dcloud

I am writing to ask the members here about upgrading my RAM. I'm seriously considering 2 x 512MB Kingston for the RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820141423

I'm not sure if I should get better RAM, but I already have 512MB of Kingston PC3200 DDR SDRAM in the computer. I've read in the computer sites (and even in my MB guide) that you should stick with the same type of RAM you already have.

I noticed the RAM I currently have is running at a Cas Latency of 2.5. The RAM I mentioned above has a Cas Latency of 3. Is it important to get the same Cas Latency with the RAM? Or is this something you can set yourself in the BIOS?

This RAM from Kingston also caught my eye: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820144114

I notice that OCZ seems to be an up and coming RAM source. Their RAM looks like works of art, lol. But they are quite a bit more in price.

Also, would heat spreaders for the RAM be a good idea? I've read that many modders use them, but I'm not sure if I really need them or not. If they provide even a marginal boost it might be worth it.

I am not a expert in any of this, so I'm posting here to get some ideas from those who know their stuff. As for computer specs I ran a report using Everest Home:

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Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition 5.1.2600 (WinXP Retail)
Date 2005-09-15
Time 21:35

[ Summary ]

Computer:
Operating System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition
OS Service Pack Service Pack 2
DirectX 4.09.00.0904 (DirectX 9.0c)

Motherboard:
CPU Type Intel Pentium 4, 2400 MHz (12 x 200)
Motherboard Name Asus P4P800 (5 PCI, 1 AGP, 1 WiFi, 4 DDR DIMM, Audio, Gigabit LAN)
Motherboard Chipset Intel Springdale i865PE
System Memory 512 MB (PC3200 DDR SDRAM)
BIOS Type Asus AMI (04/22/03)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM1)
Communication Port Communications Port (COM2)
Communication Port ECP Printer Port (LPT1)

Display:
Video Adapter NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 (128 MB)
Video Adapter RADEON 7000 / RADEON VE Family (Microsoft Corporation) (64 MB)
Video Adapter RADEON 7000 / RADEON VE Family (Microsoft Corporation) (64 MB)
3D Accelerator ATI RV100 DDR
3D Accelerator nVIDIA GeForce FX 5200
Monitor Dell D825HT [15" CRT] (94051CAAEX97)
Monitor Jean JD155/JD166 (93213396)

Multimedia:
Audio Adapter C-Media CMI8738/C3DX Audio Device
Audio Adapter Intel 82801EB ICH5 - AC'97 Audio Controller [A-2/A-3]

Storage:
IDE Controller Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Floppy Drive Floppy disk drive
Disk Drive Maxtor 6Y060L0 (60 GB, 7200 RPM, Ultra-ATA/133)
Optical Drive LITE-ON DVDRW SOHW-1673S
SMART Hard Disks Status OK

Partitions:
C: (NTFS) 58635 MB (49090 MB free)

Input:
Keyboard Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse Logitech USB TrackMan Wheel

Network:
Network Adapter 3Com Gigabit LOM (3C940) (24.247.1.224)

=======================

Thank you.

- dc

Rizin

You would need the same RAM spec wise if you were going to be running it in Dual Channel, but if you aren't planning on doing that then there is little to worry about.

Also, I wouldn't be concerned about heatspreaders - RAM really doesn't get that hot.

Calibretto

Kingston is a very good brand. But if your gonna get 2x512 I might as well get a 1GB stick. The less sticks you have the more efficient it runs.

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