Question regarding memory compatibility

Hi guys ! So i just ordered a GTX 550ti for my system ( 8400gs current) and it iwll be here 2morra. But since i upgraded the video card I dont want to bottle neck the system ( even though its a terrible system )

ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5G41-M LX2/GB mobo
Intel(r) Core 2 Duo E4600 2.4ghz 2.41 ghz
8400 Gs Geforce Nvidia <<-- GTX 550ti coming in mail
2.00 GB Single-Channel DDR2 @ 401MHz (5-5-5-18)



Since i want to upgrade the ram my question is WHAT can i shop for ? I saw some cheap DDR2 Corsair 4 gig ( 2 stick ) 1066mhz i think ? Wondering if my mobo can use a 1066mhz ram stick ? Or do i have to shop only for 800mhz ?

Also can i use the 1 stick of 2 gig ram I have in there and just add another 2 gig stick or should they be the EXACT SAME if I put in 2 sticks ?

Thanks guys appreciate any response/help:major

 

This scanner from crucial will tell you exactly what type/speed and amount of Ram your board will take.....

http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/ .....

Hope this helps.

 

The ASUS site doesn't seem to have much info on the /GB version of your board :confused . . . but the P5G41-M LX2 shows it supports:

Max. 8 GB, DDR2 1066(O.C.)/800/667 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory
Dual Channel memory architecture

So it looks like it probably would do OK with DDR2 1066 - but you will need to set your memory controller in the BIOS to overclock the RAM.

As to your other question - in most cases you can use the ram you have and add another 2gb stick with no problems. If you want to take advantage of the dual channel memory capability of your motherboard they should be identical. Now, I have heard it said if the ram is the same speed and has the same timings, they don't have to be from identical manufacturers for dual channel to function - but I have never tried this myself. Such a pairing might be motherboard specific?


I've not used the scanner iain.t mentioned. I'll have to check that out.

 

If you want memory go with either this

Kingston
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104098

Or

G.Skill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231246

Both Good companies I use Rip jaw in mine memory has gone in price in the last 5 years these are cheap They are 2GB sticks x2 so you will have 4 gigs.I would get the Kingston it match's the color of your Motherboard.

Like i said in your other post you will need to upgrade that 460Watt power supply if you want a six core.You might be maxing out your PSU with these two upgrades I would get a 550 or higher If you want to up grade to a six core cpu.

 

Thank's for everyone's responses I appreciate the help here as usual. And golden thank you for the continued support.

I received the 550ti today, plugged it in and set up the power supply, you are right it seems with that plugged in (It is ok for now ) the power supply is pretty mcuh close to max , i used that program that test's for flow to make sure everything is receiving its correct wattage.

WHAT a difference, im glad i went with the video card upgrade first rather than ram. I went from 10 fps and unable to play diablo 3 on lowest with 800x600 to solid 60 fps with medium settings on Native Widescreen.

Thank you for the suggestion Golden, you made my week.

As for the Memory, those are little pricey for me, My wife was diagnosed with cancer this year so money is very tight unfortunately.

I think I will have to either search local craigslist for a used pair of memory , but thank's again for all the great replies and suggestions.

One more question I have is, (am i wasting my money upgrading this rig any further )
Is my MOBO a good mobo ? Is upgrading this thing a waste of time ? I was told my processor is one of the best benchmark performing processors of its time ( when dual'cores were the new in thing ) And that it can be overclocked to 3.0ghz with little to no effort and runs perfect ?

But as far as any other hardware etc on the computer am i wasting my time upgrading ? Or should I just stop here and save money ot build a new rig?



P.S , It is rather funny that the system you listed is VERY similar to mine golden. the 156 SATA HD /// Nvidia Hi-Def etc etc heh
Here is my system

Code:

MS Windows XP Professional 32-bit SP3
Intel Core 2 Duo E4600  @ 2.40GHz -- Conroe 65nm Technology
2.00 GB Single-Channel DDR2 @ 401MHz (5-5-5-18)
ASUSTeK Computer INC. P5G41-M LX2/GB (LGA775)
P205H (1600x900@60Hz) 1024MB GeForce GTX 550 Ti (EVGA)
156GB Seagate ST3160023AS (SATA)
NVIDIA High Definition Audio

 

Yeah if the setup is close to mine then it should be good for a while but i would still recommend a newPSU i would probably try a 550.