Windows 7 hasn't come out yet, but when it does, you decide whether or not to get it. Windows 7 is not backwards-compatible with XP games, other OS's, etc. Also, DDR3 is no different than DDR2 except for the fact that the design (the notches, build, etc.) are different. DDR3 is the newest RAM and it also has more channeling, but you really don't need it unless you want to OR you're running a 64-bit OS. DDR2 is more than enough.

*JM*

OK cheers for the advice and the spreadsheet, its been quite a bit of help

That second PC off of eBay is OK .. but you'd probably want to upgrade the CPU cooler, the graphics card and possibly the RAM. I have, however found Crucial RAM sticks online with a CL of 6. I have to agree with whomever said the "Branded" and "major-brand" sets off red flags - those are generally ... stretches of the truth.

As for Windows 7, it IS backwards-compatible with MOST hardware out there. Some XP drivers have been found to work on it, though most hardware has Vista drivers - which are 100% compatible with Windows 7. There are tons of benefits to switching to Windows 7, but we won't get into that here.

Now, don't listen to what jmarket is telling you about DDR3 and 64bit OSes. DDR3 is different from DDR2 in it's clock speeds, it's electrical needs and it's performance - far more than it's ... "notches and construction". It runs at higher clocks, but has higher latencies. The "channeling" of the RAM is controlled not by the type of RAM, but by the motherboard and CPU. The ONLY mainstream systems using triple-channel memory instead of double-channel are Intel Core builds, because they decided to implement triple-channel memory controllers, NOT because they use DDR3. For the record - there are newer types of memory out there (GDDR4, GDDR5, XDR, etc).

As for 64bit, that has nothing to do with the memory channels, and simply has to do with memory adresses being within a 32bit or 64bit range. Converting to 64bit means your system will now ADDRESS more than the normal ~3.25GB. HOWEVER, it's been proven that there are advantages to converting to a 64bit OS even if you're not using more than 4GB of RAM. Once again, that's a conversation for another time.

I'm sorry ... I dont know where you're getting your information from - but almost everything you just said is incorrect.

Windows 7 is not backwards-compatible with XP games, other OS's, etc.
Yes, it is. With almost every game, with Vista's drivers, and with 98% of software available.

DDR3 is no different than DDR2 except for the fact that the design (the notches, build, etc.)
Read my above post regarding this one...

DDR3 is the newest RAM and it also has more channeling, but you really don't need it unless you want to OR you're running a 64-bit OS
It's not the RAM's fault it works in triple-channel mode. It's also not the newest RAM type available.

DDR3 is the newest RAM and it also has more channeling, but you really don't need it unless you want to OR you're running a 64-bit OS
Now, that's irrelevant. You'd run a 64bit OS to use more than 4GB of RAM .. or other software related reasons. Not because you're using DDR3.


Don't confuse the poor man, he came to us for help - and you're feeding him nonsense. Did you research any of your answers?

What part of what I said is incorrect? I will happily go do more research. Everything I stated is backed up by personal experience.

GDDR4, GDDR5, and XDR are ONLY used for graphics cards (hint the "g" for graphics). Right now, DDR3, if you have the money, is good, although DDR2 prices are going down, down to about $15/stick for 2 GB. Right now, 64-bit OS's are the ONLY OSs that can utilize all memory channels. 32-bit can only use up to 4, that's it. This is getting off-topic, so let's move back on-topic.

*JM*