PC800 RDRAM in a Dimension 8200

JackKelly · 26-10-2006 9:31pm #1

I have a Dell dimesion 8200 with 256mb RAM which is in dire need of an upgrade. Thing is, it uses RDRAM pc800 which seems difficult to track down and ludicrously expensive.

So firstly, Why would Dell use ECC RDRAM in a desktop? It makes it almost impossible to upgrade. (probably the answer).

Second, is there any compromise or cheaper solution away from using a non ECC version which seems almost as expensive? Or should I just get a new PC?

TerrorFirmer · 26-10-2006 9:34pm

RD-Ram was supposed to take off as the next thing, but it just didn't, hence its hideously expensive now...

I would get a new pc - upgrading the ram could literally cost hundreds.

Sell the current one as is, and use the money and a bit extra to get an entirely new machine.

Ruu_Old · 26-10-2006 9:37pm

It looks like Non ECC is slighty less expensive but only just. 104 euros for a stick of 256MB Non ECC and 113 for ECC (thats at shop4memory.com). Not much else you can do that I can see. New machine I'd say.

JackKelly · 26-10-2006 9:38pm

yea, i was thinking that. Did they only make RD PC800? Madness

Tobias Greeshman · 27-10-2006 8:46am

No Rambus RDRAM came in PC1066 and PC1200 speeds as well.

I have a Dimension 4300 at home and it uses SDRAM, had only 256 in it, and was crippled with the slow bus speed. Added in an extra 256 a while back, and really noticed the difference, especially with XP.

I'd say add in an extra 256 and if you're not happy with the performance then go invest in a new PC.

TerrorFirmer · 27-10-2006 8:49am

Has to be installed in pairs as well....truly a pain in the ass.

Sir Random · 27-10-2006 10:22am

If you get a new cpu/mobo or PC, make sure it takes DDR2, as DDR seems to be getting dearer every week (production has switched to DDR2, so DDR stocks are dwindling).

PC800 RDRAM in a Dimension 8200

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