RAM Upgrade Question: Should I do 1GB or 2GB upgrade?

Edward · July 3rd, 2007, 09:48 PM

Hey you guys!

What is happening? What is up?! Hope everyone is doing well today!

I'm about to buy some RAM on Newegg for my Gateway Desktop (see side profile)...

But these are the problems i need help, if any of you can help!

A) Should I upgrade to 3GB or 4GB?

Well, i dont know that much about computers, but if i read correctly - Do you need to have all your RAM Slots occupied (mine has 4) to be oppertating in Dual Channel mode? What is Dual Channel mode ? Does it help? I think i am in Dual Channel mode right now with my 2GB Sticks , but if i have read correctly - if I add only one more 1GB stick of RAM, making it 3GB - Will I loose my Dual-Channel operation? If i go this route, will i notice any degredation in performance? If so, should i Just get 2 sticks of 1GB RAM instead? (keeping Dual Channel Mode?)

B) My Vista is only 32bits!

I have read that 32bit OSes have a RAM Addressing limit? I have read on other forums (sorry you guys

I'm a bad boy

that people have had problems when they upgrade to 4GB of RAM (or more, it seems) and the OS can only use/recoginze around 3GB (maybe more , a bit more).... I really dont want to upgrade to 64bit Vista due to driver concerns... This is why I just want 1 stick of 1GB RAM ....

What I am thinking of Doing: Well I was thinking of Getting only 1 Stick of 1GB of RAM (speed DDR 2 533 - PC 4200 - i think uhhhh

), but if it is going to slow down my system (by operating in single channel mode) - i dont think i will ! But, let say if I add 2 sticks of 1GB (making my system 4GB) - I wont have the full "advantage" of all the RAM

What a dilemma LOL

) !

I need your guys help/recommendations on this move of mine!

Thanks a million in advance!

G-d bless,

Edward

gen.Rage1991hrv · July 3rd, 2007, 09:58 PM

if you use vista best thing will be a 4GB
vista uses much of ddr space

Zamoldac · July 3rd, 2007, 10:26 PM

now the 2 modules of ram you have run in dual chanell if you add another module they will still run in dual chanell, + the added module.( at least that's how it happens on my motherboard, so i expect that will be the same case for you).

Edward · July 3rd, 2007, 10:35 PM

Wow! Thanx General Rage and Zamoldac for your quick and helpful replies! I really, REALLY appreciate it

I will end up getting 1 GB Stick for now and another 1GB Stick later , next month when i am planning to get a ***NEW*** Midrange Video Card - (with a new power supply - grrrrrrrrrrr) - Stay tuned! I hope to post up a mini - review with pics lol! If this non-techie can do it!

Thank you General Rage and Zamoldac for your replies (and anyone else that replies! )!!!

Have a great day!

Edward

gen.Rage1991hrv · July 3rd, 2007, 11:02 PM

no problem have fun

Mac Daddy · July 3rd, 2007, 11:56 PM

Nice job guys on helping Edward out well done

Zamoldac · July 4th, 2007, 02:33 AM

i'm glad i could help