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Will my computer improve performance beyond the 512MB ram if I leave the 256MB in the 1st DIMM slot, and just add the 512 to it??
Is that possible or does the ram in dimm slot 2 need to match dimm slot 1?
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I started out with 128 MB RAM in my PC when I bought it and then I added another 256 MB and never had a problem.
The only thing that confuses me a little is that when I open my System icon in Control Panel, it tells me I have 368 MB. 256+128=384...so why doesn't the extra 16 MB show up?
NO, not all computers will allow you to do this.
Go to
http://www.crucial.com/
and see if your computer is compatable.
Hope this helps.
Hi. You can usually add sticks of different values but some types of memory require matching pairs. Your manual will tell you if this is so. On the matter of whether going beyond 512 meg will increase your computer's performance,that depends on whether you are doing rocket science, streaming video or are the hottest gamer on the block. 512 is enough for most activity amd additional memory tends to give only marginal performance improvement.However you will see a difference when you increase from 256. Hope this is helpful. Stewart
Some computers will NOT allow you to go past a certain ammount. It is stated in your owners manual, however if you lost it or misplaced it you can go to Crutial to find out for sure
And that's the correct answer
You are right.
I should explain that I was not responding to your post but when you type with one finger, a dozen other people can post before you can break into print. 
Take care Stewart
It's ok, Stewart. I know for a fact. My computer that I am currently using can only take 512mb sdram. If I go over it I can have problems. This is why I tried to clarify the subject.
go to
http://www.crucial.com/
and use there Crucial Memory Advisor™ Tool after step 3 a new page will come up on the left hand side of the page you will see system specs there you will see maximum memory make sure this is 768mb or more as putting to much ram into your system can have irreversible effects and will probably end up costing you a load of money
hope this helps dan
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