[KyloRilee]

Hi,

I'm looking to add more RAM to my computer. I have an HP Pavilion 304w. I had asked before, and someone told me to find out what kind of RAM I have in my computer now, and to try and get the same kind. But I went to newegg.com and searched for RAM compatible with my computer, and these are the results that came up:

http://www.newegg.co...Submit=Property

This site recommends the "Corsair" brand of memory for my computer.

But I also found another memory manufacturer site, Viking, and also did a search on my computer's model number. Here are the results from that:

http://www.vikingint...=304w&mid=85914

Amazon Price
http://www.amazon.co...998326?n=172282

Buy.com Price (temporarily sold out)
http://www.buy.com/r...sp?sku=10388654

The prices seem to be the same between Corsair and Viking, so I honestly don't know which to go with.

I'm also torn between weather to go with 256 or 512MB. Any opinions, suggestions, or comments are more than welcome.

Thank you.

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Corsair is favoured by a TT who uses a lot of it

If the motherboard supports 512mb stick, go with that as you will limit the upgrade potential by using smaller than maximun module size in the limited number of slots.

Crucial guarantee the suggested memory will work in a PC or refund

http://www.crucial.com/

[Retired Tech]

Corsair is favoured by a TT who uses a lot of it

If the motherboard supports 512mb stick, go with that as you will limit the upgrade potential by using smaller than maximun module size in the limited number of slots.

Crucial guarantee the suggested memory will work in a PC or refund

http://www.crucial.com/

[KyloRilee]

I think I'd like to get 512MB. From what I've read, anything less than that with Windows XP is crap. It's like it should be the bare minimum, from what it seems.


Now all I need to know is what is the difference between the CMSS512MB-266 and the CMSS512MB-333 (besides $2.50 on NewEgg.com)

Any other comments or suggestions are still welcome.

[Retired Tech]

333 (PC 2700) is quicker than 266 (PC 2100)

DDR memory was designed to be backward compatible so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to your computer. For example, you can install a PC3200 DDR module in a computer that calls for PC2700 DDR. However, keep in mind that faster memory will not necessarily make your system faster. You can't speed up your computer by adding faster memory if other components in your computer (your processor or other memory modules) operate at a slower speed.

The right memory for your computer is the kind of memory it was designed to take. Check your system manual

[wannabe1]

KyloRilee...

Corsair is always a good choice...and that's a very good price for it!

wannabe1

[KyloRilee]

DDR memory was designed to be backward compatible so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to your computer. For example, you can install a PC3200 DDR module in a computer that calls for PC2700 DDR.

According to this site, memoryx, my HP comes with DDR266 RAM.

But if I understand what you're saying correctly, the higher one would work too? I just don't want to go with one lower than what my computer can operate?

[Neil Jones]

Look your computer model up at crucial.com, they'll find you some memory that your computer will like.

[Smokey]

Specs for maximum compatibility:

184-pin DIMM
DDR333 PC2700
Non-buffered
Non-ECC
2.5 Volts

Look for these when buying your RAM. List of compatible sticks (Kingston is my first choice):
http://www.newegg.co...Submit=Property

Edited by Smokey, 12 December 2005 - 09:16 PM.

[Retired Tech]

You can use the same speed or faster, though all the memory would operate at the speed of the lowest stick, and other components would inhibit faster than spec speed memory

[KyloRilee]

You can use the same speed or faster, though all the memory would operate at the speed of the lowest stick, and other components would inhibit faster than spec speed memory

Awesome, thanks for the info.

So the faster one (333) is, for some reason, cheaper at Newegg.com. Should I go with that one? Or play it safe, and just go with the recommended 266?

Edited by KyloRilee, 13 December 2005 - 08:25 AM.

[Retired Tech]

If the cost differential is not significant, go with the recommended speed. This would give you comeback on the supplier if it does not install and run efficiently

However, it will be worth asking this as a presales enquiry at crucial.com (everyone I deal with answers presales enquiries much quicker than any other type)