What memory do I need?

[Paul Iddon]

I ran SiSOft Sandra and got the following result for the memory:


Man 0 PartNum 0 SerNum 0 AssetTagNum 0 DIMM Synchronous DDR2 1Gb/64 @ 667MHz
Man 1 PartNum 1 SerNum 1 AssetTagNum 1 DIMM Synchronous DDR2 1Gb/64 @ 667MHz


I have two more slots available and wondered what RAM I should order?

Is this the right stuff?


Thanks in advance.


Paul.

[Viper81]

The OCZ would probably work (depend on support with your motherboard) but I believe (based on the reported "@667Mhz") you've got PC2-5300 so something like this:

Computer hardware and software at amazing prices, available online from Scan Computers UK

[TheReaFireblade]

RAM is so cheap just now Paul, you'd be better buying a new 4GB (2x 2GB) dual channel kit, and selling your old RAM?

If you don't overclock... any 'Value' RAM would do really, but it's best to get 'branded' modules, such as the Corsair linked to above.
Other respected brands include Crucial, G.Skill, Patriot, OCZ, Geil, Mushkin, Kingston etc.

What speed to get (i.e. 667MHz), depends on what speed your motherboard supports?
It may support 800MHz (PC-6400), but you'd certainly be safe getting 667MHZ (PC-5300/PC-5400), since that's what you're using just now.

Here's a high-end 4GB (2x 2GB) Patriot Extreme Performance dual channel kit for 'just £57.24 / £67.26
But this 4GB (2x 2GB) OCZ 'Vista Upgrade Gold Edition' - at just £39.99 / £46.99, is £20 cheaper, and it would be all you need if you don't overclock

[Paul Iddon]

I only have XP Home, so am I right that it will only recognise about 3½Gb anyway?

Seems pointless adding another 4 if my system is only cacpable of accessing the 4 (less than that even).

I presume I'm better adding 2 1GB sticks cos they'll work together in a dual-data rate (is that right?)



Paul.

[Viper81]

What Fireblade is suggesting is that you ditch your existing 2gb and buy a 2 x 2Gb pair rather than adding another 1x2Gb pair. It's a good option if you don't mind the extra £10.
You'll be making use of dual-channel regardless of which configuration you chose as long as you install the modules into the correct slots.

[Paul Iddon]

I can't afford to sell and buy the dearer unfortunately. I am scrimping and saving just to get the twin 1Gb pack.


Thanks for the input folks. Appreciated.


Paul.

[Paul Iddon]

Viper - I got what you suggested grom Scan.


Question now is:

SiSoft reports 4Gb.
Windows Control Panel Hardware reports 3Gb.

I have XP Home SP3.

How much of the RAM is actually being used?


Paul.

[Noxvayl]

Viper - I got what you suggested grom Scan.


Question now is:

SiSoft reports 4Gb.
Windows Control Panel Hardware reports 3Gb.

I have XP Home SP3.

How much of the RAM is actually being used?


Paul.

Approximately 3.32Gb of your 4gb will be recognised. Its a limitation with 32bit, it is not able to allocate any more memory than that.

Its still going to be helpful having that 3.32Gb but eventually its going to be necessary to move to Vista 64bit in order to make the most out of that memory. Vista is amazing with memory and really uses it well in order to speed up the OS while you navigate through its systems. But perhaps that can be done at a later stage.

[Viper81]

The performance tab on Windows Task Manager is usually a good first stop to see how much memory you have/are using.
Also worth bearing in mind is that if you're using either on-board graphics or a card with "hypermemory" (it's called something like that I think) then they will steal a certain amount of your system RAM to use themselves.