DDR RAM upgrade

[crgb14]

I'm looking to upgrade my PC's memory.

At the minute I'm running a 256mb Ram (PC400) and would like to just whack on another 512mb in the spare slot. I've been told however that if you buy RAM it has to be identical to the other.

I've checked the crucial.com website but couldn't find an answer. Can somebody else help please????

[wideboy]

Don't think it has to be identical anymore, just the same kind (ie PC400) and the same number of pins.

Check again Crucial or Kingston but you'll get some good prices at Aria.co.uk

[kempie]

"Matched pair" was/is a marketing ploy with no real value for the home user (although dedicated gamers may well see a difference in performance).

As wideboy says, as long as the DIMMs are of the same type (PC3200 etc.) and similar spec. they 'should' operate in dual-channel mode, provided your motherboard supports it, however they would need to be of the same size i.e. 2x256MB or 2x512MB.

(Minor point; the correct nomenclature for your type of memory is either PC3200 or DDR400)

[fo3nix]

yes, i'd agree. however, apart from it being the same kind as wideboy says, it's also a good idea to get the same quality ram.

if you currently have low quality ram (some unbranded ram), then you may as well only go for more cheap ram. but if you already have high quality ram, such as kingston or crucial, then go for more of the same quality of ram.