is it really necessary to get 4GB of RAM if i get vista when i get this new computer built? what are the benefits and downsides to vista?

i was thinking about getting 2GB of crucial ballistix but i was told that vista recommends 4GB..and if i were to do this would i need x2 2GB sticks or x4 1GB sticks.

and can someone explain timings and pc8500 numbers thank you.

It depends which version of vista u will buy , if u get 32bit it supports up to 3gb , if u get 4gb , then it supports 4gb too ,

Vista (like all billysoft products) likes it's memory. The more ram you have in the system the less times it will be paging to the drive system, which is a definate slow down.

2x2G sticks or 4x1G sticks is all about what your motherboard and budget will support. If the board has only 2 ram slots then you know your answer. I suggest you list the motherboard make/model in question so the experts can answer with expertise.

bumping the pc8500 timing question, not enough time to give a reasonable answer