I currently have DDR2 PC2-4300 as my memory. I have 2 gigs of it. is this type good? the one i have now?

Question

I was wondering if this is good for the type of memory I have? I see some memory are like DDR2 and another number like 630 (example). What does it mean? Is the lower the number the better? or what? If I extend it to 4gig memory how fast would my computer be? and do any of you know where I can purchase the 1 gig for cheap? HELP thanks!

Answer 1

Your 2Gb of ddr2 533 is GREAT for XP and just about right for Vista. DDR2 667 is faster mhz but higher latency. Not much performance difference in an Intel setup but could benefit an AMD AM2 set up.

4Gb would improve performance in Vista but hardly in XP.

Answer 2

pc2-4300 is the exact same as saying ddr2-533. the smaller number referrs to its operating frequency in mhz.

ddr2-533 = pc2-4300
ddr2-667 = pc2-5300
ddr2-800 = pc2-6400
there are higher numbers, but ddr2-800 is really the highest anyone needs to go.

if you are not overclocking, then you do not need anything more than what you have. after ddr2-533, each step up allows for bigger overclocking without additional stress on the memory (and you dont want to put high stress on your memory). i'm assuming you have an amd x2 processor, or an intel core 2 duo processor.

2 gigs is plenty for anything and everything right now. i have 2gb of ddr2-800, on windows vista, and even the most demanding games run perfect. i chose ddr2-800 because it allowed me to overlock my intel core 2 duo from 1.8ghz to 2.8ghz. a 1ghz overclock is extreme, and definately requires a very large heatsink, but that's an entirely different topic.

if you do feel compelled to get more ram, www.newegg.com is ALWAYS the best place to go for parts. i swear by that site... i bought my entire computer piece-by-piece from them.