Member Avatar for firestorm613

I have a Dell Dimension 4700. It has 512mb of DDR2 RAM. I would like to upgrade to 2 sticks of 1GB each so that I will have a total of 2GB. I think I'm gonna get rid of my 512mb that I have now because its 400mhzt and I wanna get 533mhzt so i guess its smart to do that. Is it?
I was wondering about the voltage I need because there are many different options. I looked on newegg.com and they have a bunch of different voltages like 1.8V, 1.9V, 2.0V, and I even saw up to 2.25V. so I wanted to know which one I need for my computer. Thank you for your help. -Jake

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Useful follow-up to the replies from , and with a clear checklist for the voltage question and a few practical cautions.

RAM voltage is simply the supply rail that the DRAM chips expect. Modules carry their recommended operating voltage in their SPD/firmware; the system BIOS/board supplies that voltage or a BIOS-selected value. If a module and the motherboard expect different voltages the result is usually no-POST or intermittent stability—so matching the module’s SPD to what the board supports is the core requirement.

Before buying or installing:

  • Check the OEM service manual or support lookup for the exact memory specifications for the system.
  • Inspect the current module SPD and part number with a utility (for example CPU‑Z) so you know what the board is currently using.
  • When adding modules, prefer identical parts (same part number/manufacturer/timings). Mixing modules with different ratings increases risk and complicates troubleshooting.
  • Look in the BIOS for any memory-voltage options and update the BIOS if a compatibility note exists from the manufacturer.
  • After installation, validate stability with a standalone memory tester (for example MemTest86); run multiple passes before declaring the system stable.

Extra cautions: vendor compatibility lists are a reliable starting point (as pointed out), but confirm against the OEM manual and BIOS behavior. If the machine fails to POST after a swap, revert to the original modules, try one new stick at a time, and run memtests. If in doubt, consult the system maker’s support lookup by service tag or model prior to purchase (Dell Support).

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Member Avatar for jbennet

do a google search for crucial memory and tell thier wizard your pc make and model and it wil show you all compatble choices.

Member Avatar for dcc

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Member Avatar for firestorm613

Thanx guys. I am wondering if its an error when it sais that I can use DDR2 PC2-6400 (DDR2 800 mhtz) cuz thats just really great if its true but i always thought it goes only till PC-5300 (DDR2 533mhzt).
Can someone please clarify if I can use PC-6400?
Thank you all for your help.
-Jake

Member Avatar for dcc

jake...if Crucial lists it as compatible with your computer you can take it to the bank.

Just to make sure that you didn't list it being the C or MCE model I checked them as well...they're all capable of using PC6400.

Member Avatar for firestorm613

sweet! thats very exciting news! so I'm gonna upgrade with 800mhtz DDR2 memory! woohoo!
Thanks everyone!

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