Upgrading ram, need advice please

[Culvin]

I currently have 512MB of ram in my HP retail machice. I really want to upgrade to at least 1GB to make some of my newer games more playable. This is my current configuration:
Intel P4 2.4c proc
ASUS P4SD-LA mobo
DIMM #1: Infineon 256MB PC3200 (running dual with DIMM #3)
DIMM #2: Empty
DIMM #3: Infineon 256MB PC3200 (running dual with DIMM #1)
DIMM #4: Empty

Now, in order to keep everything running dual channel, is it enough that I buy identical ram for DIMM's 2 and 4? If so, I'd probably buy Corsair ValueSelect or OCZ Premier 512MB PC3200 for each slot giving me a total of 1.5GB. Or do I have to put 256MB PC3200 sticks in 2 and 4 to keep everything running dual (for a total of 1GB)?

Or is it recommeneded that I stick with only using two DIMM's and simply replace what I have? I'm on a budget so this is my least favorite option, but I'll do it if it's recommended.

Thanks in advance.

 

[imported_Kensai]

2 X 512mb will work and keep everything in dual-channel.

 

[Culvin]

Cool, that's what I was hoping for. I just remember reading somewhere that some (older?) P4 boards don't run well with all 4 slots full.

Anyone have a recommendation between OCZ Premier (not gold) or Corsair ValueSelect? They're roughly the same price. I noticed that the Corsair is listed as 2.5v and the OCZ as 2.6v. PC Wizard tells me that my Infineon is 2.5v if that means anything.

 

[imported_Kensai]

You'll be best off with the Corsair, that way they all run at 2.5V. It'll work, but I don't know if it will work *well*.

 

[Soffty]

Yeah kensai is right Corsair is a great brand to go for. Elixir is a VERY cheap brand but gives great performance but to some is known as a very cheap brand. you can get 4x512mb of elixir ram for about £110! Thats if you want to go VALUE

 

[Culvin]

Just to check one last thing, will the fact that the Corsair has a cas latency of 2.5 and the Infineon 3.0 cause any problems?

 

[MobiusPizza]

He's telling you to replace your old RAM
So to plug 2* 512MB of Crossair Value in.
Plugging in non-identical RAM are not good anyway

 

[Culvin]

Oh, it sounded to me like they where saying add the 2x512MB Corsair to what I already have.

So when I buy this ram, I would be better off replacing the 2x256MB Infineon that I have instead of adding to it for 1.5GB of ram?