Shoutbox

I have a 2nd PC with this MOBO:

http://www.msicomputer.com/product/p_spec.asp?model=PM8M2-V&class=mb

I currently have 512MB of RAM installed, but would like to upgrade the RAM to say 1Gb total (is that the bare minimum for increasing performance?)
I want to spend the least money on this PC since it's an oldie, but recognize that the current 512MB makes it slow (plus too much hard drive activity).
I'm confused as to the types of RAM modules, eventhough the MOBO specs detail the compatible RAM types.
So how should I order the cheapest 512MB module (or maybe use a single 1GB?) for this MOBO? DIMM or DDR? If DDR what type? 333 or 400?
Thanks.

quote:

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Originally posted by specs page
Main Memory

• Supports Four memory banks using two 184-pin unbuffered DDR333/400 DDR DIMM.
  
• Supports up to 2GB memory size.
  
• Supports 2.5v DDR SDRAM.

Due to the High Performance Memory design, motherboards or system configurations may or may not operate smoothly at the JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) standard settings (BIOS Default on the motherboard) such as DDR voltage, memory speeds and memory timing. Please confirm and adjust your memory setting in the BIOS accordingly for better system stability.
Example: Kingston HyperX DDR500 PC4000 operates at 2.65V, 3-4-4-8, CL=3.
For more information about specification of high performance memory modules, please check with your Memory Manufactures for more details.

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The main sthing to take away from that is "two 184-pin unbuffered DDR333/400 DDR DIMM". To be sure, check if your current 512MB is on a single chip, or two and what speed it is (DDR 333 or 400). DDR333 is often indicated as PC-2700, and DDR400 as PC-3200.

If your current 512MB is a single chip you could buy another 512MB chip at the same speed, but I don't really recommend it. Mixing different types of RAM, even when they are the same brand and speed can lead to unexpected results, usually leading to lots of BSODs. I would recommend buying a set of two 512MB DDR400(PC-3200) chips, or two 1GB chips at the same speed if you decide the price isn't too bad (Windows will benefit a lot).
Most chips are unbuffered, but stay away from anything that says registered or buffered. Also stay away from PC2-3200, this is DDR2 memory, which is also 240 pins instead of the 184 you need. DIMM is the type of module, DDR is the technology the chip uses, so there is no choosing between the 2, you'll have both.


EDIT:
Looking at the lowest prices locally (the Netherlands)...
A set of 2*1GB PC-3200 for below 60 Euro
A set of 1*1GB PC-3200 for 29 Euro

1*512MB PC-3200 for around 15 Euro
1*512MB PC-2700 for around 15 Euro
...and we don't exactly have the lowest hardware prices in the world. I suggest using some kind of price checker which compares prices from multiple (web)stores in your country.

quote:

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Originally posted by nimicitor
Use the Crucial scanning tool to find out what you need.

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Just about every memory brand have advisor pages like that, but it won't tell him anything more than I just said. And if you're looking for cheap you don't want to tie yourself to a single brand.

Crucial isn't a brand, it's a seller.  And I'm with nimicitor, I'd recommend that totally, although I couldn't find the exact model by searching, but you might have some success using their scanning tool

The CPU info is:
<<< Processor >>>

> Processor : Intel Pentium 4 506J

>> General Information
Type : Intel Pentium 4
Internal Specification : Intel Pentium 4 CPU 2.66GHz
Model Number : 506J
Codename : Prescott
Revision : E0
Technology : 0.09µ
CPU ID : F.4.1
CPU IDEx : F.4.1
Microcode : MU0F4117


The 512MB memory module currently installed has the following specs:
> Physical Memory : 512 MB DDR-SDRAM

>> General Information
A0 : Empty
A1 : Empty

>> Information SPD EEPROM (A0)
Manufacturer : Infineon
Part Number : AED660UD00-500C88X
Serial Number : E61B2812
Type : DDR-SDRAM PC-3200 (200 MHz) - [DDR-400]
Size : 512 MB (2 rows, 4 banks)
Module Buffered : No
Module Registered : No
Module SLi Ready (EPP) : No
Width : 64-bit
Error Correction Capability : No
Max. Burst Length : 8
Refresh : Reduced (.5x)7.8 µs, Self Refresh
Voltage : SSTL 2.5v
Prefetch Buffer : 2-bit
Manufacture : Week 56 of 2005
Supported Frequencies : 133 MHz, 166 MHz, 200 MHz
CAS Latency (tCL) : 2 clocks @133 MHz, 2.5 clocks @166 MHz, 3 clocks @200 MHz
RAS to CAS (tRCD) : 2 clocks @133 MHz, 3 clocks @166 MHz, 3 clocks @200 MHz
RAS Precharge (tRP) : 2 clocks @133 MHz, 3 clocks @166 MHz, 3 clocks @200 MHz
Cycle Time (tRAS) : 6 clocks @133 MHz, 7 clocks @166 MHz, 8 clocks @200 MHz

The FSB is set to 533MHz

I found it HERE: http://www.directron.com/ddr400512m184p.html for $16