Dell Dimension 8300 User Manual
Page 23
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Memory
Dell™ Dimension™ 8300 Series Service Manual
You can increase your computer memory by installing memory modules on the system board. For information on the type of memory supported by your
computer, see "
Memory
" in "Technical Specifications."
DDR Memory Overview
DDR memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched memory size. This means that if you purchased your computer with 256 MB of memory installed
and you want to add another 256 MB of memory, you must install it in the appropriate connector. If the DDR memory modules are not installed in matched
pairs, the computer will continue to operate, but with a slight reduction in performance.
The recommended memory configurations are:
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A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2
or
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A pair of matched memory modules installed in connectors DIMM1 and DIMM2 and another matched pair installed in connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4
Additional memory recommendations include:
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Do not install ECC memory modules.
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If you install mixed pairs PC2700 (DDR 333-MHz) and PC3200 (DDR 400-MHz) of memory modules, they function at the slowest speed of the modules
you install.
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Be sure to install a single memory module in DIMM 1 or the connector closest to the processor before you install modules in the other connectors.
Addressing Memory with 4-GB Configurations
Your computer supports a maximum of 4 GB of memory when you use four 1-GB DIMMs. Current operating systems, such as Microsoft® Windows® XP, can
only use a maximum of 4 GB of address space; however, the amount of memory available to the operating system is less than 4 GB. Certain components
within the computer require address space in the 4-GB range. Any address space reserved for these components cannot be used by computer memory.
Installing Memory
NOTE:
Always install DDR memory modules in the order indicated on the system board.
NOTICE:
If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that
you may have, even if you purchased the new modules from Dell. You should install your original memory modules in pairs either in connectors DIMM1
and DIMM2 or connectors DIMM3 and DIMM4. If possible, do not pair an original memory module with a new memory module. Otherwise, your computer
may not function at optimal performance.
NOTE:
Memory purchased from Dell is covered under your computer warranty.