarily have to buy from Crucial, it's just for identification purposes
I suspect that the laptop has 2 sticks of 256mb installed currently
So if the owner of the laptop decides to go that route, you would look for 2 sticks of 512mb
or more, depending on model of Laptop

[ba5852]

According to Dell's support site. It is capable of holding two 1 GB sticks of memory.
I checked with the owner and they want to update to 2 GB so that should make a big difference.

[guestolo]

That's a good idea, should notice an increase in performance
I remember having an older Dell laptop, which was upgradeable to 1GB Ram
I had to update the BIOS however, so the machine could see all the memory
That might not be your case
What exact model does she own?

Let's make sure there are no needed updates ahead of time

[ba5852]

This is a Dell Inspiron 6000. The Service Tag # is 4DBF981.

The current BIOS is version A07.

Version A09 is available from Dell.

You can find bios update information at this link: http://www.dell.com/...Code=False#2Win

[guestolo]

I don't see any concern related to Ram
If you opt to update the BIOS, be sure to disable ALL your Virus/Antispyware protection software beforehand

I'm not sure what Dell is selling their RAM for, but price it out
Here is a comparison
http://www.crucial.c...on 6000&Cat=RAM

You can also check out Newegg, TigerDirect, etc...

When it comes time to installing the Ram, if you haven't done it before on a Laptop
You may want to download the manual from Dell, it should have step by step directions
I usually unplug the power from the laptop, remove Battery, discharge power by holding down power button for at
minimum 10 seconds
Remove cover to Ram, typically on bottom of laptop
Remove Ram modules, normally spread tangs that hold Ram, lift Ram to about 30 degree angle
and pull out
But double check the manual

[ba5852]

I already downloaded the memory install manual from Dell and I have added memory to a laptop a few times.

Dell wants about $47 for two 1GB chips and Crucial is about $34.

I looked at the A09 upgrade fixes and didn't see anything that I thought would apply.
I hate to mess with the BIOS if I don't have to.

[guestolo]

if you find no benefit in updating the Bios, better off leaving it be

Note: I've bought Memory from Crucial before, my old Dell I had, and the wife's Macbook
I'll probably buy from them again to update my Asus laptop
Fast delivery and everything was compatible when received
Not endorsing Crucial, you may find it cheaper elsewhere

I sometimes look for Coupon codes online
Here's an example of one I found that was an immediate savings, only 5%, but it's something anyways
http://www.crucial.c...l=Inspiron 6000

Anyways, leaving to take the dogs for a walk, they're driving me crazy

[ba5852]

Thanks again for your help.

I found the 5% coupon for Crucial.

[guestolo]

As it appears everything is running normally, I'll lock this topic
Take care ba5852