Question about RAM

[jesus]

I'm gonna buy another GB of RAM for my new desktop, but I'm not sure what I need to get. Currently, I have 1GB dual-channel @ 667mhz PC2-5300

What does another GB of RAM (single/dual) need to have in common for it to be compatible with my current one?

Also, PC2? On tigerdirect (Canadian version of newegg), they don't seem to have any PC2 RAM.

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Question about RAM

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1071038&Sku=ULT31690

basic (very basic) memory; basic price. i think there are other canadian companies that are cheaper (and have better service) than tigerdirect. maybe some of our friendly northlanders will chime in?

edit: you've got 2x512mb currently in dual channel?

you might consider getting another 2x512mb for the other two sockets (confirm you have open dram sockets), but i'd advise going w/a 2x1gb (2gb) kit.

just glanced, but patriot makes very good memory. need to know rest of specs to know whether it would be appropriate.

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2967707&Sku=P33-5006

[jesus]

Re: Question about RAM

yes, I have 2x512mb. I'm thinking about maybe selling my current RAM for whatever I can get, then buying 2x1GB. But if I wanted to just get another 2x512mb or just 1gb single-channel, what does it have to have in common with my current RAM to make it compatible? same frequency? same PIN?

My specs:
AMD athlon 64 X2 dual-core 4000+ 2.1ghz
1GB RAM
geforce 8600GT
windows vista home premium 32bit

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Question about RAM

yes, I have 2x512mb. I'm thinking about maybe selling my current RAM for whatever I can get, then buying 2x1GB. But if I wanted to just get another 2x512mb or just 1gb single-channel, what does it have to have in common with my current RAM to make it compatible? same frequency? same PIN?

My specs:
AMD athlon 64 X2 dual-core 4000+ 2.1ghz
1GB RAM
geforce 8600GT
windows vista home premium 32bit

specs look nice. i wouldn't have gotten an 8600gt, but that's me, and you're you.

on ram, yup--always better to have 2x1gb=2gb than 4x512mb. murphy's law takes precedent and the more parts you add...the more likely you are to experience a failure of one or more parts. having said that, the difference between going from 2x512mb + 1gb to 2x1gb would be nominal, providing all the sticks were working just fine. dual channel is really, really nice on paper. in practice, it offers a marginal advantage.

spend wisely, obi-wan. post back if you have more questions.

alternatively, you could plop 2x1gb in there with your 2x512mb and have an even (or not quite even) 3.0 gb.

[jesus]

Re: Question about RAM

The 8600GT came with the computer, which I bought for $539.

I'd still like to know what the RAM specs needs to have in common with my current RAM specs in order for them to be compatible. Like PIN, speed...

Thanks, btw, I appreciate your help. :)

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Question about RAM

The 8600GT came with the computer, which I bought for $539.

I'd still like to know what the RAM specs needs to have in common with my current RAM specs in order for them to be compatible. Like PIN, speed...

Thanks, btw, I appreciate your help. :)

all ddr2 ram is 240 pin. ddr2 and pc2 are the same. hope that helps!

edit 1: everything you never wanted to know about sdram/ddr2:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM

[solofowaffles]

Re: Question about RAM

all ddr2 ram is 240 pin. ddr2 and pc2 are the same. hope that helps!

sry off topic but mega i want the old bunny in your avatar back

[megawhompertoo]

Re: Question about RAM

sry off topic but mega i want the old bunny in your avatar back

apology accepted. done.

back on topic...post if u need more help.

[kulamonster3]

Re: Question about RAM

I would do as you plan and sell your current RAM. I would then suggest you by a set of matched pair ("TWIN") 1GB RAM sticks. They come off the assembly line one after the other and use the same chips, and they smoke with ultra low latency!

You could buy 2 exact RAM chips from the same manufacturer (say 2 - 667mhz PC2-5300 for instance) from an online store and they can still use different chips on each RAM stick. There is ALWAYS batch to batch variation in RAM and it DOES affect how the 2 sticks work when they are put in your machine.

Just something else to consider, when you make your purchase. Check out Corsair as a brand, because I am very happy with my Twin Platinum RAM Sticks!!!

[jesus]

Re: Question about RAM

All my questions have been answered, thanks everyone! :)