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@Catfish109TC wrote:

 Do you have to install memory in pairs like in the "old days"?

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It sure looks like it.  http://docs.us.dell.com/docs/systems/dim8200/replace.htm#1101964

Thanks for the reply.  The darned order has already been shipped too!  I don't know what I should do now.  I suppose I could just order another 256 to go with it, though that is not what I really wanted to do.

Catfish109TC

Goonboy or any helpful individual,

I am looking at the memory cards for the Dimension 8200 and this is what I found (and what I ordered one of yesterday).

256MB Module for a Dell Dimension 8200 Series (400MHz Front Side Bus)

This is the only memory listed for the 8200 series and I am a bit concerned because the computer I ordered is a 2.4 GHz with a 533 MHz system bus.   Does the 400MHz Front Side Bus part of the description above refer to something other than the speed of the system bus, or did I just compound my foul-up?

Thanks,

Catfish109TC

 

Do yourself a favort and send that thing back and order the 8250 instead.  USB 2.0 and LAN right on the motherboard, PC1066 RDRAM, it's a more feature-rich computer than the 8200.  Besides, Dell won't support the 8200 anymore with things like PC1066 RDRAM....things that are becoming mainstream.   The 8200 is obsolete now.

I would agree with Wild Bill - your best option would be to return the PC and order an 8250.  However, to answer your second question - yes, you did just compound the problem.  PC800 memory for the 400Mhz bus runs at a speed of 45ns.  PC800 memory for the 533Mhz bus runs at a speed of 40ns.  The 45ns memory is too slow for the 533Mhz bus.

If you decide to keep the PC, you will need to return the memory stick and order the correct memory.  It has to be installed in equal pairs - both size and speed - in order to work.