Someone that I know wanted me to upgrade their computer with a new hard drive but before I go ahead and do so I wanted to seek someone other than myselfs opinion. The mother board is a tekram P6B40A4x p2 128m ram. They dont want to spend alot but wanted to upgrade the hard drive and maybe the memory. I was just going to purchase another 128m ram and get a 40g western digital or maxtor 40-60g hard drive. This person said they will not be useing the computer alot nor are the young. I wanted to make sure that I could do this with the motherboard. I guess im saying I wanted to make sure that adding another stick of 128mb and a 40g hard drive would be compatable with the motherboard. any suggestions. Im not fully aware of the motherboard specs. Any suggestions would help. I then will add windows 2000. Thanks! Rob

The hard drive should be no problem. But, you need to make sure you buy the same kind of memory that is already in there. There are several different types of memory, you just want to make sure that you get the same type. Doesn't neccessarily have to be the same brand.

Also, you could crack the case, find the make and model and go to their website to see the kind of memory you need for that board.

Download and use a free utility called Everest Home Edition. This utility can tell you the exact memory you currently have, along with the harddrive and many other things. Find Everest here: http://www.lavalys.com/products/overview.php?pid=1&lang=en&pageid=1

Good advice from OtheHill. Everest is the best diagnostic tool you will ever download. Bit of a wit....half to be precise.

crucial.com is a reasonably good source for memory. There allow you to select which make/model of motherboard you have and will list all suitable memory modfules available. Go to the home-site/page select your motherboard (tekram); proceed to step-2 and select the model number (P6B40A4x) and click on "go". It will list the RAM recommended/available. I suggest you use non-ECC chips (cheaper, and no real advantage using the ECC style in domestic environment). ECC are error checking modules - usually cost a little extra.... It may be that you have one already installed; if so then you can go that route with the additional RAM, or still go non-ECC. Any (if installed already) ECC will act as non-ECC if there is non-ECC RAM present... Ensure RAM speed is the same as original (as you will retaining the original RAM too(?) Whilst you can mix modules of different speeds (within reason) it can present problems...; so bettter to avoid it? It can all be done on line; their phone service is reasonable too. Some folks will comment that the tech no-how of the staff leave much to be improved. From my own experience I can't agree; I have found it OK - but then I guess it depends on who you speak to at crucial? crucial prices are usually some of the best around - mail-order delivery is pretty fast too. Once you know the style of RAM to use - check with local stores too? But do not buy the cheapest RAM around - it doesn't always pay... W2K is a little picky about RAM quality/specs. and you get what you pay for.