Old computer upgrade

[dampat]

I am looking to upgrade the memory of a old computer and could use a little information.
The comp is a Dell Dimension 4550, Pent 4, with 533 MHz clock speed, and came with 512mb DDR 333 memory, (2) 256mb. It is expandable to 1GB, two slots. I want to buy (2) 512mb sticks. I was thinking of getting PC3200 DDR400 that says it is backward compatable to PC2700 and PC2100. Should I do this, or would I be better off just getting the PC2700?
The comp will just be used for accessing e-mails and general internet surfing.
Any help is appreciated.

 

[COLGeek]

Get the cheaper of the 2. Whether PC3200, PC2700, or PC2100 you will be fine as long as they match. If they don't match, they will default to the least common denominator and operate at the lower level.

Good luck!

 

[dampat]

Get the cheaper of the 2. Whether PC3200, PC2700, or PC2100 you will be fine as long as they match. If they don't match, they will default to the least common denominator and operate at the lower level.

Good luck!

Thanks for the response. The pc2700 and the pc3200 are priced the same.
I'm not sure of the correct terminology to use, but I am wondering if the pc3200 will actually preform better, or at a faster speed than the pc2700. What determines what the optimun memory I can use for this computer?

 

[COLGeek]

The performance difference will be negligible. If the chipset only supports 333mhz speeds, then adding 400mhz DDR will operate at 333mhz.

 

[dampat]

The performance difference will be negligible. If the chipset only supports 333mhz speeds, then adding 400mhz DDR will operate at 333mhz.

Thanks, appreciate the info.

 

[dampat]

Best answer selected by dampat.

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar