SOLVED Confused about RAM upgrade,

[Shane62]

I've decided to increase my RAM, and after a scan from Crucial, and they've said:

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300, DDR2 PC2-6400 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

What's the difference between 5300 and 6400, both are the same price?
Lastly they say:
I have to install in matching pairs, AND "To benefit from the performance advantages offered by dual-channel systems, you should install memory in identical pairs. Installing a kitted pair is the best way to ensure that your modules are identical, right down to the chip count."

Should I buy their 2x1GB kit - which is more expensive, or buy two indentical but separate cheaper 1GBs?

 

[TorrentG]

Hi, welcome.

Yeah, buy the kit. The price difference will be well worth it. Otherwise, you run the risk of an unstable system that could have frequent crashes.

The difference in 5300 and 6400 is the speed. 6400 is obviously faster. Go with that.

PC2-6400 runs at 800 MHz.

PC2-5300 runs at 667 MHz.

 

[TrainableMan]

Torrent, if they already have 5300 in other slots won't it still all run at 667?

 

[TorrentG]

Torrent, if they already have 5300 in other slots won't it still all run at 667?

Yep, sure.

I replied not fully realizing original RAM is going to be kept.

In this case, CPU-Z can be used to see what type of memory is already installed.

 

[Shane62]

How would I do that?

 

[TorrentG]

Download and run it. Then look at memory and spd tabs:

http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html

 

[Shane62]

Yeah two 5300s, 333MHz each, so I should go for the 2GB 5300 kit?

 

[TorrentG]

If you have 4 slots, 2 open and ready to use, then yes.

 

[Elmer BeFuddled]

I've never managed to download the Crucial Scanner Tool as much as I click on the link after accepting T&C's