Upgrading Ram (PC)

[Ramor]

I have no idea how, I have 2GB atm it shows 894 running in DXDiag, i've been told it's just truncated because it's being used up even though i have nothing else running

few questions:
is it easy enough to install? (any tips etc..)
will I need to "balance" it out? i've heard that I need to add equal amounts to both sides of the computer, i've no idea what the hell this means or if I actually have to buy two things of RAM or what
and finally, does it matter what type of ram i buy? brand etc.., as long as it's not laptop ram?

[Shuemue]

Do this: http://crucial.com/systemscanner/index.aspx

It should enlighten you.

[Avanarius]

First figure out what type it is mentioned in the previous post aka: DDR(possibly) DDR2(likely) SD(Less likely) RD(hopefully not or you're going to kill yourself)

Then when you're purchasing look for the same of whats already in the computer keeping in mind the amount of free dimm slots; matx boards usually have 2 while full atx boards usually have 4. If you can't buy the same memory or don't have free slots, be prepared to buy entirely new memory (now-a-days it wont put a dent in your wallet).

If you don't buy the same memory brand but it's still MATCHES the type of memory in there, you may face potential stability issues, so proceed at your own risk. If your computer has DDR2-667 installed, and you buy DDR2-800 and put it in with the 667 your computer will declock the 800 to match the 667.

If that helps any, I don't know.

*edit* also more importantly, why do you need more then 2gb? and you do know that xp/vista 32bit can only support up to approximately 3.5gb's?

[Ramor]

*edit* also more importantly, why do you need more then 2gb? and you do know that xp/vista 32bit can only support up to approximately 3.5gb's?

turns out I have 1gig, so really I guess I just want to update to 2gigs

also, from that Crucial Scan thing (which is fucking awesome fyi) says:

Currently installed memory: DDR PC3200 (x2)

I'm guessing I should be looking for two more DDR PC3200s then? I plan on going out tonight and buying some is why I ask rather than just purchase it there

also, big thanks guys :nikkei:

[Shuemue]

What exactly did Crucial scanner report? It should have said how many free slots you have available. If it said you have 2 slots, you'll need to ditch whatever is in there already and buy 2x 1gb. If it said you have 4 slots, go ahead and buy another 2x 512mb sticks.

[Avanarius]

*edit* also more importantly, why do you need more then 2gb? and you do know that xp/vista 32bit can only support up to approximately 3.5gb's?

turns out I have 1gig, so really I guess I just want to update to 2gigs

Ahhh I was wondering why it said 894 running.

Sucks you're running ddr1 because it's no longer being manufactured any more and generally costs more then ddr2. If you plan on building a new computer, this memory you're buying wont work in a new rig. That being said: http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php? ... omoid=1019

Is a good start for a 2gig set.


Just an example of how cheap DDR2 is:
http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php? ... omoid=1019

[Osede]

hm... have you check how old is your motherboard? since that for some old motherboard, they might need a bios update before they could support so much ram. But i dont think anyone own those kind of mobo now anyways

[Ramor]

hm... have you check how old is your motherboard? since that for some old motherboard, they might need a bios update before they could support so much ram. But i dont think anyone own those kind of mobo now anyways

not really sure, easy way to check?

also, i have two free slots, was just going to spot for 2x512mb

[Osede]

if you know your mobo manufacture and model, it should easily to pull the spec out from their website

[GSDragoon]

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

That program should tell us everything you need to know. Motherboard, memory timings and the likes. If you could link the HTML report, that would be dandy.