Q: I have a computer with 1/2 gig of PC3200 RAM. I might buy 2 gigs of ram. I have four slots in my mobo. When I install my two new gigs, should I pull out the half gig?
A: well, it depends if you have dual channel capability or not. If so, I would leave only the 2 matching sticks in your computer. The sticks must be matching pairs to achieve dual channel. Also, the older AMD 64's would slow down the memory to slower timings or speeds when using 4 sticks, instead of 2... One last thing, the memory timings could be different, even though the clock speed is the same. What? Yes.. lol There is a transfer speed, which is the pc3200. Which translated is 400mhz. Most people can match that part pretty simple, but there is another important number not many people explain or talk about, which is the CAS latency. Which is the memory timings. It's actually quite complicated, so I'll leave it short. It's kinda like a responce time. The lower the number the better. CAS 3 is standard, cheap pc3200. CAS 2.5 or 2 is for gaming and high performance. The only reason I explain all of that. Because if you have 3 sticks, or however many all running at pc3200, it doesnt mean they are all the same CAS latency. More than likely the one stick that is faster slows itself down to match the other. But it could create errors, lock ups, and freezes. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?Sku=O261-9002 that's great pc3200 ram. I use it. It's amazing. If you don't game much or overclock, you might not appreciate it as much. Also it could create errors if you read some of the reviews. Because it is so fast. But if you compare the price to standard CAS 3 memory, it's close in price. Either way, have fun, good luck, and now you know what to do!