I need more ram for this Dell 2400 I recieved. The computer has a 2.4 celeron, and 256mb of ram. Do I have to buy dell ram? or can I buy regular 184-pin pc3200?

Go to one of these sites and use thier memory configurator. All RAM is not the same. There are density and banks issues.
Crucial guarantees thier RAM will wokd in your system if you use thier confirerator and purchase the recommended RAM

Crucial.com
Kingston.com
Newegg.com

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpa...

Life's more painless for the brainless.

in theory the regular ram will work but I have to say that in my experience dell pcs do seem to be a bit picky on what ram will work and sometimes it just does not work even though the spec suggests it will.
So i think whether you buy the cheap stuff depends on how easy it is for you to return it if it does not work in your pc

Use the dell site for the configuration assistance. Hopefully there is still a service code somewhere on the unit to use. Dell has the exact build with that number. While you don't need to purchase dell sold options you do need to be sure you don't have some odd ram. I rather doubt you would have rambus but better be sure. Pretty sure they stopped that before the 2G speeds.

I read it wrong and answer it wrong too. So get off my case you peanut.

Crucial.com will actually scan the computer. That way it knows what RAM is already installed.

True on both accounts. The Service Tag is on a white sticker on the back of the computer. Depending on when your unit was manufactured, this "Number" will have 6 or 7 digits. You can go to Dell's support site, enter the Service tag, view warranty information, original specs, and current configuration.

Life's more painless for the brainless.