1) How do I know if certain sticks of RAM are compatible with my computer? 2) It says my maximum is 1 GB. That's what I've got. Does that mean I can't possibly have any more? Or that's the most that can be pulled from what I have?
If you got 1 gig already then you can't get more......But if your PC can support better latency then you could buy 2 512mb sticks to replace what you have
Hi leroyorel, You run modern DDR memory, which is good. You have 2 slots and are running memory @ 166(333DDR) which is PC2700 speed. Until recently 512MB sticks were tops, and 1GB RAM is pretty good :^) But you can now buy PC3200 in 1GB sticks, and they should probably work in there just fine... But you'd want to check that out first (in case there is a hard memory limitation in BIOS). Replacing 1GB DDR RAM with new RAM that supports better timings is not something that most people would do... Standard generic PC3200 will support more aggressive timings at the reduced 333MHz speed anyway - and you won't find many folks investing in expensive Corsair PC2700 RAM. Regards
The answer to your question is, that you are at the max capacity of ram in that machine. It only supports pc2700 ram, so getting any faster memory won't help at all. The only way getting pc3200 memory could of helped would be to have run it at 2700 and then manually adjust the timings, but that really wouldn't make any noticable difference to you on that board with that processor. On that board you aren't going to get the option to start adjusting the memory timings so don't go wasting any money, they are not made for tweaking. This is exactly the problem with this type of machine, they seem okay when bought, but when time comes to start making upgrades, there is little or no room for improvement over what you have already done changing the memory from 256MB to 1GB.
Not strictly true. Two 1GB PC3200 modules doubling the memory capacity should automatically descale to 2700 speeds.
The board only supports MAX 1GB total in the form of 2x 512MB modules, and the timings etc... are already set to run at 2700 speeds. Its true that 3200 memory could be run at tighter timings than the 2700, the spid may already have better timings written into it, but thats only if the board is capable of having those timings tweaked (which I doubt it can) it was never made as an enthusiast board, more of a work desktop/basic home user. Even if it does end up as possible on that board to tweak mem timings, the actual speed gained through a lowering of cas etc... would not be worth the investment in the new ram.
Oh I see, it's one of those old boards that doesn't recognise 1GB modules. Apologies. No, it wouldnt be worth the investment, you're quite right.
I'm already going to upgrade the processor and I'd thought about getting a new motherboard that would let me have more RAM if that was even doable.
If I were you, make one an excuse for the other. Go for a four RAM slot motherboard (that way you can get up to 4GB) with say a socket 939 CPU.
