Upgrading RAM

[MNC]

So I got a slightly better PC (Yeehaw!) and it has 512MB RAM.
I want to upgrade it to a 1 GB. The slots are like this
Slot 1 256MB PC3200 200Mhz
Slot 2 Empty
Slot 3 256MB PC3200 200Mhz
Slot 4 Empty

They're in Dual Channel, and I want slot 2 and 4 to DC also. I was thinking another 512 Kit of 2.
It's DDR. I don't have that much knowledge on RAM, so I came here to ask some questions.

What things do I have to keep in mind when upgrading? Does the frequency have to be the same as the filled slots? Does the brand make a difference?

Much appreciated.

[Llama Juice]

is this PC brand new?.....

[Chronos]

is this PC brand new?.....
You're not really helping you know.

MNC,
Keep in mind that you may not exceed your motherboard's maximum RAM limit;
The brand doesn't make any difference;
The type RAM needs be to PC3200 200Mhz (DDR 200)
You need to RAM sticks that have an equal amount of MB;
Use non-ECC modules;
Make sure the chip organization is 64M * 4 and NOT 128M * 8
( 128M's Server RAM - If you're getting it from a store, which will be most unlikely, the default chip organization is 64M - I bought a 128M one once and believe me it blows. ).I guess that's it, that's what I always think about when selecting my RAM.

[Amit]

is this PC brand new?.....

I would dearly hope not if it only came with 512MB of RAM.


You're not really helping you know.

MNC,
Keep in mind that you may not exceed your motherboard's maximum RAM limit;
The brand doesn't make any difference;
The type RAM needs be to PC3200 200Mhz (DDR 200)
You need to RAM sticks that have an equal amount of MB;
Use non-ECC modules;
Make sure the chip organization is 64M * 4 and NOT 128M * 8
( 128M's Server RAM - If you're getting it from a store, which will be most unlikely, the default chip organization is 64M - I bought a 128M one once and believe me it blows. ).I guess that's it, that's what I always think about when selecting my RAM.

Well there you have it. It'll be really hard to screw up once you have that information.

[MNC]

No, not brand new. I got it from my dad. As soon as he thinks it's time for him to get a new PC, I get his one. Surprisingly, this one was pretty decent for something build in 2002. But since it's still on the low side, I want to pull out all the extra things I can get.

However, I'm having a hard time finding ANY DDR200, new, not used.

In my search I found some topic about how PC3200 is DDR400 because of the DDR Double Data Rate.



PC3200 is DDR400 (400Mhz = 200Mhz double data rate )


So can I buy... This one?
KVR400X64C3AK2/512
http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/partsinfo.asp?root=&LinkBack=&ktcpartno=KVR400X64C3AK2/512

[Chronos]

Ah yes.. P3200 = DDR400, my mistake.
I'm not sure about the chip configuration.. But my guess is it'll work just nicely.