[mcfarty]

Hi Folks. I'm running a Core2Duo with 1gb RAM. I want to upgrade to 2GB, but I'm unsure what to get. I have 4 slots so think its best to get 4x512mb blocks. I've currently got DDR2 pc2-4300 (266mhz). Is 266mhz slow? Would I be better to offload & get 500+mhz? Or should I just match what I've got? Any advice would be appreciated.

[Hybr!d]

Nope, you would be better getting another matching 1GB to run dual channel with your current 1GB.

Then in the future you still have 2 spare slots if needed.

Go-to http://www.crucial.com/ and run the system scanner to find out what RAM you currently have and purchase accordingly.

[sirantonycartwright]

Originally Posted by mcfarty

Hi Folks. I'm running a Core2Duo with 1gb RAM. I want to upgrade to 2GB, but I'm unsure what to get. I have 4 slots so think its best to get 4x512mb blocks. I've currently got DDR2 pc2-4300 (266mhz). Is 266mhz slow? Would I be better to offload & get 500+mhz? Or should I just match what I've got? Any advice would be appreciated.

Normally in any computer you cant just buy any speed ram, normally the step higher and the step lower are compatible. The point is that i dont think you can just buy 500mhz ram and expect it to work. I think you could buy 200mhz 266mhz 333mhz and expect it to work, but obviously check with the manufacturer before taking my word for it.

[mcfarty]

Thanks for the quick responses. I don't think I was very clear, I have 4 slots and have 2x 512mb. The problem seems to be that the more I find out, the more I think I've was supplied really slow RAM when I bought the pc. If I was to go for 2 gb now what would be the best performing?

[Hybr!d]

Need to know your motherboard make/model to advise what RAM you can fit.

[mcfarty]

The motherboard is EVGA 122-CK-NF68. This is what it the system check says, but the actual board is nVidia stamped (still NF68). Hope this makes sense.

[Hybr!d]

Memory
4 x 240-pin DIMM sockets
Dual Channel DDR2
Maximum of 8GB of DDR2 533/667/800/1200MHz SLI-Ready memory

Thats off their website.

You can basically fit DDR2 RAM of the speeds above upto 8GB.

[mcfarty]

THanks Dave. Just to clarify. The 2 blocks of 512mb I have at the moment are only 266mhz. Would I be better (in your opinion) to get rid and buy faster mhz if I want to maximise performance?

[Hybr!d]

If you buy 2 fast 1GB sticks and add them you will have 3GB but they will run only as fast as your current RAM.

I'd probably just add two 1GB sticks that match your current ones, 3GB RAM at any speed is plenty.

[skinnyman9000]

Depending on your budget and motherboard I would be tempted to remove the existing RAM and replace it altogether. You can get 2GB (2x1GB) Corsair RAM that runs at 800Mhz for around £100, sometimes less. With the increase in memory and clock speed you’ll certainly notice the difference over your current setup.

I too find it annoying though when you buy a ‘top spec’ pc, only to find that they have skimped on the RAM front.