I'm trying to totally upgrade my computer..

[phucng_10]

That means you have 4 Slots of RAM. But you wouldn't need 4 sticks of RAM if you don't do anything crazy such as Video-editing/encoding and such. 2GB of RAM would be more then enough for gaming. The colors of the slots means they're in Dual Channel. So when it's in Dual Channel, it means they're DIMM (Dual In-Line Memory Module). Running 2 sticks to get it to the speed of 1. You'll have to plug the RAM into the same colored slot for it to work in Dual Channel. So I'm assuming you have 2 512mb right now.

 

[phucng_10]

An aftermarket cooler would be a Heatsink Fan that is bought separately. A stock cooler would be the one that came with the purchase of your CPU/Processor. Well if you're planning to buy the Q6600, I would suggest you to get this as your aftermarket cooler. And you'll have to get thermal paste for your CPU, this.

 

[ShiningOdin]

Alright, cool. Now, since I have 4 slots, should I leave my old 2 in there and put in the new ram also? Surely 3 GB is better than 2 GB? Or is this another misguided viewpoint? Also, how does thermal pasting work?

 

[phucng_10]

Not necessarily, you won't see much of a difference between 2GB and 3GB. I'd say just run 2GB of RAM. As for the thermal paste, it acts as a thermal conductivity between the surfaces of the CPU and the surfaces of the heatsink. Its job is to draw away the heat from the CPU and passing it onto the aftermarket cooler.

 

[ShiningOdin]

Alright, cool, thanks for the help. Anything else I should know?

 

[phucng_10]

No problem. Don't think so, but if you're confused about something, come to Tech-Forums or PM me and I'll try my best to help you. :happy:

 

[ShiningOdin]

Alright, I'll find the stuff then post the links to make sure its the right stuff before I buy it.

 

[phucng_10]

Alright, I'll be gone for about 30 minutes or so, just post the links up and I'll get back to your post.

 

[ShiningOdin]

Sunbeam Tuniq Tower 120 CPU Cooler for AMD AM2, K8 and Intel 478, LGA775
Arctic Cooling MX-2 High Performance Thermal Compound 4g
Intel Q6600 Retail - G0 Stepping SLACR - BX80562Q6600 by: Intel -
Newegg.com - GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3R LGA 775 Intel P35 ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail
Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

Alright, here they are. Now, all these should work on my computer?

 

[phucng_10]

Yes, they should all work on your computer. Thing is that, everything that's on your computer right now, won't work with these parts you're about to order. I think you get what I'm saying. The RAM wouldn't work because it's a different speed. The speed is the PC2 6400 and such. Since your old RAM is PC2 4300, it's not compatible with PC2 6400. I think you get it, correct? :happy: