memory, value series, speed series?

[bealis14]

I need to get some more memory for my computer. I'd like to get 512MB of pc3200. I see lots listed at NewEgg for reasonable prices but I don't know what some of the information means. There are several listed as "value series" or "speed series". What does this mean? Should I avoid the "value series?"

Thanks

[bealis14]

I bought a dimension 8300 with 256MB of RAM. So it doesn't make sense for me to buy 512MB more when it doesn't match the 256MB stick I already have? I originally thought I could save money by buying more RAM myself, but the 256MB is worthless to me if I want more than 512MB total, right?

Does anyone know what brand or quality Dell uses? If the quality of RAM that Dell gave me isn't great, what good would it do me to buy a good quality 256MB stick?

[Cantacuzene]

Crucial.com will tell you what your box uses.

[bachviet]

Most likely the Dell 8300 comes with 2x128MB PC3200. Might as well get two sticks of 256MB to make 512MB.

[mcs328]

I personally like to go with two sticks of 256MB. If one stick goes bad I can still get by on one 256MB until I can replace the other one. JMHO.

[mcs328]

Originally posted by DarkFury

I guess you never want to get past 512MB huh?

Memory is not supposed to die... but hey.. stuff happens.

Never had a compelling reason to go beyond 512MB. I kinda stopped playing graphic intensive games so no big deal for me.

[bealis14]

I checked my memory at crucial.com and I have two 128MB sticks. I have 4 slots total in which to put more memory. Does it make sense to buy two more 128MB, or 256MB, sticks and put them in the other two slots for a total of 512MB, or 768MB? That way I am still using the ones I already have.

Does it matter which slots I put the new RAM if it's larger? Would it matter that I might have two sticks of 128MB and two of 256MB, or do they all need to be the same size?

[johnnymk]

Ok, another question: I just bought an ABIT IS7 MOBO and I want to install two 256 MB PC 3200 modules for an Intel 2.4 800 chip.

I eventually want to overclock it. There are so many choices: registered, parity, non ECC.

I have no idea which is best. I doubt that Crucial's site has any recommendations pertaining to motherboards.

[johnnymk]

Wow, they are expensive, aren't they? But considering that the cheapest memory runs around $40 per stick, I guess two for $125-135 is not that bad.

Thanks

[bachviet]

Originally posted by bealis14
I checked my memory at crucial.com and I have two 128MB sticks. I have 4 slots total in which to put more memory. Does it make sense to buy two more 128MB, or 256MB, sticks and put them in the other two slots for a total of 512MB, or 768MB? That way I am still using the ones I already have.

Does it matter which slots I put the new RAM if it's larger? Would it matter that I might have two sticks of 128MB and two of 256MB, or do they all need to be the same size?

They don't have to be the same size. You could do it either way (2x128MB or 2x256MB). I suggest the 2x256MB because that at least gives you 512MB for your system.