Additional RAM

[Dianne2000]

Because I do a lot of recording music using my CD-RW burner and work with graphics, I'd like to add additional RAM. Currently, I have 128 MB of RAM on a 700 Mhz Pentium III DELL PC (and 100 BUS) with Windows 98 SE. (I made a mistake in not getting 133 BUS!)

I'm thinking of adding 256 RAM, putting it in the first slot because it's the fastest RAM, and the 128 MB RAM will be in the 2nd slot. How much RAM will I actually end up with performance-wise as a result of this combination?

I'm wondering if this will be significantly better than just adding another 128 MB of RAM? I only have 3 slots that hold 1 stick of RAM each, and I may add more RAM again in the future.

Also, what are the most reliable brands of RAM to get? Micron? Kingston?

Thanks for your comments!

[Junky]

Well, if it were me, I'd just add another 128 to make 256 total. If ya have money to burn go for more, but it may not pay. Check the motherboard manual to see what the max RAM is for it.

[Dianne2000]

Hi Junky! From the info I've been gathering, I see you're right that anything over 256 RAM is pretty much a waste of money. Except, video might run faster. The maximum RAM for my computer is 769 RAM, but Windows' cache only allows up to 512 RAM. For my needs, I now think that a total of 256 RAM will be sufficient for heavy duty graphics and music recording. Thanks again!

[zipulrich]

Local shops may be a tad cheaper, but I've always done real well by Crucial memory, both performance- and price-wise.
And with the 3rd slot, you can always fill it with another 128 if need be....

[Dianne2000]

You've been reading my mind, Zipulrich!
After doing some research on RAM lately,
I had decided before your post to purchase additional RAM from Crucial (and actually, their RAM is made by Micron). I've read more recommendations for Crucial for both RAM quality and price than for any other company.
Thanks for your help!

[zipulrich]

Enjoy the speed!