RAM: What to do?

[afropick]

I have 2 computers now!

1st system (running a Win98/Win2k dual boot):
1Ghz AMD Thunderbird w/ one 256MB Multiwave (read: Generic) PC133 stick of RAM. The memory runs fine with max settings (Turbo, CAS2, etc.)

2nd system (running "I haven't a clue how to use" FreeBSD right now):
500Mhz PIII w/ 2 sticks of 96MB unknown, generic RAM that were given to me as payment for doing an upgrade to someone's system. I haven't really tested these modules, but I'm pretty sure they are both PC100 and probably won't work with any kind of tweaks. On top of that they are by two different manufacturers.

The first system, of course, is my main system. The second system I want to use as a puny server to maybe host a small Q3A game and some files, and to learn about and experiment with networking.

Here is my question:
Being that RAM prices seem to be going up, I would like to make an investment in that area. I don't know which way to go tho'...

Should I:
1)get another 256MB stick for my main system and screw the wanna-be server.

2)get a 256MB stick for the wanna-be server and screw my baby.

3)just get a 128MB stick for both.

4)yada, yada, yada, so on and so forth...

Computer gurus, give me your suggestions (for RAM and/or OS setup)!

 

[Mem]

I would get two 128mb,& put one in each PC so option 3.

 

[weshuang]

Do you really think RAM prices are going up? I would have said the opposite.

 

[Duvie]

Rumor has that memory prices will be on the rise here shortly...may have worked thrugh that glut of mem chips...However if economy continues to tank it may be short lived and not that much of a rise.

My opinion is get that generic stuff out of the amd....Buy another pc133 stick 256 or two 128's of infinion, micron,kingmax, the good stuff. Quality of memory is crucial to amd systems. Put this one in the Amd. Drop the generic 256 in the pentium...sell the other two and try to get a little money to pay for new 256 module.

 

[Duvie]

One other thing most boards have some soft oc'ing features that can tweak the fsb. I don't know if you are doing any of this...You should try it and get a little boost out of the chip. It is not as difficult has unlocking it and should cause no great heat gain. Try to get 10% is good, I am getting 12% through fsb boost. This is where that generic crap most likely wont take it without downgrading to cas3. Or it might not be able to handle it at all. I have 2 pc133 128mb infineon chips running 149mhz at cas2 full settings.

Sounds like the p3 is your extra toy...soup up that amd!!!

 

[afropick]

Thanks Mem and Duvie, for your input. Weshuang, evidently Duvie had heard about possible mem price increases as well (I was hoping I wasn't crazy :0 ).

I guess I should go the extra mile and get some "name brand" ram. There are so many types tho'. What do you all suggest? Also, with these memory questions in mind, which OSes do you think I should run?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Mem]

I always use high quality Crucial ram,go here for prices etc http://www.crucial.com

 

[aa_koch]

I'd need more details to give you proper advice, but here's my $0.02...

A. If you are thinking about overclocking, and are looking to buy two new RAM modules:

Upgrade to some high-performance RAM (Mushkin, Mosel Vitelic, Infineon...), and use them to replace the 256MB your primary system is currently utilising. Move that to your secondary system to replace the 96MB PC-100, and consider selling the PC-100 RAM to offset the cost of the two new modules. (I doubt you'll need more than 256MB for your wanna-be server.) Next, get yourself a decent HS&F and some Arctic Silver, and overclock the hell out of your #1 baby.

NOTE: If you want to overclock, you may of course first try to do so with your current RAM still installed. Generic or not, it may not be half as bad as it looks. If it is CL2 by SPD, it can't be too shabby.

B. If you are not thinking about overclocking, and are looking to buy two new RAM modules:

I would "screw your wanna-be server" and add both to your primary system. I would still buy two high-performance modules -- in case you change your mind about not overclocking --, and if your server takes off and requires more RAM, you can always use the generic memory from the primary system later to upgrade.

C. If you are thinking about overclocking, and are looking to buy one new RAM module:

Screw your wanna-be server! Buy some high-performance RAM, add it to your primary system, and overclock it to the max. However, keep in mind that the new module may allow for more head room than your current RAM does, and you could end up losing 256MB of RAM because of it. (Meaning you have only 128MB left, or must still buy a second module.)

D. If you are not thinking about overclocking, and are looking to buy one new RAM module:

Keep on screwing your wanna-be server! Upgrade to 384MB, and enjoy. If both can do CL2@133, you will be one step closer to PC delight.


As for OS recommendations, I'm personally working on creating a dual-boot Windows 98SE/Windows 2000 system. Again, depending on the software you work with and the purpose of your machine, you may only need Windows 98SE/ME, but maybe you are curious about Windows 2000. (I heard it's much like what you may expect from Windows XP. It'll help you prepare...) For your server, stick with FreeBSD or switch to Linux. (I am not familiar with FreeBSD, so I don't know what the difference is. Maybe it's exactly the same?! )

Lemme know if I messed up, and I'll review my recommendations.