You have a new computer and it may have been a good deal, but still it wasn’t cheap. Now one of the first upgrades any new computer receives is RAM and one of the first things that crosses peoples minds is they wish they had bought more or they wish they could buy more.

It is very tempting to take the RAM out of the old computer and use it in the new computer, but will it work?

The answer is …it depends. If it is basically the same RAM, then yes.

1. Check your manuals for the memory it suggests. This helps determine if it is the same in both computers, for instance if both use PC2-4200 DDR2 DIMM.  
2. Once you know both computers take the same type of memory check to see if your computer uses banks of 2 or requires matched memory pairs. If it doesn’t skip to #3. If it does, make sure that you install the memory in matched pairs.
3. If your computer doesn’t require banks of 2, but can run in Dual Channel Mode, you also will need to install memory in matched pairs to take advantage of  the Dual Channel Mode or else you will sacrifice a little speed. If your computer doesn’t require banks of 2, doesn’t utilize Dual Channel mode, then the last answer #4 is for you!
4. Lucky you if you got this far. It means as long as the memory in your old computer matches the requirements of the memory in your new computer you can use it! You likely can also mix 512MB with a 1GB, or a 256MB with a 512MB.

If this seems confusing, I apologize. I am trying to write it for the person, like me, that just wants to take advantage of what they already have on hand. It certainly isn’t for the techies out there. I leave the geek talk up to the guys at the office ;) Trust me if you want to speak tech talk about building with 16 pieces of 32x8 based chips, yadda, yadda …they can deliver. I am trying to keep it simple.

So,  if you are a regular person and after you read this you still need help, feel free to email me. I will do my best to respond. There are also many other wonderful eBay sellers that provide memory and many of them will also be happy to field any questions.

I hope this was helpful to you in some small way.