Computers and me? A bad mix

[lizziegrace]

I've got an old Gateway 300X with 256mb RAM. I want to upgrade the RAM on it because tax software (TurboTax) causes it to freeze up and/or crash and when it works at all, it takes 20 minutes to start the program and redraw the screens over and over...

I use this old machine for several reasons - I have 7 years of TurboTax on it with client returns. I don't keep it connected to the internet unless I'm downloading updates or transmitting returns. And, it's less likely to walk off than my laptop would be.

So, my problem? I called NewEgg and a couple other places and they can't tell me which memory to buy and how much I can expand on this machine.

Anyone know of any vendors who can look up machine specifics and recommend. I have no problem taking the machine apart and installing the memory. I just need to know what to buy.

Thanks...

(I know, this is getting old.)

[NV Whino]

1. Try PC Mall

Check the website for a phone number. They are always helpful and knowledgeable.
pcmall.com

[lizziegrace]

2. Thanks!

I'll give them a call. I remember a website about 5 years ago that would allow you to input the information you had and would tell you how many slots were available and what you had to buy to configure specific RAM sizes. I miss that. :(

[City of Mills]

3. This is what I came up with

300X Memory Specifications

Standard Memory 256 MB (removable)
Maximum Memory 512 MB
Memory Expansion 2 sockets
Memory Comments PC100/133 SDRAM DIMMs
CPU Type 1.3GHz Intel Celeron
Model Comments 100MHz FSB

It sounds like the motherboard will only handle/recognize a total of 512MB, basically 2x 256MB chips.

http://www.memorystock.com/memory/Gateway300X.html

[lizziegrace]

4. Thank you!

Looking at these specs this machine's a real dinosaur.

[City of Mills]

5. No problem

I could probably throw you the memory, I'm sure I have some old 256MB PC133 sticks in my parts bin; but if you do decide to upgrade it, at least it should only run you around $50 or so.

[lizziegrace]

6. $30 and change

I ordered it and it should be here Saturday or Monday.

:)

[hobbit709]

7. Is it a 300X or a D300X?

There are also 2 variations of the 300X. One uses PC133 RAM, the other uses PC2700 DDR RAM. The PC133 has 2 notches on the contact edge and the DDR has one notch.

[lizziegrace]

8. It's a 300x

Did I order the wrong memory?

[hobbit709]

9. Don't know. The only way to tell is to pull the stick out and look.

The PC133 has 2 notches on the contact side, the other has only one notch. Unfortunately, they're not compatible.

[lizziegrace]

10. I really didn't want to take this machine apart twice

:(

[lizziegrace]

11. I've run two scans and still not enough info for MemoryStock to tell

************System**********
System Manufacturer:Gateway
System Model: ESSEX2
System Vendor:Gateway
System Version: 4000811
IdentifyingNumber: 0031804571
System Type: X86-based PC
************Motherboard**********
Mother Board Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
Motherboard Model: D845GERG3
************Processor**********
Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.40GHz
Processor Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
Processor Speed: 2399Processor FSB: 100
************Bios**********
Bios: Intel Corp.
Version: RG84510A.15A.0037.P15.0304012013
************Memory Details**********
Memory Manufacturer:
Installed RAM: 256 MB
Maximum RAM: 3 GB
Total Slots: 2
Capacity: 0.25,
Memory Type: 0,
Speed: 266,
Slots: J6G1,


Nothing is easy. Nothing. :banghead: