How do you upgrade RAM and add a new Video Card to a Dell Inspiron 530?

I am going to buy a Dell Inspiron 530 and upgrade the RAM to 3GB but I don't know how to. I also want to upgrade the video card to an NVidia 8800. Do I need a cable for that? And how do I do it?

Thanks,

-Tom-|||First, here is a Dell Support page on upgrading a Dell system's RAM. I strongly recommend you buy their recommendation because there are other issues than simply buying the correct "type". these days most Vista systems are selling with 3 gigabytes installed. This is due to the overwhelming demand to upgrade to at least that much in order to get the best functionality from a Vista machine. Check with your Dell sales representative and see how much it would cost to add additional RAM, or locate a machine that already has it. I am going to list the issues you need to consider when upgrading or adding RAM to a system:



There are two other issues in regards to buying and installing RAM modules other than simply buying the correct "type". By type I mean the correct speed and bus specifications.



Each motherboard supports only some RAM manufacturers, and of the modules those manufacturers sell only one to three different module products. If you were building a system from the ground up you would have a manual for your motherboard which lists each module by manufacturer and product number which that motherboard can handle. In addition, these modules can be installed in up to three different configurations. Some modules support all three of these configurations, some support two, and some support just one. However, if a module supports the third configuration it also supports the other two. But the reverse is not true. If a module supports only the first configuration it does not support the other two. This information is critical in properly installing the modules. Here are the possible configurations:



A: Supports one module inserted into either slot, in Single-channel memory configuration.



B: Supports one pair of modules inserted into either Channel A or Channel B as one pair of Dual-channel memory configuration.



C: Supports four modules inserted into the color coded pairs as two pairs of Dual-channel memory configuration.



Option C is the best one for obtaining the most of your physical RAM. There are uses for the other two configurations, but it isn't what you want. You want it installed as Dual-channel memory configuration.



The problem with simply adding one module to a system which has memory installed in configuration B above, is that the additional module must be installed in Single-channel mode, which reduces the existing two gigabyte module pair installed as Dual-channel to Single-channel. This reduces the power of the memory.



I strongly recommend that you specifically ask the sales person you are speaking with about the type and installation configuration of the RAM modules in the system you wish to purchase. If it is installed as either B or C you cannot install only one module and not lose the Dual-channel configuration. Insertion of only one module automatically is Single-channel.



In order to accomplish your goal you would need to ensure the modules are installed in C configuration, then add another pair of Dual-channel memory. Yes, you will lose a little of that RAM, but to me it is worth it in order to get the best speed and power. This is the entire reason for adding or upgrading RAM in a system, to give it speed and extra power.



Thank goodness, RAM modules have recently plummeted in price. You can buy two packages which consist of configuration C modules, each package containing two one gigabyte sticks of RAM for $80.00. I did just last month. It was on sale at Fry's Electronics. A year and a half ago that same memory cost $650.00! No kidding, we bought it and each package was $325.00. Adding tax increases that amount of course.



System manufacturers are competing with RAM manufacturers and so prices are on par. You may pay a tad more for the convenience of having the modules installed for you before the system ships, but it is well worth it because Dell will install the right Type in the correct Configuration. Vista hides the fact a 32 bit system fails to utilize a portion of the last fourth gigabyte of RAM. That is Microsoft's response to all the confusion of why the System Info dialog box reports less than the installed Physical memory in XP and Vista. However, there are other areas of the OS which provides an accurate count of the utilized RAM. It is a trade off with a 32 bit system to get the peak memory allotment that particular system's hardware configuration can use with a loss of a small amount. Well, it can actually be up to a full gigabyte, which is why so many say to only install 3 gigabytes of RAM in a 32 bit system. However, most motherboards will alter the Channel from Dual to Single, and Single has less punch than Dual.



This limitation does not exist in a 64 bit system. Here is the Dell page on installing or upgrading RAM:



http://support.dell.com/support/topics/g…



When installing a more powerful video card you must be sure your Power Supply is enough to handle it. If you need to upgrade your PS, do that first, and make sure it is fully functional before installing the VC. Otherwise, if something goes wrong you will not know if it the PS or the video card.



I was unable to locate specific instructions at Dell for installation of Video Cards. However, there is a lot of topics at the Dell hardware forum which does cover this. If your search of the posts fail to answer your installation questions fully you can post your own question and an expert will give you instructions. The folks at the forums are all volunteers and are not employee's of Dell. Here is a Search page at Dell that can help you, and by clicking any of the video card topics you will be taken to that forum. If you are not yet a member you will need to register and create a screen name. It is very simple, and these are really good forums. Here:



http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=ge…



Please note that on any Dell Help page you have the option to contact Technical Support and speak with a person, or go to the Dell forums and ask questions there.



I hope this helps you get ready for and upgrade the components you desire. I still honestly think your best option is to have these components either upgraded at time of purchase, or to find a different model that will fit your needs more appropriately. Sorry this is so long, but it isn't a short issue. lol



Good luck and have a nice day.



Edit: I provided more technical information but Answers would not allow me to post it. I kept getting the "We are taking a breather" error message. It appears the YAT is allowing only certain lengths of posts, and curtailing the use of certain characters. That really bothers me!