Comparing RAM prices for my Dell

Hi

I own an aging Dell Dimension 8200 P4 1.8GHz.
It has 256 MB RAM in it and it is in need of extra memory.
After browsing the web for memory prices, I get a fluctuation of
prices for 256 MB (2 x 128 MB) going from $125 all the way down to $57
both shipped.
How is that possible?
OEMPCworld.com is the cheapest and I didn't search for too long.
Can I go ahead and order you think or am I missing something? I am not
clueless about PC's but I don't know much about memory.
I either let them scan my PC or I just follow the drop down boxes
until they figure out my PC's memory.
I need "PC800 184 pin RIMM ECC".
Can someone also tell me what ECC or non-ECC mean? I get both returned
depending on the sites.

I appreciate the help

Patrick

What you've got there is a computer which uses RAMBUS memory, no longer
manufactured for mainstream computers. (RAMBUS is used in some of the Nintendo
boxes, IIRC.) So prices for RAMBUS are all over the map.

ECC memory has an added memory chip and circuitry to check the parity on data
read and written from it. Non-ECC lacks the extra chip and circuit. Your
Dimension 8200 does not require ECC memory, but it will operate just fine with
it, and even with a mix of ECC and non-ECC memory. Your system requires RAMBUS
with a minimum speed rating of 800-45 (PC800), but it will operate OK with
faster 800-40 or PC1066, for which you would pay a premium.

RAMBUS memory MUST be installed in matched pairs, truly identical sticks of
memory.

I last sold a matched pair of 256MB 800-40 ECC memory on eBay for $85 + $7.95
shipping. I have a couple of other matched pairs of 256MB 800-45. I you want
a pair, I will sell it to you for $70 + exact shipping. If you really want a
pair of 128MB, I suspect I still have them, as well. Memory gets tested here
with MEMTEST-86 before it leaves, either sold as a memory upgrade or in a
client's system... Ben Myers
Spirit of Performance, Inc.
Harvard, MA
tel: 978-456-3889

On Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:17:27 -0800 (PST), varois83 <varois83@netzero.net> wrote:

>Hi
>
>I own an aging Dell Dimension 8200 P4 1.8GHz.
>It has 256 MB RAM in it and it is in need of extra memory.
>After browsing the web for memory prices, I get a fluctuation of
>prices for 256 MB (2 x 128 MB) going from $125 all the way down to $57
>both shipped.
>How is that possible?
>OEMPCworld.com is the cheapest and I didn't search for too long.
>Can I go ahead and order you think or am I missing something? I am not
>clueless about PC's but I don't know much about memory.
>I either let them scan my PC or I just follow the drop down boxes
>until they figure out my PC's memory.
>I need "PC800 184 pin RIMM ECC".
>Can someone also tell me what ECC or non-ECC mean? I get both returned
>depending on the sites.
>
>I appreciate the help
>
>Patrick

Ben

I appreciate the help and offer. It looks like I might be getting some
for free from a co-worker that loves to fix PC's for fun, he said he
might have some of what I need laying around.
I will contact you if he doesn't find it. Can't beat free.

Thanks a lot

Patrick