Just refreshing re my question or RAM... why would you not use 4 Gigs of Ram for such a great machine?
FWIW... If you don't need as much power, you can get the Corsair 450VX. It gets excellent reviews and "...could have just as easily been rated at 500W as 450", so says reviewer. Currently, $70 AR, shipped.
Yes, but not all software compatible with XP64. For better compatiblity, XP Pro 32-bit is probably a better all around choice. And, 2GB RAM is overkill for most of us.
Since you were so nice to respond, one more question: Is this the chip the OP is talking about: http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0257938? The description says Core(tm) 2 Quad Processor Q6600 Processor Speed 2.40GHz Level 2 Cache Size 8MB Level 2 Cache Am not familiar with the terminology- don't know what "Intel Quad Core Q6600 G0 SLACR @ 3.2GHz OverClock" means. What is GO SLACR, and does it run 3.2 GHz (instead of the standard 2.4) because it has been overclocked? Will my "clone shop" be able to overclock it? And- re. RAM- I know a power user of Multicharts, and he has a quad core with 4 Gigs of RAM, swears by it.
And last but not least: If I decide to get 4 Gigs of Ram for this exact configuration, all I have to do is order the same 2 Gig RAM, but just increase the quantity? Can this be installed with the configuration described? Have everything ordered but the processor and the potential additional RAM.
Yes, just get a "4G Kit" instead of a "2G Kit"... so long as your mobo specs say it supports 4G RAM..., but don't expect Windows to acknowledge the full 4G unless you have XP 64-Bit. And, your friend who "swears by 4G" of RAM may not be using even 2G of it... in fact, might not be using even a full ONE Gig of it!
I am running MultiCharts, on a Q6600 machine, 4GB, Vista Home Premium 64bit. I usually open 5 wsp, 21 chart windows, on 2 monitors. There are at least 10 customer indicators on each chart. Some with 2 data streams. My RAM usage is 69% at the moment. i.e. 2.8GB. If you are going to add RAM to your machine, and if you are not familiar with what to get, the best thing for you to do is to take your computer to your neighborhood computer shop and let them install it for you. They will charge you a few dollars extra, but they test the RAM and make sure your computer runs well before you leave the store.
Thank you Tums. Since I ordered the RAM already as per the OP specs, my quick question was if I can just order 2 more of the sticks or if I have to exchange it for a 4 Gig stick? I have exactly the same components as Syprik.
2 more G of the same brand and model should be OK... if not, troubleshoot with the tech support depart of the RAM seller. Suggest you never take your computer "to the shop" until you've exhausted all other alternatives.
If you have the same system as OP, then it is easy. Your board has 4x memory sockets. You already have 2x 1GB populating 2 sockets. You can add another 2x 1GB into the remaining 2 sockets to make it 4GB total. (Preferably same make, same model, same timing.) http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/mainboards/display/abit-ip35-pro_5.html#sect0