I am updating my memory in my Dell Inspiron 5100..jokes are welcome..lol...
It was running on two 256MB sticks, however it is only reading one of the sticks...I know both of them work bc I can switch them around, but one of the "slots" (not sure what u call it) won't read the memory...

My computer can hold a maximum of 1GB (2x512 PC2700)...

My question is since one of the slots does it work, can it run on just one 1GB PC2700?

1/23/2007 8:57:14 PM

i dont know if you slots can read 1gb sticks

1/23/2007 9:17:11 PM

they have to be able to read 1 GB sticks

1/23/2007 10:00:08 PM

^
Not necessarily. Depends on the individual system and how its wired.

First, I'd recommend going to support.dell.com, put in your service tag#, and read through some of the documentation for your machine. Next, I'd try troubleshooting why it can't read both memory sticks if they work independently ... 512 is a good number unless you need more than that. Finally, you can try crucial.com if you need to figure out what configurations for new memory your system will take. You don't have to buy from them, but they will tell you what you need / can take.

1/23/2007 10:16:33 PM

you have very little chance of getting a 1GB stick in. You will probably have to go with 1 512, but the instructions above are sound.

1/23/2007 10:24:12 PM

i definately appreciate it....my computer is terrible right now runnin at 256 and i know 512 is good enough for what i do on my laptop...but i figured if i can go 1gb why not..lol...thanks a lot

1/23/2007 10:30:47 PM

if you're in engineering, take it to the helpdesk 200 Page Hall. they'll help you out.

1/23/2007 10:32:25 PM

shit i forgot all about them...thanx

1/23/2007 10:37:43 PM

yeah, 512MB each slot is the max
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Inspiron+5100+Series

1/23/2007 10:46:34 PM

do yall have any idea why it only reads one of the slots? is that an easy fix to fix one of the slot or would i have to replace the motherboard, which is definately not worth it...

1/23/2007 10:52:31 PM

also, i think i want to upgrade my hard drive from newegg... how can i tell which one fits my specific computer, or do i just need to call them?

1/23/2007 10:54:36 PM

^
I don't know about your RAM slot issue, but the Inspiron 5100 can use any standard laptop-sized hard drive (2.5", 9.5mm, ATA-6 interface). Here are some options:

http://tinyurl.com/jgk3p

My ThinkPad's running a Seagate Momentus from Newegg, but any of those should work fine 

1/24/2007 10:03:15 AM