Upgrading suggestions: RAM, then what?

Ok, I know my system is not very fast, but it gets the job done (web browsing, e-mail, instant messaging, along with a smalla mount of video editing and gaming - Quake 3, Warcraft III). I want to make it a little "better" though.

I am in the process of adding more RAM because *I think* that is what it needs the most, but my primary question is "how much RAM is enough?


Is it kosher to install one 256MB stick of ram to keep all my memory sticks "the same size" or can I install a 512MB stick along with my current 256MB stick of memory (or will that cause problems)? I seem to recall that keeping memory sticks of the same size was/is the better option.

Also, is it better to use PC-2100 or PC-2700 RAM? The speed difference is 266Mhz Vs 333Mhz, respectively, correct? Will the 533 bus speed of my processor/mobo utilize one better than the other or does it not make a difference?


Thanks for your help/explanation.


Here are my full system specs:

mobo - Asus P4PE
processor - Pentium IV 2.4Ghz (533 bus)
RAM - Kingston 256MB DDR PC2700
video card - ATI All-In-Wonder 8500DV 64MB
hard drive #1 - Maxtor 20GB (OS = Win XP Pro w/ SP1)
hard drive #2 - IBM 40GB (games, music, vids, storage)
sound card - Creative SoundBlaster 512
network card - Linksys LNE100TX
floppy - some generic POS floppy drive LOL
CD-rom - Lite-On 48x
CD-burner - Plextor 12X
Case - Antec KS-282 Mid-Tower
power supply - Antec True Power 480 Watt
monitor - Samsung SyncMaster 955df

 

I would get the fastest your board suports which I think is 2700. Depending on price you could get 3200, you would not use it to its fullest but it would be good if you ever upgrade the motherboard.

 

A new video card for sure, check mine out i have to sell it not a bad price thats for sure!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5119982874

 

to answer your primary question:

256 bare minimum, 512 recommended for casual use. 512 will be just fine as long as you don't start playing heady games or using super heady software. 768mb (which is entirely possible) will probably work out for you perfectly; not too much and not too little. 1gb will be bordering on overkill, unless you are planning on running heady programs or just a large number of programs at once. anything more than 1gb for you is way overkill, slowing down your system if anything. hope that helps

 

I don't see myself needing PC-3200, but if the price difference between PC-2700 & PC-3200 is negligible I will strongly consider PC-3200. Thanks for the tip/suggestion gw186.


Strogg - You said a 768MB configuration is possible in the following combination, correct? Based on what you said, I would like to add a 512MB stick to run in conjunction with my existing 256MB stick of RAM - this will fly? Sorry, I don't want to make a mistake here, just doublechecking! Thanks for the help.

 

yes, it'll work 512 + 256 is possible; i've seen it done before.