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RAM and Power Supply Support Support forum for memory and power supplies; Kingston, Corsair, PNY

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Old 01-18-2008, 05:28 AM   #1 (permalink)
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2 512s? or 4 256s?

so far i have a 256mb and a 128mb stick in my computer (i didn't ask for that but that's what i got) plus 128mb from a video card. things still seem to be kinda slow though. might be viruses, might be other things, but i want to add more ram anyway coz i'm always impatient and i'll be installing adobe photoshop cs3 soon.

i have 4 slots for ram but not enough money, nor really the need to fill each with 1gb. i've saved enough to purchase a total of 1 gig, but in i don't know what combination is best:

2 sticks of 512mb or 4 sticks of 256mb?

or are they just the same and should i get 2 sticks of 512mb then save up again for another 2 512mb sticks just in case i ever need to?

and if i buy 2 512mb sticks, what would the performance be like if i had those two working together with a 256 and a 128? should i remove the 256 and 128? would the 512s work better on their own than when combined with the other two?

quite a lot of questions there, but i hope someone could help me out with this one. it would be very helpful, thanks!
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Old 01-18-2008, 05:37 AM   #2 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

Hi,
Not knowing what type of ram is installed now, it would be hard to say weather or not the new ram will run at full speed. If your old ram is slower than the new ram you install, then the new ram will clock down to the slower speed
It is always best to not mix Ram. I would purchase 2x512 and leave the other 2 slots open for additional ram in the future.
You have to also know how much and what type of ram will be compatible with the MoBo.
If you could give us the complete specs of your PC that may help.
Thanks,
Bill
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Old 01-18-2008, 06:18 AM   #3 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

haven't checked yet, i'm not very good with the technical stuff. can you tell me what you need to know so i can find out? thanks :)
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Old 01-18-2008, 06:24 AM   #4 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

We will need the spec on your system. Make, model etc.
If you are unsure you can run Everest under my link and post the results. This will give us all the info we need.
Thanks,
Bill
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Old 01-18-2008, 06:34 AM   #5 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

ok, i'll see what it says, thanks for the link!
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Old 01-18-2008, 06:42 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

HI,
Run it and see what it says, It is free and also gives you alot of info. of your PC.
Please post results. If you are unsure of what you need or what you may need. I will not send you in the wrong direction (Niether will TSF).
Thanks,
Bill
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Old 01-19-2008, 05:45 PM   #7 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

Ok so i ran everest, lots of info there and i'm not sure what you need so here's a screengrab of the summary page and the SPD page. if you need more than that please tell me :)

oh, i have another question. when i look at the CPU page, it has the field CPU utilization, and though the processor is dual core, it seems that only one is being used (the value of only one of the cores is fluctuating). is this right?

thank you!
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Old 01-19-2008, 06:05 PM   #8 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

just found the box to my motherboard!

the user guide says it can support two 240-pin unbuffered DIMM, DDR2 667/533/400. total memory capactiy: 2gb. so it only has 2 slots after all and not 4.

there is also a table of compatible products including vendor and model name so i guess all i have to do is pick from one of these and go out and buy it, though this post makes me think twice.

i live in philippines so i cant search online and purchase the exact models that i need, i just have to take whats in the store. could you please tell me what i should be looking for? if i walk into a store and say "i'd like 2 sticks of 512mb ddr2 667 ram" will i be getting what i need? and whats the difference between ddr2 400, 533 and 667?


thanks again! :) your help is very much appreciated!
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Old 01-19-2008, 08:58 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Re: 2 512s? or 4 256s?

Hi,
667/533/400 is the speed of the Ram
Your ddr2 667 ram is the fastest of the three. What is the manufacture of the Ram you have now? Seeing you are in the Philippines your choice may limit you.
Thanks,
Bill
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