Are Memory Modules Compatible?

[AttaGirl42]

Hello Everyone!

I have a question that I hope to get some feedback on. I have a Gateway E-3600 Computer that has only 128Mg of memory installed on it and I'm wanting to add a memory module a friend gave me when he upgraded his memory. My System specs on my Gateway are at the bottom under my signature so I won't repeat them here.

How do I know if the memory I want to install in my system is compatible with my system? The memory modules have the following written on them:

Toshiba 09474A
9723WAD
M'SIA
TC5117405CSJ-60

I've not opened up my case yet to look at the existing memory module as I wanted to see if there was a place online I could compare the Toshiba memory with my system for compatibility.
I've never added memory before but I've read up on it and looks like something I can do. LOL

One more question. I've read about a person needing to buy Anti-Static equipment before working on the insides of a system. Is there a way to get rid of the Static electricity without buying this stuff?

Thanks for all and any advice and help! I appreciate it and have always been steered in the right direction from you good people!

Have A Great Day!

[AttaGirl42]

I just read my post and found that on the amount of memory, I put Mg. This should read 128 MB of memory. LOL

Sorry about that!

[DrMDJ]

According to the specs on your system you gave you say you have 128mb of DDR266 (PC2100) ram now. However, looking at the manual for your system (here) it says you system doesn't use DDR ram, just standard PC133 sdram. In either case these memory modules are 168 pin DIMMs.

In any case... Going on the part number (TC5117405CSJ-60)you gave for the ram your friend gave you it looks like that ram is 60 nanosecond, 72-pin SIMM style ram. So on this basis alone it looks like the ram is not compatible.

[AttaGirl42]

DrMDJ,

Thanks for your post! I used Belarc Advisor to get my system specs. My Gateway has not been modified or anything since it came from the factory. Is Belarc not reliable on reading specs? I know on the readout it gave me, it only shows 2 slots for memory and it says one has the 128MB in it.

Thanks however for the link and also the information you gave me. Atleast now I know the correct type to buy.

If I could ask you, what are your thoughts on the Static aspect and being careful not to damage the insides of the puter while adding memory?

Thanks!

[DrMDJ]

As confirmation of what you need (for the E-3600) you can go to www.crucial.com. They have a memory selector that you can plug in your system model to and it will show you the compatible memory that Crucial offers for it. Crucial is generally pretty good memory and reasonably priced.

[Dickster]

If you are careful, you don't need any special anti-static equipment. When you have your computer case open, touch any metal part of the chassis with your bare hand before picking up the memory module. Try to keep one hand touching the chassis while you insert the module, if possible.

[AttaGirl42]

Hello!

I want to thank you all for your replies and all the information I got!

I went to Crucial.com and found what I needed and will just wait till the module gets here!

Have a Great night everyone!