Memory upgrade - How much to get?

[hibby]

Okay, I'm bored of my computer running so slowly and I reckon the most cost effective way to improve this is to upgrade the memory from 512Mb. I see two options:

1) Upgrade with a single 512Mb stick to a total of 1Gb.
2) Upgrade with a single 1Gb stick to a total of 1.5Gb.

Even though my processor only has an FSB of 333Mhz I'll still be getting PC3200, cos that way I can buy value RAM and still overclock.

So, any thoughts as to whether it's worth going for as much memory as possible? Or should I just save the money for something else?

[ilikeoatmeal]

With the way things are going I'd either save up and upgrade your entire system, or at the very least get a 1gb chip. Many of tomorrow's applications will have a harder and harder time running on only 1gb of total memory. I would recommend getting 2gb total, in fact.

Depending on how aggressively you use your system, you could save up a few hundred and buy a pretty nice rig that will run a lot faster than your current system.

[MSIC]

With almost any system running on a 333 bus, i can't think of any applications you'll be using that you will notice an improvement from 1 gig to 1.5 gigs.

The question then becomes not which is better for now, but whether what you buy now will be an investment for the future (next machine etc). Go with a new 1 Gig stick.

Toms Hardware

[hibby]

Well I'm not too concerned about the next machine, as that's at least two years down the line from now and so will probably be using DDR2.

It's looking tempting to only get an extra 512Mb and upgrade the graphics card, especially as I have a spare monitor begging to be hooked up.

[ch9lss]

If you're playing any games you definately need at least 1GB. Shouldn't cost much either

[MSIC]

Oh hibby, just seen your system spec. Definitely upgrade your Radeon 9000. Even for £60 odd you can get a measurable, worthwhile improvement for games.

[hibby]

Well, I've done the upgrade. An extra 512Mb of Corsair Value Memory and a Radeon 9600 Pro. The difference is amazing, whilst not costing a huge amount, ~£80 from Scan (that free shipping has really come in handy recently!). Now the only problem is finding the space for the 19" CRT next to the 17" LCD...