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General discussion

Compatible hardware for my Dell Desktop

Mar 20, 2013 9:02PM PDT

I have a Dell Desktop (Dell Optiplex GX 520) that is used in my company.

They have requested an upgrade for that desktop. Currently there is only 2GB RAM used for it. They want to upgrade to 4GB. And the RAM type is DDR2 533MHz. (PC2 4300).

However, many local computer shops do not have this spec available for use.

Also, they want to upgrade the hard disk to 500GB. Is this possible? Or even 1 TB is it possible??

The smallest frequency that most shops have for RAMs is 667 MHz, DDR2 RAMs. I am afraid that if I use this, it will cause incompatibility. (I have experienced it before - using a RAM with larger frequency, and it beeps 1-3-3-1 : 28 Autosize DRAM).

Please advise on what I have to do to meet their requirements?? Do I get a new motherboard to support the RAM and 500 GB hard disk??

Discussion is locked

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Re: RAM
Mar 20, 2013 9:36PM PDT

Why limit yourself to local computer shops? Go to crucial or kingston, use their memory finder that will give you compatible RAM and order it.

Replacing a disk usually is no problem, unless the BIOS or OS (Windows 98, Windows XP without service packs) is very old and doesn't support a 500 GB or 1 TB disk. But my 2007 MSI machine, running XP, accomodated a 1 TB disc without any problem. In case of doubt, check the user manual or ask Dell.

Kees

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Vintage stuff
Mar 20, 2013 11:51PM PDT

As mentioned.......Crucial.

Ram.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=OptiPlex%20GX520&Cat=RAM

Hd.
That could be a problem.
Your playing with the old IDE stuff.
A Hd of 500GB/1TB with that interface might require some shopping.
If you can bring it down to the 300GB area those still show on the radar.

As for swapping the mobo.
With an OEM machine........don't go there.......it's a can of worms.