Hi all, Couple questions. I am looking to purchase a new Media Center PC. My first question is the machine I plan to purchase comes with 1gb RAM standard. It has four DDR memory slots, two corresponding slots with 512mb each. If i wanted to add RAM, would i need to match the memory modules in the remaining two slots, or could I add a single 512mb module? Secondly, I can either get a 3.0ghz PC with 1gb RAM + 512mb (total of 1.5gb, if this is possible as outlined above) or a 3.4ghz PC with just 1gb RAM. I will be using the PC for a variety of purposes, including business spreadsheets, multimedia/TV, some gaming, etc. The computers are identical in all other respects. Any thoughts?

whats the overclock capacity of a 3.0gHz P4 530? Could i clock this up a little higher without aftermarket cooling?

1)Depends how they have the slots wired. Some computers require matched pairs only since they will use eachother in a complimentry format. Other machines will allow single ram board upgrades as long as the initial boards are in. The manual will tell which type it is. 2) Go for the increased speed, if more memory is required you can always rely on the virtual type. But it gets more complicated and expensive if more speed is needed in the future

>>...the machine I plan to purchase comes with 1gb RAM standard. It has four DDR memory slots, two corresponding slots with 512mb each. If i wanted to add RAM, would i need to match the memory modules in the remaining two slots, or could I add a single 512mb module? >>I can either get a 3.0ghz PC with 1gb RAM + 512mb (total of 1.5gb, if this is possible as outlined above) or a 3.4ghz PC with just 1gb RAM. I will be using the PC for a variety of purposes, including business spreadsheets, multimedia/TV, some gaming, etc. The computers are identical in all other respects. Mike, IMHO 1gb ram is sufficeint for your needs- adding more is a waste of money, go for the 3.4ghz w/ 1gb ram. If you should need more memory, buy from a reputable company such as crucial.com (use their memory selector) to insure compatibility with your existing stick(s).

1gb is more than enough. You should only consider going past 1gb if you're into graphics....otherwise, you'll never use the excess ram. If the motherboard is dual-channel, then the memory modules are placed in the system two at a time. You can add a 3rd, but it'll run in single channel mode. If you're considering overclocking, then the 3.0 would be fine. I can run mine around 3.6 ghz during the winter time, and around 3.4 ghz in the summer time. I think you'd get a better bang for the buck overclocking the 3.0.