My dell dimension 3100/E310 computer uses DDR2 memory. This system I bought off the dell outlet only came with only 256 MB of memory. This memory is not enough because I have windows xp media center operating system installed on it.
As I was looking to buy a new 512MB memory stick to install, I opened up the owner’s manual that came with the computer to read the instructions. This is what the manual says about memory upgrade: “DDR2 memory modules should be installed in pairs of matched size, speed, and technology.” It also says that if the DDR2 memory is not installed in pairs then the computer will operate at “slight” slower speed.
Dell manual says that if you install DDR2 400-MHz (PC2-3200) and DDR2 533-MHz (PC2-4300) memory, the memory will use the lower installed speed.
It is good that I read the manual before going out and purchasing the new memory module. There is no need to spend the extra dollars and go for higher speed when my computer will downgrade the higher speed anyways.