More RAM

[coxmaster]

I havent had my computer for more than about a month.. everything runs great. Its incredibly fast compared to my old computer, but i feel like it needs some more RAM b/c of Vista.

I currently have 2GB of Dual Channel OCZ Platinum DDR2 PC6400. Im thinking of buying another 4GB more but of a different type. Its still going to be PC6400 DDR2 Dual channel but rather than OCZ Platinum it is THIS (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3404049&CatId=3412)

As long as it is compatible with the mobo (which it is) it should work right?

Specs in sig if ur curious

[tyle6]

It should do jut fine... you may have to loosin the plat. timings to place where they play nice with the lower binned sticks.
What are the specs on the plat. sticks>?

I just noticed you are mixing 1gb and 2gb stick... This actually wont work.

[coxmaster]

4-4-4-15 I believe is default, but my 680iLT likes to run them at 5-5-5-15

['Amp!']

If you buy ANOTHER 4GB or RAM for a total of 6GB then you will need to make sure you are using 64-bit version of Vista.

ALL 32-bit operating systems are limited to the amount of RAM they can access. While a 32-bit OS can ACCESS 4GB of RAM after allowing for paging and kernal usage you are left with about 2.2 - 3.0 GB of RAM

This would suck if you had 6GB installed and couldn't use it don't ya think.

Also, make sure the voltage requirement of the RAM is the same for both sets. If one NEEDS 2.2v and the other only 1.8V there is a chance you could burn out the lesser one.

Look around your OS and see if there is anything you can clean up first before adding more RAM. Turn off programs that run at startup that you don't need. See if any programs load themselves in the background you can disable.

[tyle6]

SO you can blend 2gb kits with 1gb kits and stay stable? cool. will dual channel still operate? guess not? or would each respective kit work in dual channel?
I would say if you want more ram though go with the 4gb kit and sell the others

[coxmaster]

I would reccomend moving to the new kit alone. I am not positive but i dont believe you can blend 1gb and 2gb kits of DDR2.

Thats what i was unsure of also.. i guess i'll have to do some research.

As for voltages, both are 2.2 so that should be ok..

Operating system.. already thought of thay, so i bought Vista 64 bit. Im not saying Vista is actually "slow" but if i have like 15 things open i can definately tell :P

[the_dope_chaud]

I would say if you want more ram though go with the 4gb kit and sell the others

I agree, 6 gigs of ram is excessive.

2 or 4 sticks will dual channel, not 3 thought.

[coxmaster]

Does each set of sticks have to be identical? If im only going to go with 4GB i might as well just get 2 more 1GB Platinum b/c thats cheaper...

[Miker]

A. 4g is all you need
B. 2 Sticks is best, 4 causes many problems
C. Volts must be the same.
D. Times must be the same, or you set them at the higher setting, maybe OC them lower.

[coxmaster]

a. Alright sounds good, thats what i was hoping to find out.
b. Thats what i suspected but wasnt sure.. of course my A+ teacher had no idea either :P
c. Knew that..
d. Makes sense

So if 4 is all that makes sense to have, should i..
A. Buy a 2x2GB and sell the 2x1GB
B. Keep the 2x1GB b/c there is no real gain from another 2GB
C. Buy the 2x2GB and just try it with the 2x1GB for the fun of it?

[Miker]

Keep the 2x 1GB unless you have Vista/XP 64, then get 2x 2GB.

[coxmaster]

I have Vista 64... so will it make a noticable difference if i do go for the 4gb?

[tyle6]

C with a possible hint of A. Id say grab the 4gb kit it looks good and the prices i right. try out the whole deal and see if it really does that much more.
sell the 2xgb kit if you want bringing the price of 2x2gb closer to that of having just bought the 2x1gb and added them in. this way you get the best best chances for stability and compatibility.