In Search of RAM

[Dispraiser]

It's about that time that I have to throw my poor computer into Chaos. It's all settled down, and it's finally working smoothly, no more failing southbridges, no more dead mobos, etc, and now, I need to figure out what some awesome RAM is.

At the time I bought the parts, all I needed was a 512 MB stick to get me going, then i figured I'd add more later. I've now determined that I'd like to get 2GB of DDR400 RAM with 2.5 or lower latency for under 200 USD.

So, anyways, I'm beggining the search.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820145026
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16813131503

This is my current RAM and mobo. Nice, I suppose. First question... If I have a mobo that supports a maximum of DDR400 speed RAM, Max, 4 GB. So, I'll be fine there. My current RAM has DDR400 speeds, and 2.5 latency, so I could keep it around, with the new RAM, right? Would speed suffer?

So, anyways, back to the new RAM. There's a few new terms floating around that i'm not familiar enough with. Dual Channel is the first. I know what it means, I think, two RAM sticks are used in sync rather than as their own things, to make it faster (a little). I don't know how it works, though, or what makes it work. I have to have identical sticks of RAM? If i did Dual Channel two sticks of RAM, could I use my existing 512 MB of RAM without hurting speed (as single channel)? Second Term, Timing. My current RAM doesn't list timing, but RAM like this one do. Is that a dual channel related thing? Finally, the last thing is a simpler concept. the Heat Spreader. A simple metal strip that goes on the outside of the RAM to cool it. Does it work, and would I want it?

In any case, I'd like to keep two either 2x1GB sticks, rather than using 512s at all.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductCompa...SubCategory=147

Here's a few I was comparing. Right now that GigaRAM on the far right is looking awesome, especially after customer reviews. I'd like to keep close to a hundred bucks a stick, also, so consider price if you dig around a little.

Any input on what i should do?

[neil1]

go with the corsair valu select it is a good buy i have some and it is also later you can overclock it pretty well and it has a solid rep

[Patrickssj6]

go to http://www.crucial.com
its the best site for ram.They test your comp for the right ram and you can buy from them wvery cheap.

[Waverunner]

Go to crucial to see what kind of RAM you need, then go to http://www.newegg.com to get the best service and pricing.

I get my RAM tomorrow, just bought it. Darn FedEx...

[FonzieD]

2GB is a little unneeded, since as of now, the biggest RAM hog of all time, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines runs fine with 1GB. Not to mention it's half the price of 2GB.