Two pc upgrade questions.?

Question

im putting 2 new sticks of ram into my dell and want to know if i need to take the old ones out first or just add these along with the old ones. im also putting in a new video card and need to know if i need to do something to get rid of the old built in video card info before i install the new one.

The ram is 2x1GB sticks.
The card is a GeForce 8600 GTS by EVGA.
Thank you.

Answer 1

i would do this : try to look at the specs for your motherboard. You can do this either by looking in the user manual, or by opening the computer and looking for the model number on the motherboard. then google the model number. if you aren't sure what thing is the model number, just start googling and large numbers imprinted on the motherboard, especially ones that are alphanumeric (eg something like "EV-9700")



You need to know a couple of things:

1. how much ram can this motherboard support?

2. does the ram need to match?

3. where is the CMOS reset jumper?

4. what are the beep codes for this motherboard?



the third on is important because if you install the ram incorrectly, using the reset jumper will help you out.



beep codes are noises the motherboard makes when something is not right. usually you just hear the one when you boot up, but other combinations mean other things. there is a beep code for a ram problem, and also one for video problems (which you might also need.)



the easiest way to deal with the ram issue is to just go ahead and install it. if it works, the computer will boot and the total ram will be listed correctly under (rightclick)My Computer -> Properties -> system. If it doesn't work, the computer will not boot, may beep angrily, or the correct amount of memory will not be listed under system properties.



then you just take it out and try again. you might need to reset the jumper. you can try different combinations. the worst thing that will happen is that it won't boot with some combination, but it will not break the computer.



for the video issue, make sure you uninstall the video driver for you current card (or chip) FIRST. You should also look in your BIOS for a way to turn it off, if it's an onboard chip. if there is a way:



1. uninstall the driver.

2. reboot to bios and turn it off.

3. save, exit bios, and shut down.

4. install the new card

5. install the new driver.



be sure to read the manual that came with your new card first, in case they have some way they prefer it done.



if there is no way to turn off the chip in bios, then the mbd is most likely set up to ignore the chip if a video card is installed. no need to worry, but again, it would be good to find the mdb model and type, visit the website, and download the manual for that motherboard.



if you have a dell, you might be able to get all that info from them by looking up your computer under its service tag. if they don't have the manuals there, you might at least be able to find out the component manufacturers so you can go to those websites.



also, try to get this info and read all your manuals before doing anything.



good luck!

Answer 2

This depends how many ram slot your PC could handle. If it can handle 3 then its fine not to remove it. Also about the video card remove the old one and replace it with the new one then run the CD that comes with it. If not search the drivers for it.

Answer 3

You don't have to take out your RAM sticks unless you're running out of slots, so you can just add them alongside the old ones. Your video card is a dedicated discrete card, so you will have to remove your old card that's currently occupying your graphics slot.

Answer 4

I would put the 1GB memory in the first and second slots ; and if the video card is in a slot yes you will need to remove it to make room for your new card.