Help with memory

[dwarf]

I currently only have 1GB of RAM and I think it might be beneficial to get another 1GB. I currently have 2x 512MB PC3200 OCZ exhanced lantency matched pair (ocz4001024eldc-k) would I need to find another set of these or can i just stick another 1GB of other PC3200 memory and it would still work in duel channel.

Would i see a major advantage in 2GB over 1GB? I mainly use my computer for internet and newish games.

Also im quite reluctant to spend money on old hardware so is it worth me sticking with 1GB until i upgrade my whole system?

Thanks!

 

[MoodyB]

It would be better if you could get another set of the same ram as you already have ( your board might be picky about mixing memory ), but most 2x512mb sets should work ok as long as their timings are close / very similar to the ones you currently use afaik. With 2 different sets of dual channel sticks, the board will use the timings of the slower of the 2.

2gb vs 1gb should make a large improvement in most recent games, depending on how high you have the eyecandy turned up You won't see an definate fps increase, but most games should run smoother / load quicker as you'll be keeping all the data in memory and not having to touch the slooow paging file.

A decent set of 2x512mb sticks should cost around £35-£40 2nd hand, so I'd say its a worthwhile move, but I guess this depends on how long you are planning to wait before doing a complete upgrade.

 

[Chris Beard]

I sold my old 512s and bought a new set of 1gigs for a total upgrade cost of £52.87. Theres a lot less messing about if you stick with only 2 sticks.

 

[The Running Man]

get 2GB i just went from 1GB DDR to 2GB DDR2 and the difference is appreciable - especially when gaming.

BF2 for instance now silky smoothe as soon as you join the map, wheras before it sucked for the first 10 secs with jerky FPS.