Buying extra ram

I`m thinking of getting some extra memory for my PC but need to know what speed to get. I`m assuming it matters? Some say 333mhz some 400mhz then there is the amount of pins, DDR, etc...

What sort of things do I need to know and how can I tell which speed and so forth I need to get? My computer is quite old now so I`m sure that this is a factor, more than five years in fact.

Any advice would be great.

Jason.

More RAM can store more stuff, so it won't overload and lag.IE 2g > 1g
Your ram can only go a fast as your bus speed I think, but you should get the fastest you can find.
I found 2 1g chips for my laptop for $40.Cheap deal!!!

Your motherboard specifications should list what type and what amount of RAM that is supported. As for speed, as far as I know you want to (but dont have to) match your cpu bus speed.

go to crucial.com/uk and use their RAM selector drop down thingy. You don't have to buy from there but you'll know what RAM your mobo supports.

If you're adding additional memory to an existing system, then keep in mind that typically you get limited to the speed of the slowest stick(s) already in place.

Also, it's wise to stick with the same voltage as your existing DIMMs, since there are subtle differences and not all motherboards allow you to mix-and-match.

One easy way: go to http://www.cpuid.com/ and download CPU-Z.
that program will give you a bunch of hardware info, including the make , model, speed, voltages and even serial numbers of your individual memory sticks. You can even see how many slots you still have open without having to open your case.

Getting additional memory with similar specs as your existing modules gives you the best chances of error-free operation...

Also, keep in mind: With 32-bit windows (which is the standard version), your computer won't see more than 3 or 3.25 GB RAM (depending on your motherboard/videocard) since it can only address 4GB max, and part of the adress range will be taken up by your PCI and other hardware addresses...

So unless you also switch to a 64-bit version of windows, it's pointless to have more than 3GB of RAM.

Bah! I bought an extra ram, but it didn't improve the performance of my sheepy ewe.

I think you need to go and sit on the naughty step for a while, sswift. That was a baaaaad pun.

Thanks for the help guys :)

Jason.

If the computer is not for gaming then any old cheap ram you can get from ebay or the guy on the street will do...

What did you do with your mainboard manual? It covers everything you will ever need to know about your mainboard, including what memory to use.

If your motherboard accepts 400mhz, then I'd go with that. 2 gigs can't hurt either.

I'm constantly amazed at the number of people who throw them away.

i think i got a mobo manual with this box
dont know which bag of junk its in though

i dont even know if i have sata or not nor the gfx slot for my perhaps eventual gfx upgrade

I didn't get a manual. In the US they're dumming computer people down.

and plumping them up! jerry, jerry, jerry, jerry!

There are plenty of ways to know... use a tool like SiSoft Sandra/Everest, or download the digital manual from the motherboard manufacturer. You could also open the case and take a look, or move through the cmos menu/read the startup screen.

@ Jason

Check the mainboards manual or check the memmory you have already by opening the case. You must be sure first what kind of memmory you use in the first place. DDR, SDram or Rimm, also check if there is a label wich tells you the Mhz it works on. It's always best to use the same type.

In case you have a mainboard that supports 2 types of memmory like SDram and DDR, NEVER EVER use both at the same time.

The mainboards manual would be best to check because some mainboards have memmory limitations on each slot as well. Download the manual from your mainboards manufacturer if you don't have it.

If you still don't sure, pickup your PC and go with it to your local computer store and let them tell you what you need, and let them place the memmory for you.

PC World charge £25 for putting memory in - a task which is so easy a monkey could do it. So don't go there.

That is lot's of money indeed for that simple task, but there should be stores that do this for free or at least for a lot less.

If you lose your MoBo manual: check the manufacturers page for your model, its in 99.9% of the cases online there unless you have a total trash mobo. In that case you don't need to waste cash for fast RAM as well, your board will not run at the needed performance to gain anything from it.