Topic: Upgrading my old computer's RAM?

[Kush]

I'm having a hard time finding out how much RAM I can put into my computer. It's an old Gateway Desktop. I have called Gateway customer support, which were no help to this simple question.

I have a Gateway 500 SE Desktop computer purchased May 2002 with an Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.00 GHz. Currently I have 768 MB of RAM installed (slot 1 512 MB & slot 2 256 MB). I'm running Windows XP Home Edition Version 2002 Service Pack 3.

From what I gather on my own: the RAM seems to be Memory DDR PC2700 DIMM Memory-184 Pin

How can I find out how much RAM would be the maximum amount to put into this computer? Is it better to add RAM in a single slot or across both slots?

I'm looking at this as a possible replacement: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220058
Is it compatable?

Model
Brand: Patriot
Series: Signature
Model: PSD1G333H
Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Tech Spec
Capacity: 1GB
Speed: DDR 333 (PC 2700)
Cas Latency: 2.5
Voltage: 2.5V
Heat Spreader: Yes
Manufacturer Warranty
Parts: Lifetime limited
Labor: Lifetime limited

[mattmiller]

Go to http://www.crucial.com/ and click on Memory Upgrades.  It'll ask you for your system information and will tell you exactly how much memory your system can take (and what kind of memory your system can take).  Use this information and then find the best price elsewhere.

[mattmiller]

It looks like you can take a maximum of 2 GB (1 GB in each slot) and, since they offer to sell you EITHER PC2700 or PC3200 it's safe to assume that PC3200 will work just as well (your system will clock it down to the right speed).  This is sometimes beneficial to know, because often the faster speed is cheaper.  I would then go to Newegg and search for the best deal on either of these speeds.  At a minimum, I would replace the 256 MB stick with a 1 GB stick.  Then it's up to you whether you want to max yourself out by replacing the 512 MB stick as well.

[mattmiller]

I'm looking at this as a possible replacement: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220058
Is it compatable?

Yes, that's compatible, but so is this one for about $10 less (free shipping):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820236112

[Kush]

Thanks for all your help, virtual +T to you. New RAM on the way!