Can I add new memory to my existing memory?

ReefBreak

My PC currently has 256MB of RAM. I'd like to up it to 512mb (or maybe even a gig). Can I simply add an extra 256mb or do I have to replace the existing memory with a new 512 (or 1 gig) memory module?

My current PC memory specs are:

Mainboard
Manufacturer : MICRO-STAR INC.
MP Support : 1 CPU(s)
MPS Version : 1.40
Model : MS-6580
Version : 10A
Serial Number : 00000000

Memory Controller
Error Detection Method : None
Supported/Current Memory Interleave : 1-way / 1-way
Number of Memory Slots : 3
Maximum Installable Memory : 3072MB
Maximum Module Size : 1024MB
Supported Memory Types : DIMM, SDRAM
Supported Memory Voltages : +3.3V

Physical/BIOS Memory Banks
DIMM1 (RASL-1 RASL-0) : 256MB DIMM SDRAM single-bank
DIMM2 : Empty
DIMM3 : Empty

Memory Module(s)
Memory Module 1 : Samsung M3 68L3223DTL-CB0 21FC4E0D 256MB 8x(32Mx8) DDR-SDRAM PC2100U-2533-750 (CL2.5 up to 133MHz) (CL2 up to 100MHz)


I'm thinking of buying:
http://www.komplett.ie/k/ki.asp?sku=111283&cks=PRL

I'm not really a massive hardware wiz, so if anyone knows whether I can append this to my existing memory, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks.

leeroybrown

Another stick of PC2100 capible memory should be fine. (You can use faster memory and it will just run at DDR266 speeds)

Crucial also sell memory directly:
(The price is similar but the delivery will be cheaper or free)
http://www.crucial.com/eu/store/partspecs.asp?imodule=CT6464Z265&WSMD=CT6464Z265&WSPN=CT6464Z265

Also, consider looking at http://www.shop4memory.com as they offer free delivery in Ireland.

BloodBath

Depends what you use your machine for. If you play games i'd replace the stick of 2100 with a 512 stick of pc3200 and down the line u could get another 512 of the same. www.shop4memory.co.uk are good. Based in Ireland with free delivery. They have a 512 stick of pc3200 as cheap as e85.


BloodBath

Mutant_Fruit

but can his computer take advatage of those faster speeds? Mine can't.

ressem

His motherboard, I think, according to crucial

MSI (Micro Star) MS-6580 (845G Max)
* 184-pin DIMM Banking: 3 (3 banks of 1)
* AGP Support: 2x and 4x
* Chipset: Intel 845G
* DDR SDRAM Frequencies: PC1600 and PC2100
* Error Detection Support: Non-ECC only
* Max Unbuffered DDR SDRAM: 2048MB
* Module Types Supported: Unbuffered only
* Supported DRAM Types: DDR SDRAM only
* USB Support: 2.x Compliant

http://www.crucial.com/eu/store/listparts.asp?Mfr%2BProductline=MSI+%28Micro+Star%29%2B+Motherboards&mfr=MSI+%28Micro+Star%29&cat=RAM&model=MS-6580+%28845G+Max%29&submit=Go

He's got 1 slot used, 2 free.

So I'd suggest adding a 512 MB chip PC 2100 or 2700 DDR SDRAM, bringing him to 768MB, and having the option of adding another 512MB or 1GB if it becomes worthwhile in the future.

Probably not worth paying a premium for 3200 or better, as by the time you're looking to upgrade your PC/motherboard to get the nice PCi Express / SATA stuff, it'll probably be old hat.
The gamers will suggest looking for CAS 2.5 rather than CAS 3 memory for a percentage point difference.


And read the antistatic instructions before taking the chip from the foil packaging.

ReefBreak

Thanks for your help lads. I'm going to go ahead and buy the PC2100 512MB.