Upgrading RAM

[msb45]

So I've been thinking about upgrading the RAM on my computer since it's become so cheap, my only problem is that I'm not sure if i need a specific kind of ram or if I can just buy anything out there on the market...

and then secondly, if I look at the various ram being sold (ie this example from ncix): Corsair XMS2 TWIN2X2048-6400 2GB 2X1GB PC2-6400 DDR2-800 CL 5-5-5-18 240PIN DIMM Dual Channel Memory, what does all that underlined stuff mean, and what should i be looking for
thanks
m

[tmpz]

Download CPU-Z.

http://www.cpuid.com/download/cpu-z-143.zip

Unzip and run.

Under the memory tab, it should say what kind of ram you have.

DDR2 is cheap. DDR1 is not. And they are NOT backwards compatible...

Just get the same kind of speed of ram you have now. I recommend Corsair, OCZ, Patriots...

[goofball]

better to post what motherboard you have. Some DDR2 will need to have voltage adjustments to run at their rated speeds and many oem boards will not provide this control.

[msb45]

I have DDR2 266MHz (currently 2X512 dual channel) and 2 more empty slots
it's an intel motherboard

so lets say comparing these 1 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18495&promoid=1001) 2 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=19337&promoid=1001) 3 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=21780&promoid=1001) 4 (http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=18581&vpn=TWIN2X2048-6400&manufacture=CORSAIR&promoid=1001) that NCIX has for sale in the price range i want, is any one better than the others (and can i do better than these price wise?)

thanks

[aimfox]

the underline is the timing of the ram which indicates how fast they are.. 4-4-4-12 is consider to be the fastest around (i think)

[Zertz]

If you own a Dell or whatever OEM, just get some Value RAM, it'll be cheaper and you won't really notice the difference, especially if you don't overclock.

[goofball]

to be safe, get this:

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=27708&vpn=D2U800C-2G%2FBR&manufacture=Buffalo&promoid=1001

since you say "intel motherboard", that doesn't give much info as to the specific model and the other modules you listed potentially more than standard 1.8v. Most basic intel boards don't allow for voltage adjustments.

[msb45]

since you say "intel motherboard", that doesn't give much info as to the specific model and the other modules you listed potentially more than standard 1.8v. Most basic intel boards don't allow for voltage adjustments.

it's an MDG made computer
here's what's written for the motherboard - i'm not sure if it tells you anything
D945GTP AAC97841-305
i945G/GZ REV A2
82801 GB (ICH7/R)
NS PC8374L

[willy]

Spec ... http://www.intel.com/products/motherboard/D945Gtp/index.htm

I would stick with sticks that run at 1.8V ... Something like these should serve you just fine ... http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11230BD9653&vpn=RM12864AA667&manufacture=CRUCIAL%20TECHNOLOGY

Or this ... http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013922&cid=RAM.346.314

[msb45]

I would stick with sticks that run at 1.8V ... Something like these should serve you just fine ... http://www.directcanada.com/products/?sku=11230BD9653&vpn=RM12864AA667&manufacture=CRUCIAL%20TECHNOLOGY

Or this ... http://www.canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd=pd&pid=013922&cid=RAM.346.314

would something that requires higher voltage still work, or will my computer not be able to power it?