RAM explained...will I be able to UPGRADE from 512MB Dual Channel DDR2

[teddyFBI]

The new Dell I'm buying has the following listed for the base RAM configuration:

512MB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz - 2DIMMs

I have the option of upgrading to 1GB for another $100, but someone told me it would be FAR cheaper to buy my RAM separately from another retailer (I checked, and Newegg does indeed have 512 for $40).

I'm a bit of a tech donk...if I just buy an additional 512MB from Newegg, will I just be able to drop it into an open slot on my Dell??

I thought I remembered hearing a long time ago that if your RAM is "dual channel", then it takes up BOTH available slots, and so you won't be able to upgrade...or something like that...is there any truth to that?
Any other suggestions welcome!

[PhilTheThrill14]

The laptop has two "slots" for memory. You currently have two 256MB pieces installed. To get to 1 Gig of memory you would have to buy two 512MB pieces and replace the two you have installed. You cannot physically add another 512 to your current config. the way you describe it.

The DDR2 specification is key as well - the new Dells won't work with DDR - only DDR2.

What model Dell is it?

[teddyFBI]

I was looking at the 9100 (desktop).

Another Q: given that I just want a decent desktop with good speed that can handle a ton of poker applications running simultaneously, and basic word processing and Photoshop functions, is the 9100 complete overkill??

I could prob get the 4700 for $400 less, but don't want to skimp, because I'm basically just replacing the desktop I bought 8 months ago for $450 that was just way to bare-bones and slow.

[PhilTheThrill14]

Don't know why I thought laptop. Sorry.

The Dimension 9100 has 4 slots - so you could buy 2 more 256MB pieces and get to 1GB. I believe you want to add it in pairs (hence 2 more 256 and not 1 512) to use the hyperthreading feature of the processor, but not 100% sure.

I would say you could get away with the 4700. The 4700 also has 4 slots for memory.

[Wingy0307]

If there are four slots, you will want to get 2 sticks of 256 DDR2 that are identical. Dual channel can crap on you if you don't use identical sticks. You should be fine as long as the two you buy from newegg are the same. They do not need to be the same as the dell RAM. Identical sticks on the same channel are what you're going for here.