[Husky]

No where did I see where it was posted what speed ram he already had in his computer. Why not run Everest or some other program to find out what he has before he yanks it out. The Crucial scan may have suggested the same speed he already has in the computer. Also he may have ordered (this is just an example) pc 3200, but the motherboard only supports pc 2700. The ram is usually backwards compatible. So even the pc 3200 will only run at the max of the motherboard which is the pc 2700, so therefore both sticks would run fine.

[djlen]

I just went to my Profile page and updated some of my specs. with the idea that they would appear on my posts, but I guess there is a step between putting them in the profile and making them available for all to see when I post.
If someone could enlighten me as to how to do this I would be happy to do so.

For your purposes Husky:
CPU Family: AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2500+ Model 10, Stepping 0
CPU Speed: 1830 MHz
Maximum Memory Capacity: 2048MB
Currently Installed Memory: 512MB
Available Memory Slots: 1
Number of Banks: 2
Dual Channel Support: No
OS - WinXP - Home

Hope this helps.

Len

[Husky]

If you could post the make & model of your motherboard, and the speed of the memory you have installed that would help.
download Everest home from here
Download Everest Home Edition 2.20 - Everest Home Edition - a freeware system information, system diagnostics and benchmarking solution - Softpedia
and once the program runs, click on motherboard, then on motherboard again and that will tell what motherboard you have. Then click on spd and that should tell which ram you have installed. tThe memory speed is important

[djlen]

Something else from the report I got from Crucial:
Do I have to install matching pairs?

A: No.

No, you can install modules one at a time, and you can mix different densities of modules in your computer. But if your computer supports dual-channel memory configurations, you should install in identical pairs (preferably in kits) for optimal performance
***My computer does not support dual-channel.

And this:
Q: What memory goes into my computer, and can I mix speeds?

A: DDR memory with support for DDR PC2700,DDR PC3200 speeds.

Because DDR memory is backward-compatible, you can safely upgrade your system with any of the guaranteed-compatible DDR speeds listed below, even if your manual calls for PC1600 or PC2100 speeds

Not sure if this additional info. will be of assistance or not, but it seems to say that my computer will recognize both the old 512 and the 1 gig upgrade........no?

Len

[Gunner]

Your mobo: *Note: Dual-channel DDR400 requires an AGP graphics card.
Dual-channel DDR333/266/200 supported with AGP or integrated graphics."
333 MHz Front Side Bus.
Good luck and enjoy the experience.

[djlen]

Gunner - Not sure what this means.....lol.
If you could talk to me like I was 10 it would help.

Len

[Husky]

you will be fine using both sticks.

[djlen]

Well that's great news!! So I will get the benefit and utilization of the full 1.5 gigs? Just checking. If so, that's outstanding!!
I did run the Everest app. and I have to tell you it gave me more info. than I know what to do with.....lol.
I will keep it around in case I ever need any of all of the information that it gives.
You guys are #1....thanks again.

Len

[Gunner]

djlen, long story short, I was merely listing specs for your motherboard.
You have a 512MB and a 1GB stick of ram.
If you install both sticks and the system boots up...Great!!
If the system fails to boot, remove 1 stick and boot again.
If the system boots with either 512 or 1GB separately but not both,
there is a compatibility problem.
10 yr old speak:
If the (assume these are cars)512 speed is 20MPH and the 1GB speed is 40MPH,
using these together the speed of both will be 20MPH.
You can't get a slower car to go faster but you can get a faster car to go slower.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.

[Blackmirror]

Once your ram gets here then we can talk you through it

[Daveskater]

Just to clarify something on the first page, if the new RAM is capable of higher speeds than the old one, then the new one will run at the maximum speed that the old one can, a bit like Gunner's illustration.

Crucial may say that it's alright to mix and match RAM how you like, but that may be using just their brand. There are quite a few instances out there where mismatched RAM has been a problem.

As long as the two sticks are compatible with each other, then your computer will definitely recognise all 1.5GB. You will know if they aren't compatible, because the PC will not boot. If this happens then take the 512MB stick out, put the 1GB stick in its place, and try again. Then personally I would put the 512 stick on eBay to get some money towards another GB

[Gunner]

Daveskater, I couldn't have put it better myself....or did I?
We're gonna get this memory to work or die trying.

[Daveskater]

Cheers mate, I'd say you did a pretty good job too

Haha sounds about right! It WILL work!

[Rik]

Just remember, if you get any instability issues or bsod's. Try running with just the 1 stick to see if it cures it.

[djlen]

I will do as instructed. I just spoke with my son who works in the computer industry and he said what I've mostly heard here. That I should buy in pairs and that they probably will not work together.
He does say something that is different from what is said on a link that I got from Blackmirrow, whom you all know(or should) that I worship.
Here is what it says there:
1. First, turn off the computer, but leave it plugged in, because then it's automatically grounded, explains Ritchie. (Computers that should not remain plugged in will be clearly marked.)
3.Touch the case to ground yourself. "If you've got a static charge then you won't once you've touched the case," says Ritchie. (Although some manuals recommend anti-static wrist straps, Ritchie says that this is not necessary for home users.)

My son says: Make sure you unplug the computer and remove any static electricity before picking up the DIMMs. I've fried a board before because I forgot to unplug.

One is telling me to unplug....the other not to unplug.
There are two things that make me sweat. One is changing an electrical fixture in the house...
I hate to work with electricity.
The other is even thinking about opening up my computer case. It's been open exactly 3 times in 7 years, and only when I had to.
Hence the reasons for me whining like a child over all of this. I want to do it right and not fry anything. I'm not big on fried.....but broiled is OK.
Anyway it's only when I get two totally divergent opinions on something that I annoy you fine and understanding people.
Feedback please.

Len

[Blackmirror]

Len i open mine and hoover it

I remove the power cord
I just touch the case
I am full of static and my bits all work

[Husky]

I plug into a power strip, then shut the power strip OFF. That way there is no power to the computer but you are still grounded through the electrical. Make sure it is a grounded power strip.

[djlen]

Husky - that sounds like the best of both worlds!! Unless someone jumps in here and says otherwise, that's the way I will go!! Power off but still grounded.
We are both newbies......you who know much.....I who know nothing. What a combo.

Blackmirror- don't start talking with me about your bits.......I need to think without distraction.
Wow, what a concept......I learn a little bit and get to flirt at the same time.

Keep them cards and letters comin' in boys and girls....

Len

[Blackmirror]

Well we will be here to assist you if you run into any problems

[Gunner]

Len, ESD (electrostatic discharge) is a lengthy subject on its own and I have
actually been schooled in the subject.
Long story short, you know that ain't happening, grounding is grounding and
there are many ways to do it.
Some, most now, computers still have something going on even with power off
but still plugged into a hot source.
It only takes about 30 volts to disable or degrade an integrated circuit (IC).
That means laying down a stick of ram, swivel a little in your chair, and then pick
it up without discharging yourself and ZAP!! it could go just that easy.
(swiveling or sliding in a chair could build 30 volts or more easily)
On the other hand I have removed and installed circuit boards, accidentally,
into a full running computer and did not hurt a thing except my ego and
self respect. Live and learn.
I've worked with 440vac and 880vac and still hate being static shocked from a
rug or car seat. OWCH!! Darn I hate it when that happens.
Sorry but I do tend to ramble.