ram

[codswallop]

My pc has 224MB of RAM,if I add 512MB memory module does it just replace the 224MB or are they added together to make 736 MB?Thanks.

[vehelpfulguy]

First, you probably dont have 224Mb of ram, you probably have 256Mb of ram, it is just that your PC is using 32Mb of it for the graphics.

Memory is put in slots on your motherboard. Adding more memory depends on how many slots you have on your motherboard, and how your existing memory is split up.

Memory comes in individual strips like this
http://www.claygatecomputers.co.uk/images/shop /memory_ddr.jpg

And each strip can be a different amount of memory. So a strip could be 128Mb, 256Mb, 512Mb, 1Gb and so on.

Now suppose your motherboard had two memory slots, and you had one 128Mb in each (total 256Mb). You could not add new memory without removing one or both of those.

Or if your motherboard had two memory slots and you had one 256Mb strip in one and the other was empty. So you have space to add one more memory strip.

If we assume you have one 256Mb strip, then if you add a 512Mb then you will have 768Mb.

So you need to find out

a) how many memory slots you have

b) how your existing memeory is installed

c) What your maximum memory is for your motherboard.

[vehelpfulguy]

Couple of other things.

It is VERY important to buy the right memory for your motherboard.

Memory design and speed have changed over the years so it is important to get the right memory. Put the wrong memory in and it will not work.

Also, sometime memory from different companies may not work together.

So if you buy a 512Mb to go with your existing 256Mb they may not work together.

If you have 2 slots on your motherboard you may be better buying two 512Mb strips, or maybe even one 1Gb strip, and removing the existing 256Mb completely.

This site can help you identify the memory you have

http://www.crucial.com/uk/?gclid=CNmyieGFyIoCF SRZMAodGFB0cw

[codswallop]

Thanks very much that is very very helpful.When I find out the answers to the queries you've mentioned I'll do a costing exercise to see which of the options I'll go for.