If you've got the money and dont desparately need it for something else, go with the ram, you wont be dissapointed. I've ran 'stock' memory all my life and only one stick has ever given me problems (256MB out of roughly 150GB that I've seen pass my hands ... pretty nice odds really). Realistically if you get "stock" memory, you're going to have less OC capability and more constraints here and there but thats about it
... if you want a concrete reccomendation: go for it.
My previous post was commenting on "premium memory" vs "stock memory" -- NOT quantity. I will advise you to go after 1GB regardless.
Tough call but if I had to make it, I would consider going to a small computer store and working out an exchange deal ... if you get stock memory, make absolutely sure it's dual-channel capable as you will want to squeeze as much performance out of it as possible.
Yes and in reference to the above, I'd suggest you goto the small computer store and get 1GB (2x512MB) of "stock" memory (PC3200) so that you can make use of dual channel and have enough memory to last you quite some time. If possible, try and trade up your current 256MB module for that 512MB stick. Specifically I'd get the core installed (mobo, PSU, case, video) and grab the memory... worst case scenario, get 768MB ... it's good enough. But if you do go after a stock dual channel setup, make sure you test the memory in the store for dual channel capability: the ASUS boards will display "dual channel status" by the end of the memory test in bright white letters ... cant miss it.
God I hear ya ....
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that couldnt b more true...give it 3 or 4 yrs at most and ull b beggin for a new computer. but as for the question about ram...it is always worth spending the extra money for it...i went from 256 to 512 a while back and everthing from just simple programs such as microsoft word to playing games i noticed HUGE difference. i dont no wut ull b doing on it...didnt read the whole thread...but having 512 ram helps speed up ur whole computer no matter wut ur doing!Praetor said:LOL dont get your hopes up too much... computers have a way of becoming obsolete real fast
having 1 gig of ram is really nice im sure...but i dont no if it makes much more of a difference from 512 for programs such as word or outlook...i dont use them much anyway other than for school. but if ur a gamer then 1 gig will b really nice. so to sum it up...if ur lookin for a good computer at a low price...i would recommend going with 512 ram...its enuf to run a lot...most games these days at high settings if the vid card processor and mobo allows.EMO-TOCROSS said:
! I will take pics of my machine when im done!