Need help, trying to upgrade and understand RAM

[Temedor]

I want to upgrade my computer RAM from 1gb to 2gb.  But I did checked the Product Specifications of my computer, and my Motherboard specifications table,  and they dont say the same thing??  <u>My Computer Spec table says:</u>Maximum RAM allowed 1.0 GB (2 X 512 MB)Speed supportedPC2700 MB/sec, 184 pin, DDR SDRAM<u>My Motherboard specifications table says:</u>2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM socketsSupport up to maximum 2 GB memory (2 X 1024 GB)Supports unbuffered PC2700/2100 non-ECC DDR SDRAM memorySo my Motherboard spec says that I <b>CAN</b> have up to 2Gb of RAM, while my computer spec says that I <b>CANT</b>... wich one says the truth?  I checked on <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.crucial.com," target="_blank">www.crucial.com,</a> and it also says that I can upgrade to 2 Gb... Also, the speed of the RAM is quiet confusing, because I actually <b>DO</b> have one DDR PC3200 and one DDR PC2700 installed... but both specs says that I can only use PC2700.  If so, how can I have a PC3200 working?-Is all that confusion because my computer is an older one, and that PC3200 and 1Gb RAM didnt exist at the period the specifications was written?-Or does it mean that I just cant upgrade anymore, and that my current PC3200 is actually damaging my computer?Also, in all honesty, would upgrading my RAM from 1Gb to 2Gb make a difference?  Will I get an increase in FPS?  I understand that walking in Queynos Harbor will still kill my computer, but will I at least be able to run without freezing every 10 seconds?Heres the spec of my computer:HP Pavilion a800n AMD Athlon XP (B) 3200+ 2.2 GHz400 MHz Front side bus, Socket A2 x 184-pin DDR DIMM socketsActually with 1Gb of RAMNVidia GEForce 6800 GT 256MbThanks all for your help, and cya ingame.

[Fenix]

This may simply be an error from HP or maybe you will need to upgrade your motherboard bios so it can support 2 gig of ram. Either way, you should send a mail or call and ask HP directly. As for the for 3200 ddr, higher speed ram work on lower speed.  Your 3200 (DDR 400 MHZ) is actually running at   the speed  that your motherboard  support (333mhz … pc 2700 ).

[TSR-DanielH]

<p>When you indicate your "<u>My Computer Spec table"</u>, where are you getting those numbers from?  The manufacturers of the computer?</p><p> This is just a guess, but I'm thinking that your computer spec table is assuming you wont remove one of the memory modules already in the computer.  Generally, if your motherboard says you can support it then you should be able to use it, assuming your chipset drivers are up to date.</p>

[Temedor]

<cite>TSR-DanielH wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>When you indicate your "<u>My Computer Spec table"</u>, where are you getting those numbers from?  The manufacturers of the computer?</p><p> This is just a guess, but I'm thinking that your computer spec table is assuming you wont remove one of the memory modules already in the computer.  Generally, if your motherboard says you can support it then you should be able to use it, assuming your chipset drivers are up to date.</p></blockquote>That make so much sense !!  Yes, indeed, it is the spec sheets, the paper ones, that came in the box with the computer I am speaking of. I called HP today, I talked to the Technical support department.  The lady didnt know what a Motherboard was... <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/385970365b8ed7503b4294502a458efa.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />I do /blush to ask it, but how can I know if the chipset drivers are up to date, and how can I update them if they are not? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/499fd50bc713bfcdf2ab5a23c00c2d62.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />And, as for the performances... will I see any improvement with 2gb?Thanks for the help.

[TSR-TrevorG]

I noticed a HUGe difference when moving from 1GB to 2GB

[TSR-DanielH]

<cite>Temedor wrote:</cite><blockquote><cite>TSR-DanielH wrote:</cite><blockquote><p>When you indicate your "<u>My Computer Spec table"</u>, where are you getting those numbers from?  The manufacturers of the computer?</p><p> This is just a guess, but I'm thinking that your computer spec table is assuming you wont remove one of the memory modules already in the computer.  Generally, if your motherboard says you can support it then you should be able to use it, assuming your chipset drivers are up to date.</p></blockquote>That make so much sense !!  Yes, indeed, it is the spec sheets, the paper ones, that came in the box with the computer I am speaking of. I called HP today, I talked to the Technical support department.  The lady didnt know what a Motherboard was... <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/385970365b8ed7503b4294502a458efa.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />I do /blush to ask it, but how can I know if the chipset drivers are up to date, and how can I update them if they are not? <img src="/eq2/images/smilies/499fd50bc713bfcdf2ab5a23c00c2d62.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" width="15" height="15" />And, as for the performances... will I see any improvement with 2gb?Thanks for the help.</blockquote><p>Unless you find that your new RAM doesn't work, I wouldn't worry about the chipset drivers.  I'm pretty sure your motherboard would be able to handle the RAM either way.  You can usually get the chipset drivers from the manufacturers website.  Simply look on that spec sheet for your mother board, find where it indicates what chipset you have, then search for that name and drivers in google.  It should probably be one of the first pages listed.</p><p> You should definately see an improvement.  You may not be able to crank up your graphics settings way higher with that upgrade, but your play should be smoother especially if you run other stuff in the background while playing.</p>