MetaChat - Anyone got computer parts lying around?

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07 March 2009

Anyone got computer parts lying around? →[More:]
I need some RAM for this sluggish Pentium III system I'm using since my trusty iBook went kaput. I'm running Linux but even so, with only 256MB it lags quite a bit at times.

I've looked online but it seems outrageously expensive for a crappy, obsolete computer. But it seems entirely likely that somebody somewhere has it lying around in their basement collecting dust or something.

So, what I need is any amount, but in a perfect world, 2x512MB PC800 RDRAM/RIMM/rambus/whatsit. (It's not a technology I'm familiar with so forgive me.) It's for a Dell desktop. But seriously, I'd accept anything over 2x128MB, because that's what I've got now.

I could Paypal you a little money or mail you some homemade cookies or something! Help!

post by: loiseau at: 11:22 | 10 comments

I dug through my box of RAM, but I don't have any RDRAM.
RAM prices for any given type of memory tend to spike when that type is no longer produced, and from what I remember, Rambus kit was pricey even when it was generally available.

You could try a lighter window manager to free up a little RAM, something like XFCE or Fluxbox.

posted by jjb 07 March | 13:02

On the 19th/20th, I'll be going back to my old office where we have dozens of dell computers waiting to be recycled. I could easily pull out the RAM you need (assuming I can figure out the right kind) and send it your way.
But this is two weeks away so let me know if you don't find any by then.

posted by special-k 07 March | 13:12

For real? Rambus? Those things that look like little harmonicas!?!?

posted by pieisexactlythree 07 March | 14:27

Thanks for looking, jjb!

special-k: I'm guessing I'll still be looking in a couple of weeks, so I'll let you know. Thanks!

Yeah, pie, for real, unfortunately. :/

posted by loiseau 07 March | 15:43

Hey, special-k!

If you get a chance, and happen to run across any PC133 SDRAM (non-ECC), 256 or 512MB, could you pull 1 or 2 for me? We have an old Dell Dimension 2300 that I'd like to put it into. (This is an upgrade machine for my SO. Her old computer is a win98 machine.) I've got 1x256MB in it now, which is painfully slow on XP. I could use either 1 256MB or 2 512MB cards. I could paypal you something for your time. Thanks! Email's in my profile (or will be in a minute).

posted by DarkForest 07 March | 15:57

DarkForest: Sure thing. I'll look for it.

posted by special-k 07 March | 16:06

MetaChat bunnies are so cool!

posted by deborah 07 March | 17:37

God. I have to put in for this. Mine's a Dell Dimension 2400 and needs PC2100 (266-MHz) or PC2700 (333-MHz) DDR SDRAM (non-ECC) in 128, 256, or 512Mb capacities.

I have a colorful hard-luck story if you want it. I could paypal or pay it forward or whatnot.

posted by stilicho 08 March | 02:55

I've got a 128MB PC2700 card I can send if no one comes up with a bigger one. Email's in profile. Pay it forward is fine.

posted by DarkForest 08 March | 06:44

I just pulled a 512mb stick (DDR2 667, I think) out of my S10. If you want it, email's in profile.

posted by box 09 March | 11:38

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