Need DDR2 suggestions

[StereoInstaller1]

It is time to upgrade the RAM in my sons' PC. It is a P4, 2.8Ghz. He has 2 open RAM slots, but currently has 2X256. I am planning on Kingston "Value" series 2X512 in addition to what he has.

I am thinking 1.5GB of DDR2 is gonna rock.

He plays "Oblivion" and actually rocks this shit at 15.

Any suggestions on brand name or specs? Do I need to worry about cooling? Should we plan on any other mods to make it better?

He is also gonna get a 300GB HDD. He currently uses SATA. Can we go to SATA2 without a PCI controller card?

Thanks for the input, guys.

Luke

[mattdk318i]

I use PNY and 2GB worth. Kingston is good too.
I havent had a problem with either. I know there are other brands floating out there but im content with either of these

[parkerbink]

Kingston, Corsair, etc all good the Sata2 issue depends on the motherboard, the good news is you can get the newer spec drive and it will run whether 2 is supported or not then you'll have the faster drive when a mobo upgrade is done

[browntown]

i also vote corsair, geil, ocz. If you're into computer bling, I personally run mushkin PC3200 2-3-3-8 @ 400mhz. If you're running dual channel like me, get a matched pair (many say this is not neccessary and a marketing ploy, but you don't really pay a premium for a matched pair, and the sticks are from the same production lot usually). If you go dual channel, the two sticks of 256 may not be supported by the MB. I know my board only will allow two sticks if running dual channel.

[StereoInstaller1]

If you go dual channel, the two sticks of 256 may not be supported by the MB. I know my board only will allow two sticks if running dual channel.

So, you have to run 2 sticks only? Do you have to have 4 matched sticks? He currently has 2X256, matched.

Luke

[browntown]

my understanding if you run dual channel most motherboards only want two sticks. you can run all four sticks, prolly not in dual channel though.

[mattdk318i]

ive also heard that a computer can only run on your lowest channel. Like if you have a 256 and a 512 it will run 256 to keep from overheating the 256. not sure about this. but my friend has been building computers since there were commodores. And he told me that tip a few years ago. However im probably wrong. Computers have been changing and improving every WEEK!!

[browntown]

lowest clockspeeds and timing (cas, ras, cas->ras, precharge, etc) yes, lowest memory size (256, 512, etc) heck no.

[mattdk318i]

thanks....i knew i was wrong. This is why i operate a 16 year old car.

[wangchung325]

Work out and Dance a lot. Just keep grooving

I love Dance Dance Revolution 2

[James Crivellone]

Luke, are you SURE it uses DDR-II and not DDR?

You can run most SATA2 HD's on a SATA1 controller, however some early controllers have issues with larger capacities (think about 400)