| If you are looking to add some DDR2 memory to your | | | | the manual. |
| computer, then you are savvy enough to know that | | | | I have read some places that one should match up the |
| this can potentially greatly increase the performance | | | | same brand of memory stick, but I have never done |
| of your machine. Many people are unaware of the | | | | that and have never had a problem to date with |
| value of having as much memory as possible. | | | | different brands. If you want to play it safe, go ahead |
| There are a few potentially unexpected surprises that | | | | and get the same brand for all of your memory sticks. |
| could sabotage your efforts. For instance, you want to | | | | Chances are if you're upgrading that you'll have to buy |
| make sure that you match up the type of memory to | | | | all new sticks anyway. |
| exactly match your computer. If you don't, your efforts | | | | Another thing to remember is that Windows XP |
| will be wasted and you'll wind up having to exchange. | | | | maxes out at 3.25 GB of RAM. In my case, I had |
| No one wants an extra trip to the computer store or | | | | bought two 2 GB memory sticks, and then after |
| having to ship memory back to the sender for | | | | installing them my computer was telling me that I only |
| exchange. | | | | had 3.25 GB, although I knew I had it installed four. It |
| There are several ways to ensure that you are | | | | took me a while to find out that I was dealing with the |
| getting the exact right type of memory. There are | | | | maximum value of Windows XP, but it turned out that |
| ways to scan your computer to determine the type of | | | | in order to get the most from my system I needed to |
| memory you need. For instance, you can go to and | | | | install 4 GB anyway. |
| download their scanner. It will link you to their memory | | | | The safest way to replace your DDR2 memory is to |
| for sale, but you can always just do your price | | | | physically take it out and bring it with you to your local |
| shopping from there once you know what you need. | | | | computer store where they will identify exactly the |
| It is also crucial to match up the type and speed of | | | | type you need. That's what I wound up doing. If you |
| RAM for each card in your motherboard. If you have | | | | want to go to the trouble, you can then price shop |
| two mismatched memory sticks, your computer will | | | | online, or if it's not too expensive just go ahead and |
| run the sticks at the speed of the slower one. So if | | | | buy it there at the shop. Most chain computer stores |
| you have a maximum capacity of 4 GB, and your | | | | are fairly competitive price-wise on memory, and for |
| motherboard uses two slots, you need to have two 2 | | | | as cheap as DDR2 memory is as compared to when |
| GB memory sticks. And remember that all | | | | it was released in 2003, you're probably fine to buy it |
| motherboards have their limitations, so be sure to read | | | | at a physical location. |