Memory

[hogfarmr]

I have 4 mem slots, 3 are open now. in one i have 128. at pny.com they say my computer can have up to 768MB. now does that mean that each slot can only take 128? (768total/4slots). if so then why do they list 256mb as an optional upgrade for me? I'd like to get a 512, or very least a 256 to go along with my 128 now. is this possible??

Also on price watch i see 512mb sdram pc133 for $89. whats up with this?? in stores its over twice that. is sdram what i want? or something else?
do i loose anything by doing multi smaller chips rather then one big one(which i dont think my computer can handel, or can it?
I'm confused, again.    

Thanks
-AKHog

[Camel]

Hi Hog

You should probably be fine adding 256 in the next slot. (motherboard???)

I wouldnt suggest finding the cheapest ram, spending an extra few bucks on good stuff will be worth it. Look for CAS2(CL=2) type.

[bloom25]

 www.crucial.com   Get the CL=2 memory in the size you want.  As for the maximum, that 768 MB is probably the maximum amount of ram the chipset on your MB can handle.  (You probably have a P3 or celeron system using Intel's 815 chipset? )

I'd probably invest in a 256 MB stick, they are about $90 right now.



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bloom25
-MAW-
(Formerly of the)
THUNDERBIRDS

[Camel]

Purty sure 815's top off at 512. Gotta 815 here, running 98se also, seems Ive read repeatedly 98 doesnt take advantage over 128 very well, so more hasnt interested me.

[bloom25]

I think you might be right Camel, I knew the 815s were limited in that respect.

As for windows 95, 98, etc it is basically true that going above 128 MB won't make a difference.  (This is true of ME as well.)  Going from 32 to 64 MB makes a huge difference, from 64 to 128 is not as large, but still quite a difference.  Going to 256 would not make a large difference in AH.  (It may improve performance in graphics programs like 3d studio max though.)  I'd say if I had $100 to spend on a Windows system with 128 MB of ram already in it, I would probably go for a better video card or a faster processor.

Windows 2000 can DEFINATELY use more memory than 128 MB.  Windows 2000 manages memory differently than win9x, it does it a lot like a Mac.  This means that in Windows 2000 you should add as much memory as you can.

If you plan on going to Win2k at some point, or dual booting it with win98, then more ram isn't a bad idea.

I hope I've helped.  



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bloom25
-MAW-
(Formerly of the)
THUNDERBIRDS

[Lephturn]

For Windows 2000 Pro, functioning as a workstation or gaming machine, the law of diminishing returns seems to kick in for me at 350 or so.  It still gets better with more RAM, but not much.  Basically I've found with Win2k Pro, 256 is great.  512 is a bit better, but anything over that is largely a waste of time for most folks.

About the only thing I've seen that can benefit from huge chunks of ram in Win2k Pro is stuff like Photoshop or video editing.

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Sean "Lephturn" Conrad - Aces High Chief Trainer

A proud member of the mighty Flying Pigs
http://www.flyingpigs.com

Check out Lephturn's Aerodrome for AH articles and training info!

[hogfarmr]

Bloom, i have win ME, and an athlon not pent. i know not the best gaming os but its what i gots. Is this like win2k, where it will defenetaly do better with more then 128??
Will have my new Asus V7700 deluxe in a few days.... Thanks for advice bloom, looks to be a good card.
Sys specs:
athlon 1.2 gig
Asus V7700
128 MB
60 GB hd
Windoz ME
Extra 256 MB worth the $90 at this time?

Thanks!
-AKHog