I have a stick of 512 MB KINGSTON DDR PC2100 and a stick of 256 MB KBYTE DDR PC2100 memory in my current system. I want to replace the 256 with another 512 of Kingston. My question is whether or not I should get lets say PC2700, or something higher than PC2100. I consider myself pretty knowledgable about computers, but I'm a little sketchy on memory and what the PC2100 vs a PC3000 can do for your system. A list of my complete specs can be found HERE: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~pgunnels/My%20Computer.htm. I also have the capability of Dual DDR, but from what I have been told it's not THAT impressive. Please let me know your thoughts, I don't plan on upgrading until the begining of May (when my job starts) Also, while I'm on the topic of upgrading. Which do you think is quieter, a stock CPU fan that comes with an Athlon XP 3000+ or this one HERE http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=370439 I already have that CPU fan and I plan on getting the 3000+ but not sure if I want OEM and use my fan, or just go straght stock. I am all about quiet, so that is my ultimate factor there. I know this is a lot of reading but thanks to anyone who has made it this far!

As for the memory : I would go for Dual DDR and as fast as your money can buy. Faster memory means less memory errors and newer technology. Plus that if you overclock faster memory will do the r/w job with no problems.

But will I encouter many problems mixing speeds? And can you mix speeds using dual DDR, I thought they had to be identical drives (kind of like RAID).

You will need indentical ddr mems for ddr to function. Mixing mems should not cause any probs though.

First question : Mixing speeds will be a problem if your mobo can't handle it. You could post your specs here and will find that out.Many mobos lower the speed of the faster DIMM to match the slower.

Second question : Mixing speeds is a problem when you are trying to you Dual Channel. This feature needs pairs of identical DIMMs while speed must be the same on all four. On my PC I have two DIMMs of 256MB DDR400 and two DIMMS of 512MB DDR 400. If the speed between the two pairs was different I wouldn't be able to use the Dual Channel feature as I wouldn't be able use it if I had installed a DIMM of 256MB and three DIMMs of 512 MB or any other combination that doesn't make two identical pairs.

If you have any other question post it here.

I would also like to add that EVERYTHING about the two rams have to be the same, speed, amount of mem and even the brand.

ginogsm - I have a link to ALL my specs in my original post if you want to take a look at them.

o whomever it may concern - Also, please give me your opinion what YOU would do with my current setup and RAM. Right now I'm looking to upgrade RAM and processor. But I think my mind is made up on CPU just not sure what I should do to get the best performance from a memory standpoint.

musicfiend3 wrote:

ginogsm - I have a link to ALL my specs in my original post if you want to take a look at them. o whomever it may concern - Also, please give me your opinion what YOU would do with my current setup and RAM. Right now I'm looking to upgrade RAM and processor. But I think my mind is made up on CPU just not sure what I should do to get the best performance from a memory standpoint.

Sorry for that. I saw it when reading your post at first but then I forgot. I would by three more DIMMs of 512MB each or if you can't afford byu one 512MB and one 256MB. Speed would be 2700 in order to fullfill your future needs. To my knowledge your mobo can handle DIMMs with different speed. But if you still are unsure buy 2100. Big amount of memory gives a big boost to a computer.

I believe Athlon 2200+ fits in the same slot as yours. Plus that CPU's at these frequencies are extremelly cheap. I'd go for that CPU or for the 2400+.

ginogsm - is there a reason you suggest the 2200 or the 2400? I was leaning towards the 3000+ because I thought my board could handle it, please correct me if I'm wrong.

Which motherboard do you have?? There are 2 of them with the same number that you show...SOLTEK SL-75FRN-RL One is SOLTEK SL-75FRN3-RL that does NOT have the onboard SATA and the SOLTEK SL-75FRN2-RL does have it.

Just wondered as the other specs are very close...and both are nice!!

Paul