Help me buy some new RAM.

[BigfootKevin]

All I know when it comes to ram, is that the more the better... lol

I got 1gig and looking to upgrade to 2g.

What is some good RAM that you guys can recommend? I got 1gig in the sig below. Also, I heard it's bad to use a different brand name of ram than the other ones already in your system? Why is this?

 

[Away]

I always look at either Corsair or Kingston when it comes to memory. The only reasons to look at keeping the same brand would be compatibility issues. Whether these would be a picky motherboard or a dual channel config (generally you have to use matched sticks) would vary by situation. Specifically in your situation, to maintain your dual channel config, you would have to dump the 2x512 sticks and buy 2x1GB. Hope this helps in your desicion making process.

 

[BigfootKevin]

Hmmm, So I couldn't just add 2 more 512 sticks in there to have 4 total?


Sorry, I'm knowledgeable with some computer stuff, it's just that system memory isn't my strong point

 

[tjpark1111]

you could have 4 512mb sticks, it's just that it won't run dual channel probably. It all depends on the mobo, in which I'm too lazy to research on yours(heh sorry). I'm kinda confused about this too, because some people say there is a limitation to AMD's memory controller in which it'll either not work at all if there are 4 sticks, or they'll drop to DDR333, or only recognize 3 of the sticks at DDR400/333. This probably isn't true since in many Anand reviews, it reports memory stress tests on the mobos and many show successful runs with 4 DIMMs. Speed of memory is less important than amount, so if you just need that speed bump, get the extra 2 512 sticks and it probably wouldn't be a problem, I heard that the Fatal1ty is an excellent mobo. Getting off topic, but BTW, how noisy is your A-Top case? In no review of any A-Top case does it ever mention noise, because the main point of them are aesthetics. I was wondering about getting that case cuz it looks so pretty, but boy it sure looks like it'll be noisy....

 

[BigfootKevin]

being off topic for the case

It's actually not bad. The only fan I hear is the XP-90 fan. That damn thing is louder than the 120mm I have in the back.




Also, if it helps I work at Best Buy so if there's any RAM that they carry that would be worth it would be great so I don't have to worry about shipping/waiting for shipping.

 

[Away]

I know they carry Kingston Value at Best Buy. Pretty good memory for the price. Don't know about the dual channel four stick thing. Give it a try and let us know.

 

[SCOTTYV]

 

[SCOTTYV]

no ..4 sticks couldnt run dual channel only on the old amd liek winchestor the new venice and sandiego cores can run 4 sticks dual channel if same speed i think
the only downside to haveing 4 sticks is that u have to run 2T usually and it wont overclock as much .. but running 2t is really no big deal and benchmarks show it lessens no performance in games ..dont worry about it and get 2 more sticks unless u want 2 sticks but its cheaper to just add one more gb ... and keeping the same sticks is just good because they are all the same and have same performance
but theoretically u dont have to get the same ram u could get a diff brand (just make sure they use the same voltage and timings , frequency ETC)
good luck