Memory question

[pugvader]

When I capture with my ATI all in wonder and watch back it is working pretty good, but every now and again I get a hang up when moving to far fwd. Is this a memoery issue?
I have 512 in my pc, I was going to add a 512, but found out my 512 is really two 256's so really if I swap one out it will only add another 256.
Would I really notice a differance? I would also assume the more memory during capture the better too, right?

[ROF]

It is usually better to add the RAM in pairs rather than in offset(256 and 512). This is based on the fact most modern system utilize something called dual channel which boost the efficency of your RAM when added in pairs. If you only have 512MB and you are experiencing issues where memory(or lack of it) becomes a stumbling block my suggestion is to add enough to bring you up to the 1GB threshold. You could always turn around and sell both 256MB of RAM on eBay and make some money back on your 1GB investment.

[pugvader]

I was thinking that. I hate to sound dumb, but do two 512's equal a gig?

[ROF]

Yes.

No question is dumb if it is asked.

[pugvader]

it is if it's basic "compuer math" I should have learned a decade ago.
So you think no matter what my issues are i will see some postive changes while working with video if i go to a gig? Is there ever a case you put in more memory then the computer will even use? I don't want to go up to a gig if it's only going to use 512 of it!

[ROF]

Just having your Operating System loaded uses close to a third of your existing amount of RAM. Add your anti-virus, software firewall, third party loaded apps and so on and there is not much space left. This is when windows starts using your hard drive as a memory location which as we all know is not optimal since the bootleneck in most systems is the hard drive to begin with. Adding more RAM decreases the use of your hard drive as RAM storage. You will not only see better performance from your video production but almost all other applications will also benefit from this memory upgrade.

[pugvader]

cool, thanks i think I'm gonna do it.

[ROF]

Your hard drive is already thanking you.

[pugvader]

Dang, how do you tell what memory fits? When I pull it out the side that plugs in is separated in 2 parts. I just looked on line and the one I was gonna buy is separated in 3 parts? Do only certain ones fit or does it not matter? The one shaped like mine costs a lot more.
Don’t get me wrong I’m usually smart enough to know duplicate what ever you have as far as fit, but with memory it’s confusing since it is one long slot, not sure if that second break matters.

[ROF]

What motherboard do you have? Depending on the board you could have any speed or any type of RAM. Here's to hoping it's not RDRAM.

[pugvader]

No idea. it's a dell.
Is there something i can read off of it tonight to figure it out?

[ROF]

The model number is all you need. You can then search the web by typing in Dell specs and the model number into your search engine.

[pugvader]

well here's what my invoice says:
512MB Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 400MHz

[ROF]

That would be 184 pin PC3200 DDR SDRAM.

Two 512MB pieces will cost on average between $80-$100 at current pricings.