I have a Gateway GT5012. I know that it uses DDR2 PC4200 and has 1 gig installed. I have 2 open slots and would eventually like to max out to 4 gig. To spread out the cost, I would like to fill the 2 open slots with 2 1 gig sticks. I know I have to install DDR2 in pairs, but will it work with 2 1 gig sticks and 2 512mb sticks? Also Best Buy advertises a Kingston tech 1 gig stick that will operate at both PC5300 and PC4200. Is this a good choice, or should I buy sticks that are specifically designed for PC4200? Other specs include an Intel Pentium D 2.8ghz processor, Raedon x1650 pro 512mb DDR2 video card. Sound card will come later, probably purchased at same time as RAM.
2007-04-01 08:47:03 · 6 answers · asked by sanity_patrol 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Have never seen a New Egg store. Do they have any in VA?
2007-04-01 09:05:10 · update #1
Best buy is too far away, would probably go to Circuit City anyway. 20 mins vs 1.5 hr drive.
2007-04-01 09:06:24 · update #2
To be honest, this is mostly going to be a matter of preference for you. Seems to me like you already understand about dual-channeling (Running identical memory expansions in paired memory banks). So to answer your question, you should be fine with buying two 512MB expansions for now; Unless you're doing some incredibly high-end gaming, or using multiple programs that require large offhand swap files (Photoshop, 3DSMax, Wildfire) then 2GB of system memory should handle most everyday use. As far as the speed goes, you're right in that the PC5300 paradigm (DDR2-667MHz) is backwards-compatible with PC4200 (DDR2-533MHz), and there's only one thing you'll really need to consider...
Personally, the only reason I would suggest buying PC5300 is if you were buying a new board in the immediate future. Even with that in mind, though, I don't think going from 533MHz to 667MHz is much of a noticeable improvement, and if you were buying a new board you should be setting your sights on no lower than DDR2-800MHz (PC6400). As such, you would probably be best going with PC4200, because those memory sticks will be much more likely to have suitable memory timings already in place for the way your machine is configured.
Unless you're planning on running things that very explicitly need ~3GB of system memory, or you run multiple Power-Apps at one time (Note: Especially if you are running Vista), then you will probably get by with the dual 512MBs. Regardless of whether you go with buying 2x1GB, or 2x512MB, just make sure that you buy a dual-channel memory kit, as this will ensure that the memory will be compatible in a dual-channel achitecture. Also, if you DO decide on the 2x1GB memory, make sure you're running the gigabyte sticks in the first two memory banks, marked as either Bank 0 - Bank 1, or as Slot 1 - Slot 2, etc. There's not really a standardized way to note it on the board, but it's just the two lowest bank designations. what they're called will ultimately just depend on your motherboard manufacturer.
Good luck, and whichever way you go, you'll probably see a noticeable performance boost... Don't have too much fun with it. =D
2007-04-01 09:24:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you can max it out but you will not see enough increase in speed from 3gb to 4 gb. If you use 5400 ram it will only run as fast as the fastest speed ram you already have installed which would be 4200 speed. I would get 2 1gb sticks of the 5400...You can pick up 2 1gb sticks for around $150-$170 most anywhere. I found 1gb sticks DDR2-5300speed for $69.99 Crucial brand and no rebates...But remember you need 7watts per 128mb of ram so just for a 4 gb you are talking about getting is around....224Watts + 91 watts for the Video card you are talking about then Intel P4 pulls 68watts so you will probably have to upgrade the PSU if you don't already have atleast a 600w PSU...Just those 3 items and your pushing 383w +39w(10%) = 422w ...thats not even count counting PCI slots, hdds, or cd drives which will probably be around 175-250w more....Thanks
2007-04-01 09:09:44 · answer #2 · answered by computer_surplus2005 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well first off, you don't have to install DDR2 in pairs, it gives a performance boost if installed in pairs, but it is not required at all. Any PC5300 stick wil run at PC4200, all chips can run slower than their stated speed. So your best choice is whichever one is the best price. You should look at newegg.com, they will have better prices than Best Buy.
2007-04-01 08:57:05 · answer #3 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It'll work fine. Best Buy isn't the greatest when it comes to prices or RAM selection. Take a look a NewEgg.
http://www.newegg.com
2007-04-01 08:53:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can mix ram, but it is better to have all sticks the same capacity and type.
2007-04-01 08:51:09 · answer #5 · answered by scooter 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Gateway = POS. Ditch it and go whitebox.
2007-04-01 08:55:06 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