Increase RAM

[Nik]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Judging by my below specs, what would be my best option to increase my RAM?

I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up the
configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the sticks need
to be from the same manufacturer/batch.

I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2 spare
slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.

So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or should I
go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots? I know that means if I ever want
to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM, which will be a waste
of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to muck up the DDR part of the
RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a big difference to performance? I
use the PC mainly for Gaming, but also I like to run a few memory hungry
applications simultaneously. I didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I
bought the PC because MESH were charging an extra £100, and I knew I could
get it cheaper, when I needed it....and now I need it!

Thanks for any advice.

Nik.


--
==============================================================
Remove S P A M K I L L From my Email address to reply to me Directly
==============================================================
P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP iPaq2210
===============================================================

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

I assume that your P4P800SE is like my P4P800, and can be operated in
single-channel memory mode.

How much that would strangle your P4 3.2, I don't know.

Just as a matter of principle, I suggest that you stay with the dual channel
configuration, and add another pair.

I don't wish to be alarming, but there may be a concern: the P4P800 could
only use 2 DIMM slots with some memory. (All 4 were OK with others.) A quick
look at the Asus web site didn't show a compatibility list for the P4P800SE.
Maybe the newer systems are more forgiving.

The safest way might be to buy a pair of 512 MB PC3200 DIMMs. I see that
Crucial has them for 65.79UKP (incl. VAT) each. I've seen (what might be)
decent generic PC3200 DIMMs in the US for more like $65.

Good luck.

Bob Knowlden

Address may be scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.

"Nik" <nik.walmsleySPAMKILL@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:cj7ak2$ms3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> Judging by my below specs, what would be my best option to increase my
> RAM?
>
> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up the
> configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the sticks
> need
> to be from the same manufacturer/batch.
>
> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2 spare
> slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.
>
> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or should
> I
> go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots? I know that means if I ever
> want
> to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM, which will be a waste
> of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to muck up the DDR part of
> the
> RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a big difference to performance? I
> use the PC mainly for Gaming, but also I like to run a few memory hungry
> applications simultaneously. I didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I
> bought the PC because MESH were charging an extra £100, and I knew I could
> get it cheaper, when I needed it....and now I need it!
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> Nik.
>
>
> --
> ==============================================================
> Remove S P A M K I L L From my Email address to reply to me Directly
> ==============================================================
> P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
> Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
> WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP
> iPaq2210
> ===============================================================
>
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Nik wrote:
>
> Judging by my below specs, what would be my best option to increase my RAM?
>
> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up the
> configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the sticks need
> to be from the same manufacturer/batch.
>
> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2 spare
> slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.
>
> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or should I
> go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots? I know that means if I ever want
> to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM, which will be a waste
> of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to muck up the DDR part of the
> RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a big difference to performance? I
> use the PC mainly for Gaming, but also I like to run a few memory hungry
> applications simultaneously. I didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I
> bought the PC because MESH were charging an extra £100, and I knew I could
> get it cheaper, when I needed it....and now I need it!
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> Nik.
>
> --
> ==============================================================
> Remove S P A M K I L L From my Email address to reply to me Directly
> ==============================================================
> P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
> Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
> WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP iPaq2210
> ===============================================================

It would really help to know what board you have

Gordon

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

==============================================================
> > P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
> > Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
> > WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP
iPaq2210
> > ===============================================================
>
> It would really help to know what board you have
>
> Gordon

Gordon......Nik listed it in the specs up there....see it?

 

[Nik]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Gordon, as per the message "..Judging by my below specs..." it states
"..Asus P4P800SE MoBo "

Any ideas?

Thanks.

"Gordon Scott" <gordsmail@NOSPAMshaw.ca> wrote in message
news:415735BC.2A86B523@shaw.ca...
> Nik wrote:
>>
>> Judging by my below specs, what would be my best option to increase my
>> RAM?
>>
>> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up the
>> configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the sticks
>> need
>> to be from the same manufacturer/batch.
>>
>> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2 spare
>> slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.
>>
>> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or should
>> I
>> go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots? I know that means if I ever
>> want
>> to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM, which will be a
>> waste
>> of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to muck up the DDR part of
>> the
>> RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a big difference to performance?
>> I
>> use the PC mainly for Gaming, but also I like to run a few memory hungry
>> applications simultaneously. I didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I
>> bought the PC because MESH were charging an extra £100, and I knew I
>> could
>> get it cheaper, when I needed it....and now I need it!
>>
>> Thanks for any advice.
>>
>> Nik.
>>
>> --
>> ==============================================================
>> Remove S P A M K I L L From my Email address to reply to me
>> Directly
>> ==============================================================
>> P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
>> Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
>> WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP
>> iPaq2210
>> ===============================================================
>
> It would really help to know what board you have
>
> Gordon

