USB 2.0 Port and RAM?

[LCE]

Hi,
I have an older computer that I would like to install a USB 2.0 Port in,but am unsure of what will work/what to look for?
Can anybody point me in the right direction...?I am on a very tight budget so if there are any that aren't very expensive that would be great as well.

Here are the computers specs...
Microsoft windows XP
Home Edition
Version 2002
Service Pack 2
Compaq
AMD Athlon(TM) Processor
1.30 GHz, 384 MB of Ram

I was also wondering what all I would need to do to see if I could install more RAM in the computer as well?

Any Help would be Greatly Appreciated
Thank You
LCE

[Forum Troll]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815104216

$10 PCI card that add 4 USB 2.0 ports.

[edDV]

...
I was also wondering what all I would need to do to see if I could install more RAM in the computer as well?

Check your motherboard or computer manual for RAM spec. If not there, check the web support pages.

[rkr1958]

http://www.crucial.com/ From this site you can scan your computer and find out what RAM you need and how many (if any) empty slots you have.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php Also, you can download and use CPUZ to find out the same info as above.

[LCE]

Hi Forum Troll,
Thanks for the link.
This card adds 4 ports to the back of the tower is there any way to bring them to the front(For easier access)? also I have seen some that are 4 external and 1 internal,what would the internal one be used for?
Is there anyway to tell wether or not this computer will accept these cards?

I was also looking on Ebay and came across this PCI controller card/hub adapter and was wondering if this would be a good one to buy?
http://cgi.ebay.com/USB2-0-USB-PCI-controller-card-adapter-4-1-ports-ALI_W0QQitemZ1501...QQcmdZViewItem

Hi edDV and rkr1958,
I'll check my computer manual for the RAM Specs,I don't have a manual for the mother board. I'll also check out the links you gave and see what I can find there.

I Appreciate the Help Guys
Thank You
LCE

[edDV]

Looking for something like this? They are called "MultiFunction Front Control Panels". Most have connectors to tap USB2 off motherboard type connectors. You need to do the research to get one with the connectors you need for your rig.





Or you can save the effort by buying a USB2 extension cable.
http://www.dcables.net/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=131&gclid=CMjY1I_CxI8CFQJnYQod5yZElA

[LCE]

Hi edDV,
Great,that's exactly what I was hoping for. Thanks.
Now I need to figure out if this computer will accept these USB 2.0 cards?

I went to Crucial and scanned my computer and it says...
Maximum Memory Capacity: 768MB
Currently Installed Memory: 384MB
Available Memory Slots: 1
Number of Banks: 3
Dual Channel Support: No
CPU Manufacturer: AuthenticAMD
CPU Family: AMD Athlon(tm) Processor Model 4, Stepping 4
CPU Speed: 1300 MHz
Each memory slot can hold SDRAM, PC133 with a maximum of 256MB per slot.*

*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

I Know it says not to exceed manufacturer supported memory but what would happen if a person were to replace all the memory slots with 1 Gigabyte cards?

Thank You
LCE

[prouton]

It won't hurt the computer, but you'll be unable to use the last 2.25GB of it. That assumes that the computer doesn't balk at such memory. You currently have either three 128MB modules (and no free slots), or a 256MB and a 128MB module with one free slot. Either way you could buy two 256MB modules and end up with either 640MB or the full 768MB supported by the motherboard. In the latter scenario, buying three 256MB modules means wasting one.

[rkr1958]

In my opinion putting in more RAM than your motherboard / BIOS can support is a waste of money, especially in older computers such as yours. The crucial scan results imply that you have three slots with one empty and the other two filled with 128MB & 256MB sticks. I'd suggest you confirm this with CPUZ http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

If this is correct and you plan to keep your computer for a while then I'd would personally consider one of the four options.
1. Get an additonal 256-MB stick, put it in your empty slot. This would give you a total of 640-MB. However, this is 128-MB less than your max capacity.
2. Get an additional 512-MB stick, put it in your empty slot and see if everything works with 896-MB of RAM. Even if it works you'll likely only to be able to use 768 MB (wasting 128MB). It that doesn't work then you can go to option 3.
3 . Get an additional 512-MB stick, and replace the 128-MB stick. This would give you your 768-MB capacity.
4. Get two 256-MB sticks, replace the 128-MB stick with a 256-stick and put the 256-stick in your empty slot. 3 x 256 = 768 MB = capacity.

[aedipuss]

some of the old amd motherboards are extremely finickly about what ram they will recognize. your best bet is to populate it with 3 - 256mb sticks that match the one you already have. pc133 is really old and will cost you more than it should compared to modern ram. if you can - get single or double sided whichever matches the one in there now. (i.e. ram chips on 1 side of the stick or 2)

it's doubtful the comp will recognize any stick bigger than 256mb.

[edDV]

New RAM may be diffcult to find. Local computer shops or computer geek friends are likely to have a drawer full of old RAM pc133 256MB since these got pulled to add larger 512MB RAM as upgrades. Nobody wanted the 256MB modules.

[LCE]

Hi,
Thanks everyone.
I double checked everything using CPUZ as suggested and everything I listed above is correct.
I'll stick with the recommended capacity and go with two 256-MB sticks.

From your guys experience is it safe to buy RAM used?

I really Appreciate all the help
Thank You