RAM

[Okigan]

I dont know much about the insides of computers or about the topic of ram, so I thought I would come here to make sure I get the right kind before I buy anything.

My motherboard has 3 ram slots, each capable of holding up to a gig of ram. I can only reach 3 gigs in total, and I currently just have 2 sticks of 512 in. I want to replace them both, and purchase 3 seperate 1 gig sticks.



I scanned my machine at crucial and it told me that my computer can support DDR PC2700, DDR PC3200 speeds.

I am going to futureshop, and so I was looking on their site before hand so I know what to get when I am there.

My current ram is DDR PC3200, 184 pin with 200 MHz speed.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/subclass.asp?catid=10486&mfr=&logon=&langid=EN&sort=1&page=0&list=

Which one should I look at buying that will work? I don't want to buy something that when I put it in, will not work.

[algol]

PC3200 is DDR, i.e. the stuff that came between SDRAM and DDR2, making your computer about six years old. That sound about right?

This ('http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10078091&catid=&test_cookie=1') looks compatible, although it looks to be some generic brand. I would make sure it's returnable for refund. Also when you get it, you need to insert one stick at a time and run Memtest to confirm that they work properly, then run it again for all three sticks installed.

Note that DDR2 is very cheap in comparison because there is very little demand for DDR. For example, the $50 (+/-) they want for a single 1GB stick will buy you two 2GB sticks of DDR2, which will also be much faster. For the $100 (+/-) you would pay for the other two sticks, you could also get a new motherboard. It might be time to look at upgrading more than just the memory instead of paying more for out-of-date components.

[Okigan]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10091841&catid=

wouldn't that work too? 20 bucks cheaper as well

[elsegundo]

try newegg. they have cheaper ddr chips as well. my friend just tried upgrading her laptop and was shocked to see the prices of DDR, especially in laptops. i pointed her to newegg and she was a little bit happier. just a little. good luck.

[algol]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0665000FS10091841&catid=

wouldn't that work too? 20 bucks cheaper as wellYes, also a better brand. I don't shop from Canada very often. :D

I'd still look at possibly upgrading the system instead of buying more parts for an old rig - but it depends on your budget, interest, and also on how well it's working for what you're doing with it. You're the only one that knows your situation well enough to evaluate that option.

[pengwynman]

get an i7 and 2 packs of triple channel memory :D

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227366

[algol]

get an i7No.