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

KingGuardian wrote:
>
> ==============================================================
> > > P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
> > > Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
> > > WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP
> iPaq2210
> > > ===============================================================
> >
> > It would really help to know what board you have
> >
> > Gordon
>
> Gordon......Nik listed it in the specs up there....see it?

oh,, way down below, my bad

 

[Nik]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Thanks for your advice Bob.

Nik.

"Bob Knowlden" <nkbob@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:2rp7ijF1btpv5U1@uni-berlin.de...
>I assume that your P4P800SE is like my P4P800, and can be operated in
>single-channel memory mode.
>
> How much that would strangle your P4 3.2, I don't know.
>
> Just as a matter of principle, I suggest that you stay with the dual
> channel configuration, and add another pair.
>
> I don't wish to be alarming, but there may be a concern: the P4P800 could
> only use 2 DIMM slots with some memory. (All 4 were OK with others.) A
> quick look at the Asus web site didn't show a compatibility list for the
> P4P800SE. Maybe the newer systems are more forgiving.
>
> The safest way might be to buy a pair of 512 MB PC3200 DIMMs. I see that
> Crucial has them for 65.79UKP (incl. VAT) each. I've seen (what might be)
> decent generic PC3200 DIMMs in the US for more like $65.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Bob Knowlden
>
> Address may be scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.
>
> "Nik" <nik.walmsleySPAMKILL@btinternet.com> wrote in message
> news:cj7ak2$ms3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
>> Judging by my below specs, what would be my best option to increase my
>> RAM?
>>
>> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up the
>> configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the sticks
>> need
>> to be from the same manufacturer/batch.
>>
>> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2 spare
>> slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.
>>
>> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or should
>> I
>> go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots? I know that means if I ever
>> want
>> to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM, which will be a
>> waste
>> of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to muck up the DDR part of
>> the
>> RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a big difference to performance?
>> I
>> use the PC mainly for Gaming, but also I like to run a few memory hungry
>> applications simultaneously. I didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I
>> bought the PC because MESH were charging an extra £100, and I knew I
>> could
>> get it cheaper, when I needed it....and now I need it!
>>
>> Thanks for any advice.
>>
>> Nik.
>>
>>
>> --
>> ==============================================================
>> Remove S P A M K I L L From my Email address to reply to me Directly
>> ==============================================================
>> P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
>> Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
>> WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP
>> iPaq2210
>> ===============================================================
>>
>>
>
>

 

[JS]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

"Nik" <nik.walmsleySPAMKILL@btinternet.com> wrote in
news:cj7ak2$ms3$1@titan.btinternet.com:

> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up
> the configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the
> sticks need to be from the same manufacturer/batch.

They don't need to be from the same batch. Each member of a pair should
have the same spec's as its' mate (within the same pair). The easiest way
to ensure identical spec's is to get parts from the same manufacturer and
with the same part number or to get a 'Dual Channel' pair. Many
manufacturers now offer DDR SDRAM in pairs targeted for 'Dual Channel'
systems like yours. I don't know about matching spec's from pair to pair.
You may want to try to get new parts with the same spec's as the old parts
so that the new parts perform as well or as bad as the old parts.

> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2
> spare slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.

Get another pair of memory sticks. It is hard to say exactly what the
performance loss will be but it can be said that it will be
large/significant. If you get only one stick you will be very unhapppy
with the performance loss. The P4's must have both memory channels working
to get the performance they achieve and without dual channel your PC will
be severely crippled.

> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or
> should I go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots?

One stick will work but with a tremendous performance loss as mentioned
above. Again, definitely get another pair of memory sticks.

> I know that means
> if I ever want to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM,
> which will be a waste of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to
> muck up the DDR part of the RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a
> big difference to performance?

