RAM Questions

[Extreme112]

A couple of questions.
1. Whats the difference between normal ram and gaming ram?

2. Whenever I search for ram I see something like PC#-#### and there will something like DDR2-800, what does this all mean?

Here my comp. model just in case anyone needs it. http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/ca/en/ho/WF06b/12132708-12133156-12133158-12133158-12133158-80230858-80451103.html

I am planning to install this ram http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/kingston-technology-kingston-1gb-ddr3-1333mhz-desktop-memory-kvr1333d3n9-1g-kvr1333d3n9-1g/10152521.aspx?path=2d1a37c548b3ea259c2938e35077ccccen02

 

[Slaymate]

1. Gaming ram is normally faster with tighter timings.

2. DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 are the types of memory, the PC2-6400 would be the speed classification and DDR2-800 is a shorter way of saying it.

That ram won't work in your PC as the ram is DDR3 and your computer uses DDR2.

This ram is a match for your system and it will max it out. They ship to Canada.
2GB kit (1GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 upgrades for HP - Compaq Pavilion Media Center m8125x Desktop/PC, CT726662 from Crucial.com

 

[Extreme112]

Thanks a lot. Though I might buy from my local NCIX as there is one close to me and as shipping takes a while.

Another questions, what does dual channel memory mean and whats special about it? I take that it means that I have to install both of them, but I don't really know. It's a good thing I still have 2 slots left.

This is what I plan to buy http://ncix.com/products/?sku=38129&vpn=VS2GB800D2&manufacture=Corsair or http://ncix.com/products/?sku=18581&vpn=TWIN2X2048-6400&manufacture=Corsair

 

[Slaymate]

dual channel means the system is accessing two sources of ram which increases the memory bandwidth.

In order to stay in dual channel mode you need to add 2 more sticks of ram, not 1.

Buying faster ram won't help you as the memory system will only run as fast as the slowest stick installed. So unless you remove your old ram you should just buy (2) more sticks of PC2-5300.

 

[Extreme112]

Thanks, I guess I'll just buy it anyway just in case I might replace my other ram in the future. Thanks for the help.

 

[Extreme112]

If I buy dual channel ram is there a special way to place it so the comp. can recognize it as dual channel?

 

[GhOsT1321]

Duel channel ram is usually sold in pairs with identical speed and timings. Dual channel RAM is installed the same way any other computer RAM is installed. Make sure your orientation is correct (ram connection matches motherboard slot, which will have a notch) and put the ram in, pushing straight down.

As long as RAM is installed in pairs, it will be in dual channel mode, example 2 sticks or 4 sticks will both function in dual channel mode.

 

[Yami]

If I buy dual channel ram is there a special way to place it so the comp. can recognize it as dual channel?

It will say in your motherboard manual, but usually they're placed by colour coding.
In the image below, there's two blue-coloured slots and two black-coloured slots. Usually to get dual channel working, you put one RAM stick in a blue slot, and the other RAM stick in the other blue slot.

Your motherboard manual will tell you for sure, though.

 

[Extreme112]

Thanks guys. I think I might have to reinstall mine again. The picture helped me a lot.