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    Desktop memory upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by AALSHERRI, Sep 1, 2007.

  1. AALSHERRI

    AALSHERRI Notebook Enthusiast

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    I apologize for asking a question that is not directly related to notebooks.
    I am new to computer hardware. I have a desktop with 1 GB DDR2 PC2-4200
    I am planning to upgrade by taking the 1 GB PC2-4200 out and installing:

    2 1GB PC2-5300 in

    Is it ok to do it? or I have to use only PC2-4200.
     
    AALSHERRI, Sep 1, 2007
    #1
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    I would just get another 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200, the upgrade to PC2-5300 is not worth it and will not make much of a difference at all.
     
    usapatriot, Sep 1, 2007
    #2
  3. yuio

    yuio NBR Assistive Tec. Tec.

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    agreed, or you could go right to 800mhz ram... (PC-6400)
     
    yuio, Sep 1, 2007
    #3
  4. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    If you have empty slots don't take out, buy the 2X1GB 4200 and end up with 3GB.
    With your question of going to 5300, if your FSB is 667Mhz or more I think you could but the 20% increase in speed is offset somewhat by the 20% (most) increase in latency (as stated by uspatriot). Do not mix 4200 and 5300 as you will end up getting the slower speed and the higher latency, not a good match.
    If desktop RAM has tighter timmings sorry notebook forum.
     
    powerpack, Sep 1, 2007
    #4
  5. AALSHERRI

    AALSHERRI Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks to all of you. I am planning to use the 4200 module to upgrade another desktop that has only 1GB of the same speed. I found a deal at CC for 5300 at less than $45/GB so it doesn't make sense to buy 4200 modules at a higher price. I am not planning to mix memory modules of different speeds.
    I am not sure whether I need 3 GB for Vista or 2 Gb is enough. My Xp system is stable with 2 Gb and I boot the system once every 2 weeks. I spend over 8 hours daily over the internet.
     
    AALSHERRI, Sep 1, 2007
    #5
  6. Commander Wolf

    Commander Wolf can i haz broadwell?

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    Vista will run fine on 2GB. In fact I think 2GB is the recommended amount of RAM for Vista to begin with.
     
    Commander Wolf, Sep 1, 2007
    #6
  7. allan_huang

    allan_huang Notebook Deity

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    Just get another stick of 1GB PC2-4200
     
    allan_huang, Sep 1, 2007
    #7