memory question

D

db0723

Geek Trainee
currently have an Intel Pentium 4 2.6GHz with 800MHz Bus on a i865G Based Motherboard and, 512MB PC2700 DDR Memory (2 DIMMs for Dual Channel)

Im assuming 2 DIMMs means 2 x 256 sticks?

I want to upgrade to 1GB. My question is, can i upgrade to 2x512 sticks? And which would work best with this processor and mother board i have?

I thought about building a new comp from scratch, but theres tough times with $$$$ these days, so im gonna settle for little upgrades for now. I have a 9800 pro which is being repaired(hopefully). But if ATI wont warrant it, im goin out to get the 6600gt. Thanks for your help.
 
With all dual-channel kits you're going to get 2 dimms. I'd say go for dual-channel PC3200 from a respected brand like Corsair, Patriot, G-Skill, Kingston, or Crucial. All make great products but Patriot and G-Skill usually give the best values. Look for a CAS latency of at most 2.5 anyway.
 
quick question on the exact same matter...

i have the same thing : 2x256MB PC2700 DDR Memory
i'm thinking of adding 1 more stick of 512MB DDR Memory

you suggest i should get 2x256 again??or ditch the existing memory and go for 2X512?

in other words..2x256 + 1x512 = 1GB
or 4x256 = 1GB?
or 2x512 = 1GB??

number of slots problem ignored for the moment...
 
In theory both 4x256 and 2x512 work. However, you may encounter stability issues if all 4 sticks aren't identical, which is your case since you should get PC3200 memory to take full advantage of your system's capacity.

Personally, I prefer 2x512.
 
Well although 2x512MB's is more economical and future concious you do already have the 2x256 PC2700 in dual-channel so I'd say just get the same package again. But because PC2700 is pretty cheap these days you can manage to get 2-2-2-5 timings without spending too much money really.
 
Thanks for your replies. I pull out the old 256 sticks, slide in the two 512 sticks, and is there anything else i do? install software? drivers? Thanks, ive never installed memory before.
 
That's all you've got to do bud, it's amazingly simple, just make sure you check your mobo manual to see where to put the dimms in order to have dual-channel mode active. No drivers or software needed for memory, just watch out for static discharge! (touch some metal before hand and wear rubber shoes;))
 
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