buying RAM from EBay? (1 Viewer)

[James_Kiang]

I have a Dell P3 1.0 GHz system. I can't remember off the top of my head if I have 256 MB of RAM or 512. Regardless, I was thinking of adding another 512. I see online the PC133 SDRAM chips are going for about $75, but on Ebay they are only $40 or so. Do you guys feel pretty comfortable about buying RAM this way? I'm a little wary, though the price is very attractive...

 

[DaveGTP]

I would feel OK about it, as long as it was name brand RAM (i.e. Corsair, Crucial, PNY, etc). RAM is pretty durable and long-lasting. The prices on PC133 do suck these days.

If you are running 512MB now, I don't think an extra 512 would help much (are you running XP, 98 ?). But if you are at 256 you would definitely benefit from upgrading a bit.

 

[James_Kiang]

I'm running Windows XP. I'll have to check my RAM tonight. Is there a way to find out what mobo I am using without opening the case? Is it in Control Panel->System?

 

[ScottHH]

Your Dell should have a Service tag on it (maybe on the side). You can go to www.dell.com and type in the service tag number, that should provide you with a page with the original specs of your computer, including the mobo.

 

[DaveF]

Dell computers require specific RAM chips. You need to make sure the RAM you're looking at is the right type for your computer.

(I've got a Dell P3 450. I added more memory a few years ago. I bought it from Crucial, which has a nice configurator.)

By they way, I'd love to find a 1Ghz CPU to upgrade my machine. Ever see any SECC (Slot 1) 1 GHz chips on E-bay?

 

[Alf S]

Download the tiny app from Belarc.com and it will tell you almost EVERY detail about what's in your PC.

Alfer

 

[James_Kiang]

I'm glad I checked the Crucial site that DaveF linked to - my Dimension 4100 can only have 512 MB of RAM and that is indeed what I am at. Man, I need to upgrade this system .

 

[Darryl]

I had a bad experience buying RAM off of eBay. It wasn't what was advertised. I never had the situation resolved to my satisfaction and ended up with a useless stick sitting in a drawer. Not to say you'll have the same problem, but IMO you should never buy anything from eBay if it would be a big deal for you to just lose your money.