HowToFixComputers.com

chicagofan · Guest

Since the Gateway paperwork does not tell you what type of memory you have, is
the only way to know... to open the case?

I have a Performance 1500, P4, with only 128MB RAM. I'll have to hire someone
to install it anyway, but wanted to know what I should be getting before I call
someone, and the approximate price I should be paying. Any advice appreciated!
bj

DMan · Guest

chicagofan <me7@privacy.net> jotted down a note in
news:vs6tmolo3cb9e6@corp.supernews.com:

Hurricane Andrew · Guest

Go to www.crucial.com, they have a memory selector that will tell you
exactly what you need. Also, I think you'll find that installing memory is
much easier than you think. You can find step by step instructions on
crucial's site.

--
Andrew

"chicagofan" <me7@privacy.net> wrote in message
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Ben Myers · Guest

There are two ways to figure out what kind of memory is inside the system
without opening it up.

First, write down the BIOS identifier displayed by the computer when it first
powers up. Then go to the Intel web site (the system is a Pentium 4, isn't it?)
and download the specifications for the motherboard.

Second, identify your system at the Gateway web site and find the specs that
Gateway has there.

FWIW, a google search for "Gateway Performance 1500" turned up a PC Magazine
review which stated "1.5-GHz Pentium 4, 128MB SDRAM". For a garden variety
desktop or tower case computer, not a server or a "workstation", the SDRAM
memory needs to be PC133 non-registered unbuffered non-ECC 168-pin DIMM memory.
This is pretty common stuff. You could order it from Crucial, who will make
sure you get the right memory. Because this computer is a more modern Pentium
4, not a Pentium 3, memory chip density should not be important in determining
whether or not DIMM memory will work. You can add 128, 256, or 512MB modules.
1GB memory is still too darn expensive, and may not be compatible with the
motherboard.

If you are a chicagofan living near Harvard, MA, I can provide you with an
inexpensive monitor to tide you over, and the memory installed at a competitive
price as well. Hey, we have NY Yankee fans living in the Boston metro area, so
I might as well ask.

.... Ben Myers

On Tue, 25 Nov 2003 10:40:29 -0500, chicagofan <me7@privacy.net> wrote:

Mark · Guest

If you have serial number from side of machine, go to
http://support.gateway.com/support/default.asp?cmlid=support_top and
enter serial #. Click on "My Support", then "My Support Documents" and
you should be able to see what you've got. If it's SDRAM,
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=Gateway%2BP
erformance+Series&mfr=Gateway&cat=RAM&model=Performance+1500+%28SDRAM%29
&submit=Go
--
Preferred response is to group. Otherwise, please remove and delete
DELETE and REMOVE to reply.

"chicagofan" <me7@privacy.net> wrote in message
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Ben Myers · Guest

Ack! An ITworld.com review identifies the Performance 1500 differently:

http://www.itworld.com/Comp/1211/PCW_1-22-01_gateway/

It states that the memory is RDRAM, or RAMBUS RIMM memory, an entirely different
kettle of fish, more expensive and harder to come by. AFAIK, Crucial does not
sell RAMBUS memory.

Best to identify the model of motherboard beyond a doubt before even attempting
to buy memory... Ben Myers

On Tue, 25 Nov 2003 10:40:29 -0500, chicagofan <me7@privacy.net> wrote:

Tweek · Guest

If it is a performance system and it originally shipped with Windows ME, it
has RDRAM in it. You will need two identical RDRAM memory modules as they
need to be installed in pairs (your system currently has two 64MB modules).
If you go to www. pricewatch.com you will find a vendor that sells it.
Depending on where you are, you might not be able to find it locally so
online is the way to go.

"chicagofan" <me7@privacy.net> wrote in message
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Frank Fussenegger · Guest

Looking at www.crucial.com, the Performace 1500 could have either
RDRAM or SDRAM. If you have SDRAM, then you can get memory from
Crucial. Here is the link:

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=Gateway%2BPerformance+Series&mfr=Gateway&cat=RAM&model=Performance+1500+%28SDRAM%29&submit=Go

If you have RDRAM, then I am sorry to here that. It will cost you if
you can find it.

chicagofan <me7@privacy.net> wrote in message news:<vs6tmolo3cb9e6@corp.supernews.com>...

Tweek · Guest

The easiest way to tell is to open the case and look. If there are four
slots and they are all occupied (two mem. modules and two cont. modules), it
is RDRAM. No Pentium 4 system from Gateway included more than three memory
slots until the 865 and 875 chipsets came along.

"Frank Fussenegger" <frankfuss@earthlink.net> wrote in message
news:9a5c69f4.0311251001.2b56c72a@posting.google.com...

Sis · Guest

I can tell you now that there is nothing to putting one of those in. I have
done it myself, (and I am a woman) it really is easy.

Scott · Guest

Sis,

I agree. You just install it next to an existing RAM module. There's
one retaining clip on each end. No need to pay someone to do that.

Scott

Sis wrote:

chicagofan · Guest

Scott wrote:

chicagofan · Guest

Ben Myers wrote:

Tweek · Guest

Wow, now that I think about it, the performance series did use the El Paso
board for awhile. I worked at a store for two and a half years. I should
have remembered that. They changed boards and model designations so much
that I couldn't get it straight. Not to mention having your store closed and
getting laid off a month before your wedding makes one a little bitter.
Anyway, you shouldn't have any problem adding two 256MB modules to the
existing 128MB. You have three slots and actually according to Intel's data
sheet, the max is 3GB if you could find 1GB dimms. Gateway's website says
1.5GB, which makes sense because it is doubtful they bothered to qualify
that board with 1GB dimms.

"chicagofan" <me7@privacy.net> wrote in message
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