Having unbalanced sticks will not necessarily muck up performance but the
channel with unbalanced sticks will run at the performance levels of the
slower stick. If you have one fast stick and one slow stick installed then
the pair will run at the slow sticks speed capability so, you will be
wasting the faster (more expensive?) stick. This may also apply from pair
to pair but I am not sure about this. Basically, your memory will run only
as fast as the slowest stick. (I am, of course, ignoring the overclocking
and memory latency configuration capabilities of your motherboard
assuming there are any.)

> I use the PC mainly for Gaming, but
> also I like to run a few memory hungry applications simultaneously. I
> didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I bought the PC because MESH
> were charging an extra £100, and I knew I could get it cheaper, when I
> needed it....and now I need it!
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> Nik.
>

Visit the websites of the various memory manufacturers. Many now have web
utilities that will tell you what memory will work with your PC. They can
help select compatible memory based on the PC model number or based on the
motherboard model number. Some places to start:


http://www.crucial.com/index.asp

Crucial is Micron's retail outlet.

http://www.corsairmicro.com/
http://kingston.com/
http://www.mushkin.com/epages/mushkin.storefront
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/
http://www.vikinginterworks.com/configurator/

PNY also makes memory but I have heard horror stories about their customer
service in the NVidia newsgroup so I did not include them. This is only a
sample of reputable memory stick manufacturers.

Finally, check your motherboard manual to ensure that you understand what
your motherboards memory spec's AND memory requirements are. At the very
least look for information on compatible memory, memory capacity, and
allowable memory configurations. You can dounload the motherboard manual
from the ASUS website. You might want to check what memory is currently
installed while your at this. Since you've apparently got PC3200, P4 3.2,
and Asus P4P800SE MoBo I would bet some more PC3200 is in order. You may
also want to check the latency specs (CL2, CL2.5, CL3, 3-3-3-5, etc.) of
your currently installed ram to match the new pair to what is currently
installed. Your BIOS should be able to help you determine what latencies
your current memory is running. Matching latencies is just as important as
matching the PC3200 specification.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Agreed.

I am currently running my p4p800se with 2 sticks of 512MB corsair value
select pc3200. Same batch. If I were you I'd do the same and leave some
room for 2 gig's later.

The 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM could go on another system, or you can
simply sell it, it'd pay off half the upgrade. My old 2 sticks are PC133
and I planned to use that for my linux box.

I find Doom 3 and Simcity 4 runs much smoother with 1 Gig. Having
illustrator, photoshop, painter 8 all opened at the same time is a must when
I work so yeah, why do you think you need 1 gig?


"Bob Knowlden" <nkbob@comcast.net> ¦b¶l¥ó news:2rp7ijF1btpv5U1@uni-berlin.de
¤¤¼¶¼g...
> I assume that your P4P800SE is like my P4P800, and can be operated in
> single-channel memory mode.
>
> How much that would strangle your P4 3.2, I don't know.
>
> Just as a matter of principle, I suggest that you stay with the dual
channel
> configuration, and add another pair.
>
> I don't wish to be alarming, but there may be a concern: the P4P800 could
> only use 2 DIMM slots with some memory. (All 4 were OK with others.) A
quick
> look at the Asus web site didn't show a compatibility list for the
P4P800SE.
> Maybe the newer systems are more forgiving.
>
> The safest way might be to buy a pair of 512 MB PC3200 DIMMs. I see that
> Crucial has them for 65.79UKP (incl. VAT) each. I've seen (what might be)
> decent generic PC3200 DIMMs in the US for more like $65.
>
> Good luck.
>
> Bob Knowlden
>
> Address may be scrambled. Replace nkbob with bobkn.
>
> "Nik" <nik.walmsleySPAMKILL@btinternet.com> wrote in message
> news:cj7ak2$ms3$1@titan.btinternet.com...
> > Judging by my below specs, what would be my best option to increase my
> > RAM?
> >
> > I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up the
> > configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the sticks
> > need
> > to be from the same manufacturer/batch.
> >
> > I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2 spare
> > slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.
> >
> > So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or
should
> > I
> > go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots? I know that means if I ever
> > want
> > to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM, which will be a
waste
> > of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to muck up the DDR part of
> > the
> > RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a big difference to performance?
I
> > use the PC mainly for Gaming, but also I like to run a few memory hungry
> > applications simultaneously. I didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I
> > bought the PC because MESH were charging an extra ?00, and I knew I
could
> > get it cheaper, when I needed it....and now I need it!
> >
> > Thanks for any advice.
> >
> > Nik.
> >
> >
> > --
> > ==============================================================
> > Remove S P A M K I L L From my Email address to reply to me
Directly
> > ==============================================================
> > P4 3.2 / 512MB Samsung 400mhz PC3200 RAM/ 200GB Maxtor SATA / HP DJ5550
> > Sony DVD RW / Sony CD/RW / Logitech MX700 KB+Mse / Viewsonic VE710b TFT
> > WIN XP Home SP2 / Creative I-Trigue 3200 / Asus P4P800SE MoBo / HP
> > iPaq2210
> > ===============================================================
> >
> >
>
>

