ok, first of all let me say Hi, this isn't Matt but his Girlfriend (you can call me Roxy). Matts up in Catterick training to be an army infantryman, i've seen him visit this site more than once, so i figured i'd best ask here. you see its his Birthday today and i wanted to get him something he'd have wanted, More RAM for example. i know nothing about PC's, if you need specifications you'd better tell me where to get them from, all i know is its a Dell Dimension 5100, any help would be grand, thank you all in advance
Wish him a happy birthday when he comes back. In the meantime, take the computer to any store and have some salesman look at it for you. It only takes a few seconds to open and inspect. Take the whole central unit, nothing else. If you decide to buy some extra RAM, you can also have the guy install it on the spot.
I know this is probably heavier and bulkier than you'd like but it's probably the simplest thing to do.
Matt mentioned either you or i think its something 'ink' when about PC's, seems you aind this 'ink' character are his 2 main inspirations, mind you i think he gets his liking for the F-16 block 52 (i think) from his greek family we spent a holiday on the Mainland last year and for 3 days straight Matt sat in the garden just waiting for an F-16 block 52 to go over, Matt likes his aircraft malformed i on the other hand am happy to go flying in a Piper Tomahawk **looked in matts PPL log book**
Dell used to have their own in house RAM types, best to check first. I hope things have changed since I last work on Dell PC's, they used to be very expensive to upgrade. Check with people like Eclipse Computers, in Cov, they might be able to help, but don't buy budget ram from them, its never been any good in my PC's.
I did google on Dell ram upgrade and among others this site came up.
On the following page you can select exactly which type of Dell Matt has. There are a few Dimension 5100 models. So, make sure to pick the right one. Dell Memory Upgrade - Dell Computer RAM Memory
This does look like it might be special Dell memory, like Jesters allready told.
Now, first make sure how much memory he allready has (rightclick on My computer) s0omewhere at the bottom of that window you see something like 1,00 GB or 512 MB that is the value you are looking for. Confusing enough it mentions the speed just in front of it some value with GHz behind it. But you need the value just behind the GHz.
Maybe you should tell us how much is in there, so we can warn about things to think about before buying new memory. I could tell several things in advance, but that would probably confuse you because of the "if this then that" language used
hi again everyone, he has 1GB at the moment (i think he said that he reckons to get FSx remotely viable as a sim to use daily he'd need 2 minimum) i don't know myself, but thats why i ask
He was even teaching me how to use Flightsims (confusing for me that is)
His guess is pretty good. I'd probably even go for some more.
I figure that one or two of the four memory slots are filled. This means that you can add up to two memory bars for sure. Thus you could go up to 3 GB at least.
When you buy a bar of 1 GB, there will be room left to add more memory later if he wishes.
If you know someone who can help you install the memory, then you could order it on-line. Otherwise call some local stores to see if they sell memory for Dell. If they don't they might want to install the memory for you for a little fee, while you order it on-line somewhere. Or maybe Matt can install it himself when he gets home.
Also here I would certainly check the website as not all computers accept a mix of RAM capacity, some have twin slots that require similar capacity in each slot (like HP for example) so then you can't put 1 GB extra in as one memorycard, but have to add 2 x 512 MB...., and there are loads more options. Fortunatelly however, PC manufacturers tend to leave off this limitation. Honoustly, I ship loads of parts for Dell, but I have no clue what RAM settings they use. Recently upgraded mine (home built) and my wife's (HP) and found these ready made PC's can be somewhat tricky.
Who said computers make life simple ??
But how about just calling your local computer "nerd", he should know, or he would at least be able to figure it out .....
thanks even though you couldnt help i'm sure someone here'll know...i hope
we spent a holiday on the Mainland last year and for 3 days straight Matt sat in the garden just waiting for an F-16 block 52 to go over, Matt likes his aircraft malformed i on the other hand am happy to go flying in a Piper Tomahawk **looked in matts PPL log book** 
) i don't know myself, but thats why i ask
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