OT: Any computer people on here??

[talon4x4]

I'm looking to upgrade the RAM in my PC and I having a little dilemma. Right now I have 2x1gb PC2-5300 memory in my machine. I was wondering if I would be best getting 4gb more of the same memory for a total of 6gb or scrap the slower memory altogether and just get 2x2gb PC2-6400.

So 6gb of slower memory or 4gb of faster memory (I'm running Windows 7 64-bit so it will support more that 3.5gb of memory). Which is the better route??


Thanks!

 

[der_wille_zur_macht]

Can you post the make/model of your motherboard? The "faster" RAM probably won't make a difference, if the PC2-5300 ram came with the mobo, that's probably the best it can make use of.

What do you use this computer for?

 

[pimpinitup6969]

+1 you need to break the case open and figure out which mother board you have. I personally would add as much ram as possible to run windows 7 especially the 64 bit. How old is the comp? I tend to order all of my stuff from tigerdirect.com If you wanna spend a little money they have some nice barebones comp kits that you could build yourself then there would be no issue with running windows 7

 

[talon4x4]

It's an HP computer. Motherboard name: ECS MCP61PM-HM. According to the specs the motherboard supports the PC2-6400 memory.

I have no problems running Windows 7, it runs great. I use the PC mainly for web surfing and gaming (COD series, Bad Company 2, when it comes out).

I just had a couple extra bucks and wanted to do a couple upgrades to my machine.

 

[jaybfresh]

Lots of factors can come into play (CAS latency of the RAM, etc), but I think its a safe bet that 6GB of the PC5300 will give a better boost than switching to 4GB of PC6400

Edit: One thing to consider with dual channel ram is that using 3 sticks instead of 2 or 4 will sometimes prevent the mobo from actually running dual channel. This could end up being a deciding factor, assuming your 6GB of RAM would be 3x2GB sticks. In this case its probably better to go for 2x2GB PC6400

 

[sg1838]

Though the price for each stick of RAM is approximately the same for the PC2 5300 and the PC2 6400, I can't see tossing your existing memory just to replace it with something slightly faster. The upgrade in capacity will almost certainly have a larger effect than the very slight increase in speed.

I personally like NewEgg.com for this type of purchase, though I do use TigerDirect as well. Here's what I would probably buy if it were my computer:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145195

$82 - No tax, free shipping, and NewEgg almost always ships within a day. If you were to order it today, you'd most likely have it by Friday (they're out of NJ).

 

[NirvanaFan]

I'm a big fan of NewEgg. I usually order stuff in the morning and it's here in 2 days. I've ordered from them well over 25 times (including stuff for work) and never had a problem. I used TigerDirect once and didn't have a problem either though.

I'd go with all the same RAM. 4 GB will be fine, and you could always upgrade to 8 gigs later if you start doing things like photoshop or something. RAM prices tend to fall rather quickly so you could get a good deal on 4 more gigs soon if needed. Stick with the lowest timings you can find and a good brand and you'll be all set. Everyone has their own preferences, but I like Corsair.

 

[Twinpanther]

If you can see yourself upgrading your remaining RAM in the near future I'd suggest 4GB of PC2 6400. That way when you get the second set you'd be maxed out at 8GB of the best RAM (within your budget) you machine can hold. If you think you'll be all set and not going any farther with RAM before your next PC then I'd stick with matching the RAM you already have.

As for the timings, I agree with Nirvana. Get the lowest you can find. Corsair, G.Skill, Mushkin are all decent brands.

Oh, and IMHO pleeeese go with NewEgg. If you've ever tried to work with Tigerdirect's customer service you will NEVER go back. Every time I have used NewEgg it's been professional, fast and almost always, the best price. My latest PC, I had trouble with my new MB and couldn't get the Manufacturer to respond timely so I asked NewEgg for an RMA. Had it that day and my new replacement MB 4 days later.

Good luck with whatever choice you make and if I ever spend the cash on the PC version CoD:MW2 I'll have see just how good you are. :uzi:

Twin

 

[talon4x4]

I went with Newegg (I don't go anywhere else for online PC type purchases). I decided to just go with the 6gb of the slower RAM. But I also decided to upgraded the processor, went from an AMD 4000+ to the 5600+ and upgraded the video card from an Nvidia 8600GTS-OC w/512mb to an ATI 4850 with 1gb. Plus a couple new case fans and a nice heatsink/fan cooler for the processor. Once I started looking around I couldn't stop. Plus everything had free shipping.

Just got my package from BRS and my Newegg package should be here Friday. Its gonna be a good week!! :dance:


Thanks for the comments on this!!

 

[sg1838]

Once I started looking around I couldn't stop. Plus everything had free shipping.

I know the feeling ALL too well! :lol2:

Have fun!