RAM upgrade - best options

squishy · **20th August 2008, 01:26 PM**

Want to increase the RAM on my computer.

Mobo is ECS MCP61PM-HM. OS is Vista home premium.

Mobo HAS 4 dimm slots. 2 slots have 2 * 512 mb currently installed. Want to up the RAM to 3 gb. What is the best option for performance out of the following (or will it make no difference) :
1.Leave the 2* 512 mb currently in place and add 2 * 1gb sticks to the two vacant dimm slots or
2. Remove the 2 * 512 mb sticks and replace with 3 (or maybe 4) * 1 gb sticks or
3. Add 1 ( or maybe 2)* 2 gb stick to one of the vacant dimm slots.

Options 1 & 3 are about the same price with option 2 being the most expensive.

Also I know Kinston & Corsair are quality brands but how good are the no names eg Desktop?

P.S. Have gone to Control Panel and filled out the My Media Centre details but the specs are not displaying. What am I doing wrong?

TheRob · **20th August 2008, 03:08 PM**

Option 1. is fine. Just make sure that the new RAM is the same or better spec than your current sticks. No need to spend more money than you need to, and 3G of RAM will be better then 2G.

No name brands can be good, but can also be troublesome. I use Corsair Value Select range and have found it to be reliable and not too expensive. If you can get the no name RAM from a reputable supplier that will exchange it if you have compatibility problems, then go for it and see how it runs. Otherwise, stick with the known brands.

buccaneerbob · **20th August 2008, 03:47 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by squishy

P.S. Have gone to Control Panel and filled out the My Media Centre details but the specs are not displaying. What am I doing wrong?

You need to tell us how you're feeling.

You can change it under Control Panel -> Edit Options -> Misc Options -> Mood Display.

Once you've done that the Media Centre details should show up under your details on the left.

squishy · **21st August 2008, 10:16 AM**

Will purchase 2 * 1 gb sticks. Have priced the Corsair Value select range (PC5300) -should get it for around the $50 price range.

squishy · **21st August 2008, 10:23 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by buccaneerbob

You need to tell us how you're feeling.

You can change it under Control Panel -> Edit Options -> Misc Options -> Mood Display.

Once you've done that the Media Centre details should show up under your details on the left.

Done what you have suggested - see if it will appear now!