How should I spend money?

[Dumbguy]

I'm thinking about adding 2G of PC3200. Maybe 1G. I currently have 2x512 of Ultra, running dual channel. I'd like to add more. Should I add 1G or 2G more? I use the thing for minor gaming (I also have an x700Pro), some Photoshopping (just for website stuff) and media burning.

Here's the setup:

AsRock 939Dual-SATA2
X2 3800+
2x512 MB Ultra RAM
ATi x700Pro (AGP)

I'm fairly content with WinXP, so Vista's not a concern yet. I'd like to stay around the $200 mark, if that. Should I stick with adding another pair of 512s (or add a single 1G - but then there's the dual channel issue) or should I add 2x1G? I'm trying to compare the cost vs. benefit of adding 1G or adding 2G. That and newegg is just COVERED with different brands, so what's considered good for what I'm looking for?

I know you all are the people to ask.

Thanks

 

[Dumbguy]

Anyone...

Anyone...

Beuller...

Beuller...

 

[sprite]

4 x 512MB RAM runs slower than 2 x 1GB RAM

I would reccomend selling that mobo and RAM to raise some cash, buying a new mobo that supports PCI-E and buy 2GB DDR RAM and a PCI-E 7300GT / 7600GS / Similar

Cheapest 2GB DDR RAM on newegg is $200
Asus A8N-E Motherboard $78
7300GT $70

If you can't afford that then stick with your current motherboard and just upgrade the RAM and Graphics Card

 

[Slobogob]

That´s what i would´ve said too.

Except the DDR2 part which made no sense at all since a 939 can´t handle DDR2. Buy 2 GB (2x1 GB) DDR instead.

 

[sprite]

That´s what i would´ve said too.

Except the DDR2 part which made no sense at all since a 939 can´t handle DDR2. Buy 2 GB (2x1 GB) DDR instead.

shush I though his mobo was AM2 as i skimmed his post, then i realised it was 939 so i changed my post accordingly

 

[Dumbguy]

That´s what i would´ve said too.

Except the DDR2 part which made no sense at all since a 939 can´t handle DDR2. Buy 2 GB (2x1 GB) DDR instead.

Thanks. I'd consider the first option, but I just bought the mobo. I'm the type that waits until the components are nearing the end of the manufacturing life so I don't have to spend a fortune. And, for the stuff I do, it works. The board I have does support PCI-e, but, I didn't want to get a new video card. And it would have blown my $200 mark.

 

[sprite]

Could you not sell the current RAM for ~$70 ?

Then you budget would be $270 and you could buy the 2GB RAM and the 7300GT

 

[Dumbguy]

Now that's an idea. I like the sound of that. What kind of difference do you think I'd notice between 2 & 3G of RAM? Or, how about 3-4G?

I bought the Ultra because it was cheap. Now, after doing all of the reading here, I'd like to get some better quality. What would you say my best choices would be for brands within my budget?

 

[sprite]

Now that's an idea. I like the sound of that. What kind of difference do you think I'd notice between 2 & 3G of RAM? Or, how about 3-4G?

I bought the Ultra because it was cheap. Now, after doing all of the reading here, I'd like to get some better quality. What would you say my best choices would be for brands within my budget?

Well Windows XP doesn't register anything over 2GB

Best RAM in your price range would be Corsair/Kingston/Crucial Value RAM

 

[tool_462]

For what you are doing with your rig, 2GB is plenty. 3-4 would be overkill.

If you aren't overclocking, I suggest Corsair ValueSelect. Most inexpensive and Corsair is always good quality.

 

[Dumbguy]

For what you are doing with your rig, 2GB is plenty. 3-4 would be overkill.

If you aren't overclocking, I suggest Corsair ValueSelect. Most inexpensive and Corsair is always good quality.

Cool. What if I ever move to Vista?

Tool, did you ever check out General Nanosystems in Dinkytown?

 

[Slobogob]

Then 2 GB will be enough.

 

[Slobogob]

That´s what i would´ve said too.

Except the DDR2 part which made no sense at all since a 939 can´t handle DDR2. Buy 2 GB (2x1 GB) DDR instead.

Thanks. I'd consider the first option, but I just bought the mobo. I'm the type that waits until the components are nearing the end of the manufacturing life so I don't have to spend a fortune. And, for the stuff I do, it works. The board I have does support PCI-e, but, I didn't want to get a new video card. And it would have blown my $200 mark. I wouldn´t hesitate to sell it then. Sell the memory, the Vid card and the Board.

If you intend to get a new Video Card just compare the AGP cards to their PCIe counterparts. You will notice that the AGP cards are more expensive (some 20$ some as much as 100$). Now if you consider buying a new Card, you can save a few bucks by going PCIe - all you need is a new board. If you sell yours and add the amount of money you save by picking a PCIe card instead of AGP, you come out of it without much extra expenses.

 

[Dumbguy]

What about these?

OCZ Camo

 

[sprite]

Those look good, lifetime warranty, good make but 2.5-3-3-8 timings. I have 2-2-2-5 on my DDR modules

 

[Dumbguy]

Those look good, lifetime warranty, good make but 2.5-3-3-8 timings. I have 2-2-2-5 on my DDR modules

My current timings are 3-3-3-8. I know that lower is better, but I don't know why. The memory FAQ...Whoosh...over my noggin.