 

[JS]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

"Nik" <nik.walmsleySPAMKILL@btinternet.com> wrote in
news:cj7ak2$ms3$1@titan.btinternet.com:

> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up
> the configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the
> sticks need to be from the same manufacturer/batch.

They don't need to be from the same batch. Each member of a pair should
have the same spec's as its' mate (within the same pair). The easiest way
to ensure identical spec's is to get parts from the same manufacturer and
with the same part number or to get a 'Dual Channel' pair. Many
manufacturers now offer DDR SDRAM in pairs targeted for 'Dual Channel'
systems like yours. I don't know about matching spec's from pair to pair.
You may want to try to get new parts with the same spec's as the old parts
so that the new parts perform as well or as bad as the old parts.

> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2
> spare slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.

Get another pair of memory sticks. It is hard to say exactly what the
performance loss will be but it can be said that it will be
large/significant. If you get only one stick you will be very unhapppy
with the performance loss. The P4's must have both memory channels working
to get the performance they achieve and without dual channel your PC will
be severely crippled.

> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or
> should I go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots?

One stick will work but with a tremendous performance loss as mentioned
above. Again, definitely get another pair of memory sticks.

> I know that means
> if I ever want to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM,
> which will be a waste of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to
> muck up the DDR part of the RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a
> big difference to performance?

Having unbalanced sticks will not necessarily muck up performance but the
channel with unbalanced sticks will run at the performance levels of the
slower stick. If you have one fast stick and one slow stick installed then
the pair will run at the slow sticks speed capability so, you will be
wasting the faster (more expensive?) stick. This may also apply from pair
to pair but I am not sure about this. Basically, your memory will run only
as fast as the slowest stick. (I am, of course, ignoring the overclocking
and memory latency configuration capabilities of your motherboard
assuming there are any.)

> I use the PC mainly for Gaming, but
> also I like to run a few memory hungry applications simultaneously. I
> didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I bought the PC because MESH
> were charging an extra £100, and I knew I could get it cheaper, when I
> needed it....and now I need it!
>
> Thanks for any advice.
>
> Nik.
>

Visit the websites of the various memory manufacturers. Many now have web
utilities that will tell you what memory will work with your PC. They can
help select compatible memory based on the PC model number or based on the
motherboard model number. Some places to start:


http://www.crucial.com/index.asp

Crucial is Micron's retail outlet.

http://www.corsairmicro.com/
http://kingston.com/
http://www.mushkin.com/epages/mushkin.storefront
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/
http://www.vikinginterworks.com/configurator/

PNY also makes memory but I have heard horror stories about their customer
service in the NVidia newsgroup so I did not include them. This is only a
sample of reputable memory stick manufacturers.

Finally, check your motherboard manual to ensure that you understand what
your motherboards memory spec's AND memory requirements are. At the very
least look for information on compatible memory, memory capacity, and
allowable memory configurations. You can dounload the motherboard manual
from the ASUS website. You might want to check what memory is currently
installed while your at this. Since you've apparently got PC3200, P4 3.2,
and Asus P4P800SE MoBo I would bet some more PC3200 is in order. You may
also want to check the latency specs (CL2, CL2.5, CL3, 3-3-3-5, etc.) of
your currently installed ram to match the new pair to what is currently
installed. Your BIOS should be able to help you determine what latencies
your current memory is running. Matching latencies is just as important as
matching the PC3200 specification.

 

[Nik]

Archived from groups: alt.comp.hardware,alt.comp.periphs.mainboard.asus (More info?)

