Upgrading RAM in a Dell Dimension 2350

Hi, long time no see, how's everyone doing.

My cousin has a Dell Dimension 2350 PC with 256 MB of RAM in one DIMM and wants to add another 512 MB of RAM in the second DIMM. Now according to the technical specifications of this PC, it takes a PC2100 (266-MHz) DDR SDRAM(non-ECC) type of RAM to a maximum of 1 GB. Now the 256 RAM my cousin already has in his PC is a PC3200 (200 MHz ) DDR SDRAM.

So is it safe to use a PC3200 RAM in a PC2100 compatible PC? If it's safe can we buy another 512 MB RAM which is PC3200 and use it alongside the previous 256 MB PC3200 RAM.

Also does the RAM we buy has to be a non-ECC or it doesn't matter?

Thanks in advance!

I would buy exactly what it says in the specs and eliminate the existing memory.

your motherboard should slow the speed of the faster RAM down to a speed both dimms can run at.

lets say you had a 512 dimm at 266 MHz and you out in a 512 333 MHz

it would slow the highest one (333) down to 266

so should be ok

@ Deathblade

Even if you what you say is true, wouldn't that put more strain on the motherboard/processor?

Thanks for your replies.

shouldn't do it woyl be the same as putting a usb 2 into a usb 1 port

will just lower it dwn

Yup. Try and run it dual channel as well, e.g. Matched Pairs to make the best use of it, however on boards of that age/standard (dells should be burnt at the stake...) id doubt that it will support Dual Channel.

even if you dnt have channels it wills till work

in my other computer doesn't have channels

i have a 256 mb 266 MHz and put in a
256 Mb 333 Mhz and it worked fine

My friend went ahead and bought a 2100PC 256 MB 133 MHz RAM, not exactly what I told him to get but he's satisfied.

Thanks for your replies.