MEMORY QUESTION

[bigstrickler]

Hey guys, I am thinking about upgrading the memory in my computer. I currently have 1gig pc3200 of generic memory I think(original memory from HP computer). I am thinking of buying 1 more gig so I was wondering if its ok to mix brands, like 1 gig of generic and 1 gig of kingston or whatever. Also what brand would your reccomend and whats the difference between ECC vs non ECC, buffered vs non buffered and what is dual channel. Is samsung a good brand for ram?

 

[joshharrington]

It is ok to mix brands, although if you're looking for performance it's probably best to get the same brand, or at least chips, so you match everything up. Mixing will probably not be a problem, but I've found that it's just better to have matching memory. I use Corsair memory the most, although many different manufacturers use the same chips and just put their label on it. Crucial, Mushkin, and Samsung are also brands that I've used in other builds and not had any problems with. ECC is Error Correction Circuitry and in short is generally not needed unless you're building a system critical machine (i.e. server). This type of memory is used to help correct memory errors and the more memory you have the more errors are potentially possible, but for a system for home it's probably not really necessary. **Buffered memory uses a buffer chip to boost the clock signal sent across the memory module so that the clock signal is seen as a clean, sharp signal across the entire module. It eliminates chances of memory errors in data sent or retrieved from memory. It is commonly used in larger capacity Fast Page Mode or EDO modules. Buffered modules have a different keyway in the contact edge and can only be used when the board supports Buffered modules. Unlike Registered modules, it is not interchangeable with Unbuffered modules. (http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=faq.details&faq_id=91)**. Dual channel is a development in motherboard and chipset design that allows for increased bandwidth transfer when using two or more memory modules in separate transfer channels. These separate channels allow each module access to the memory controller, increasing throughput bandwidth. It is a good idea to use matched pairs of modules to ensure the best compatibility for dual channel operation. **http://www.upgradememory.com/Computer_Memory_Glossary_W10C15775.cfm?NBP=1** Hopefully this helps answer your questions.

 

[Lemon law]

JoshH... has given you a fairly complete answer---but to cut to the chase--once you know your motherboard---its a simple matter at a number of memory companies---certainly Kingston and crucial to name two---to submit that motherboard model number and get a recommendation of what ram is guaranteed to work in your system.

But buying ram for a new system---and upgrading your ram while keeping one or more memory modules you already have is quite a different question---even if you know the exact details about the existing memory modules. I submitted e-mail and verbal questions to both kingston and crucial---asking if their ram would both be refundably guaranteed to (a) Live with my motherboard (b) And also live with my existing ram.

I was totally ignored by crucial---and by in large ignored by Kingston---until I finally put it to them over the phone point blank.
"Will you refund my money if your ram does not live with my existing ram---even though this is the correct memory for my motherboard."---after getting a grudging yes---I went Kingston----and found that both sticks---new and old lived together happily and sped up my computer quite nicely.

But how can these turkeys call themselves memory experts if they can't guarantee their ram will live happly with another stick
of ram that also matches the motherboard?-------that is a question they simply all universally duck.

 

[bigstrickler]

also is there a big difference between 1 gig and 2 gigs of memory? I do game often

 

[joshharrington]

2 Gigs is definately recommended, 1 Gig will suffice, but if you're planning on playing games that use alot of memory (EQ2 in particular because I play it ) then 2 Gigs will be a must. What kind of gaming will you be doing and do you plan on upgrading later for the "next" generation of gaming?

 

[bigstrickler]

Right now I'm playing BF2, FEAR, Oblivion...high end games and I seem to run pretty good. Runs most games on HIGH but sometimes a little laggy. Also what is GOLD memory?

 

[joshharrington]

What type of gold memory are you making reference to? Just provide a link so I can get a better understanding of what I mean.

BF2 Rec. http://www.bfnation.net/bf2/overview/ (1GB)
FEAR Rec. http://www.guru3d.com/article/content/281/ (1GB)
Oblivion Rec. http://www.elderscrolls.com/games/oblivion_faq.htm (1GB)

Most games right now are 1 GB recommended, but future games will have 2 GB I'm sure. It's all dependant on how much time will elapse between upgrades. I would go with 2 GB, but I'm not sure of your budget so I can't make that call for you.

 

[bigstrickler]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227124

 

[buck]

Originally posted by: joshharrington
What type of gold memory are you making reference to? Just provide a link so I can get a better understanding of what I mean.

BF2 Rec. http://www.bfnation.net/bf2/overview/ (1GB)
FEAR Rec. http://www.guru3d.com/article/content/281/ (1GB)
Oblivion Rec. http://www.elderscrolls.com/games/oblivion_faq.htm (1GB)

Most games right now are 1 GB recommended, but future games will have 2 GB I'm sure. It's all dependant on how much time will elapse between upgrades. I would go with 2 GB, but I'm not sure of your budget so I can't make that call for you.

There is a BIG difference between one and two gigs for fear and BF2.

 

[joshharrington]

The Gold is just a model. I noticed that Gold has 5 CAS and Platinum has 4 CAS.