Can anyone point me to a resource or just lay down the basic rules for choosing RAM? Here are some key questions: [1] My PC came with 512MB stick... how do I determine if I can use 1G sticks? [2] What do I need to check for to make sure I get compatible RAM? [3] How can I determine the maximum speed I could benefit from? Is it related to FSB speed? Really, those 3 questions should just about cover it. Thanks in advance.
Okay what's your motherboard model? That will tel us the maximum module size and speed and whether it can use dual channel RAM.
CPUz is a very good program to download, it will help you determine all the specs you'll need in order to make furture purchases. That is if you don't know already. Your motherboard will determine what kind of ram you can get. Unless your motherboard is absolutely ancient you can stick in a 1GB stick no problem but the speeds and pin count of the ram will be a factor here. If you have an AMD processor (and motherboard obviously) the choice is simple. Get PC3200, also known as DDR400. You can find it in single 1GB sticks or 2x512 kits refered to as dual-channel ram in which the bandwidth is increased by running two dimms in tandum and you get a noticable performance boost. On the current intel platform the choice isn't so easy. Current Intel motherboards often use DDR2 and sometimes DDR and DDR2. You'll have to check which model motherboard you have and the current speeds of your ram. Basically the general rule is get the same speed ram you already have as going any higher won't do any good as it will automatically run at the lower speed anyway. So yeah, get CPUz if you don't already know and look at the specs it comes up with.
