How to install more memory on computer?

[lucyanna girl]

DD has a Dell Dimension desktop with Pentium 4 and 512 MG of ram. She is running Windows XP Media Center Edition.
At the top of her Christmas list is a request for more memory. Sarah and most of her friends (age 14) are serious Sims players and those things eat up your resources like crazy.
I am a complete computer dummy. However, I am willing to try and install more memory on her computer. Can anyone give me any advice? How much memory, how do I install it, where do I buy it, how much should it cost, any deals available?
All help will be gratefully accepted. Thanks

 

[Towncrier]

You need to know several things before you attempt to upgrade the memory. First and foremost is whether or not your DD's computer can accept more memory. The two Dell systems that I own have only two sockets for DIMMS (the memory chips). You DD's computer may have two 256MByte DIMMS installed. If this is the case, you will have to replace one and may have to replace both DIMMS in order to increase her PC's memory.

I think that we need more detailed information about the PC before we can give you any additional information as to what type and speed of memory that you need. But I am certain that you will be able to find the information that you need here. It just may take a few iterations.

 

[lucyanna girl]

Thank you Towncrier. I have to leave right now to pick DD up from school. I will be back online later this evening. What other information would be needed? If someone could tell me I will find it. Thanks again. Penny

 

[oogieboogie]

the exact model of the Dell Dimension
any specification info you have on the computer
what your budget is

 

[BunsenH]

If you have the model number of the PC, the site crucial.com is very good at directing you to the correct parts.

 

[Mom2Ashli]

I went right to Dell and it has you pick the make and model of your Desktop and than gives you a list of Memory for your machine. Very easy to find on their website. Just go to Memory.

I ordered it and had it in two days.

 

[Towncrier]

All of the above is very good advice. But I would suggest that before you do anything, you take off the side cover and look to see just what memory you already have installed. Be careful not to ZAP the chips with static electricity because that can destroy your computer.