Thanks JS, that's alot of information! I really appreciate your time.

Cheers

Nik.

"JS" <JS@huh.wha> wrote in message
news:Xns9571361F119E6DQ1V66HO78NX3AGH5MJX@127.0.0.1...
> "Nik" <nik.walmsleySPAMKILL@btinternet.com> wrote in
> news:cj7ak2$ms3$1@titan.btinternet.com:
>
>> I really think I need 1GB RAM, but I'm concerned that I will mess up
>> the configuration. I read that to get the very best from RAM all the
>> sticks need to be from the same manufacturer/batch.
>
> They don't need to be from the same batch. Each member of a pair should
> have the same spec's as its' mate (within the same pair). The easiest way
> to ensure identical spec's is to get parts from the same manufacturer and
> with the same part number or to get a 'Dual Channel' pair. Many
> manufacturers now offer DDR SDRAM in pairs targeted for 'Dual Channel'
> systems like yours. I don't know about matching spec's from pair to pair.
> You may want to try to get new parts with the same spec's as the old parts
> so that the new parts perform as well or as bad as the old parts.
>
>> I also believe that RAM operates in pairs, is that right? I have 2
>> spare slots (I think) as I have 2x256 sticks at the moment.
>
> Get another pair of memory sticks. It is hard to say exactly what the
> performance loss will be but it can be said that it will be
> large/significant. If you get only one stick you will be very unhapppy
> with the performance loss. The P4's must have both memory channels working
> to get the performance they achieve and without dual channel your PC will
> be severely crippled.
>
>> So would I be wrong to just get 1x512 stick (and would it work) or
>> should I go for 2x256 again, and fill all my slots?
>
> One stick will work but with a tremendous performance loss as mentioned
> above. Again, definitely get another pair of memory sticks.
>
>> I know that means
>> if I ever want to upgrade, I'll have to get rid of some of the RAM,
>> which will be a waste of money! But on the other hand, I don't want to
>> muck up the DDR part of the RAM. Will having imbalanced sticks make a
>> big difference to performance?
>
> Having unbalanced sticks will not necessarily muck up performance but the
> channel with unbalanced sticks will run at the performance levels of the
> slower stick. If you have one fast stick and one slow stick installed then
> the pair will run at the slow sticks speed capability so, you will be
> wasting the faster (more expensive?) stick. This may also apply from pair
> to pair but I am not sure about this. Basically, your memory will run only
> as fast as the slowest stick. (I am, of course, ignoring the overclocking
> and memory latency configuration capabilities of your motherboard
> assuming there are any.)
>
>> I use the PC mainly for Gaming, but
>> also I like to run a few memory hungry applications simultaneously. I
>> didn't go for the 2x512MB option when I bought the PC because MESH
>> were charging an extra £100, and I knew I could get it cheaper, when I
>> needed it....and now I need it!
>>
>> Thanks for any advice.
>>
>> Nik.
>>
>
> Visit the websites of the various memory manufacturers. Many now have web
> utilities that will tell you what memory will work with your PC. They can
> help select compatible memory based on the PC model number or based on the
> motherboard model number. Some places to start:
>
>
> http://www.crucial.com/index.asp
>
> Crucial is Micron's retail outlet.
>
> http://www.corsairmicro.com/
> http://kingston.com/
> http://www.mushkin.com/epages/mushkin.storefront
> http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/
> http://www.vikinginterworks.com/configurator/
>
> PNY also makes memory but I have heard horror stories about their customer
> service in the NVidia newsgroup so I did not include them. This is only a
> sample of reputable memory stick manufacturers.
>
> Finally, check your motherboard manual to ensure that you understand what
> your motherboards memory spec's AND memory requirements are. At the very
> least look for information on compatible memory, memory capacity, and
> allowable memory configurations. You can dounload the motherboard manual
> from the ASUS website. You might want to check what memory is currently
> installed while your at this. Since you've apparently got PC3200, P4 3.2,
> and Asus P4P800SE MoBo I would bet some more PC3200 is in order. You may
> also want to check the latency specs (CL2, CL2.5, CL3, 3-3-3-5, etc.) of
> your currently installed ram to match the new pair to what is currently
> installed. Your BIOS should be able to help you determine what latencies
> your current memory is running. Matching latencies is just as important as
> matching the PC3200 specification.
>