PC Memory

[coyotes_uk]

Right guys, I need a bit of help!

Im thinking of ways to speed up my PC, its got a 1.8ghz processor and 512MB of DDR PC3200 RAM. I cant afford a new PC right now, or a new processor (as that would more than likely require a new motherboard etc....) So I was thinking about getting a few extra GB of ram.

After doing a scan of the PC I have two slots free for RAM, so was thinking of getting an extra 2GB of DDR PC3200 ram.

Ive got Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 3, I think because its probably a 32bit system I cant go for DDR ram.

Would you guys be able to recommend/reliable site for buying RAM?

Also am I right in thinking I need DDR ram?

Thanks Everyone!

 

[Stu DemonD]

Use the Crucial configurator here, to see what your system will take:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/

Loads of online stores for cheap RAM.

 

[coyotes_uk]

Use the Crucial configurator here, to see what your system will take:

http://www.crucial.com/uk/

Loads of online stores for cheap RAM.

It was the crucial site where I got the system scan etc....told me I needed DDR PC3200. Can you recommend any good sites tho?

 

[Stu DemonD]

I use them all - ebuyer, Dabs, Scan, Novatech - depends on what I am buying at the time, and if I am bulk buying to cut back on postage costs.

 

[coyotes_uk]

I use them all - ebuyer, Dabs, Scan, Novatech - depends on what I am buying at the time, and if I am bulk buying to cut back on postage costs.

Thanks for that, ill go check them out!

 

[Ucof]

Have a look at www.rlsupplies.co.uk too

 

[coyotes_uk]

Thanks for all your suggestions guys, got an extra 2gb RAM in my PC now, noticably faster now!

 

[Hellcat]

2Gb is a sensible amount. XP can't use over 3.5ish Gb so getting 4Gb is pointless unless you're on vista.

 

[racecraze]

I think for XP 2GB is more enough, but not bad. It'll be good speed while working.

 

[arc]

2Gb is a sensible amount. XP can't use over 3.5ish Gb so getting 4Gb is pointless unless you're on vista.

and if you're on vista, you'd need 8gb

 

[coyotes_uk]

Well ive now got 2gb installed, its so worth it!

 

[Adrian Bravo]

Worth mentioning

If you have 32bit hardware your maximum memory limit is 4GB and this will show less than 4GB because some memory locations are used by the motherboard and peripherals.

If you have 64bit hardware and windows you can go above 4GB

Anyway as Hellcat says 2GB is a sensible amount for anything but extreme gaming.

When buying memory people often overlook the speed, higher clock speeds give you much better performance.

 

[coyotes_uk]

Good point, im not aware I have a 64 bit system and now have 2gb installed. Seems to be working pretty well!

 

[arc]

i just doubled mine up to 4gb.

 

[coyotes_uk]

i just doubled mine up to 4gb.

Think I could have shoved 8gb in, just couldnt afford it!

 

[arc]

ive just dropped back down to 2gb, i only got it cos i got it cheap - and having all 4 mem banks full on this mobo seems to have destabilised my overclock

 

[306maxi]

ive just dropped back down to 2gb, i only got it cos i got it cheap - and having all 4 mem banks full on this mobo seems to have destabilised my overclock

Yeah the more modules you have in the more pressure it puts on your memory controller.

 

[Hellcat]

Built into the processor....

 

[Captain Mike]

like said above.

i have 4GB but shows at about 3.5 or less.

 

[arc]

Built into the processor....

shh i've only got a lowly c2d [email protected] on an old GA DS3 mobo. This system is oooollldd - but still quick enough

weighing up buying new cpu/ram/mobo combo tho, or just new ram (2x2gb). If i go new cpu/ram/mobo i can bung this rig in the garage as a file server. I would need a gigabit switch first tho.. hmmm

NO arc, dont spend money on it.. got a car to spend money on and a holiday coming up!