I've been checking out memory for my current system which probably is running SpecTek memory. The two sticks my son took out were, so I'm believing that the third is as well. I plan to corner him tomorrow and check it for sure. Whatever brand it is, it's 256/333.

I've a friend who has a couple of almost new Crucial 512/333s to part with. I'd love to jump on this, but am a little afraid to since my PC seemed to hate the stick of Kingston I tried in it a short while back--also was 512/333. Although my PC wouldn't boot up with it, PJ's computer is running it no problem. Both of us have MSI mobos--his is a little lower end though.

Okay---now I'm upset! I just ran down to ask him if he's running that Kingston stick on its own or did he add it in with his other ram. While that miserable thing wouldn't work for me at all--by itself or with any of my three other sticks--it's happily cooperating with PJ's original ram . . . which I'm guessing is probably SpecTek and 256/266! Auggghhhh!

Okay, I'm calm now . . . grumblemumblemumblegrumble . . .

Would I be better off just looking for a place to get SpecTek ram? Not going to ask how good SpTk is, for obviously it's served me well for two-three years now w/o my knowing what brand it was in the first place! I don't see SpTk at TigerDirect and going to SpTk's site was no help--you have to call for prices and I'm not a phone person. Crucial's site is more helpful! Find what you want with way less hassle. I looked up my mobo there, and got directed to compatible ram. Did it at SpTk, and I haven't a clue how to read what I found there. Clicking on anything brings up a PDF of specs for pages . . . no prices . . . and I'm still confused!

Anyone know of a reliable place to buy SpecTek ram without spending all day navigating the site? I did notice a few listings on eBay . . . used but allegedly working . . . An option if nothing else turns up.

Hengis, if you mosey in here, my plans for a building a new PC are on hold for the moment. Our little dog got deathly sick last week, and my PC upgrade cash went to getting her better. Memory seems to be the cheapest and best route to go until I can amass my small fortune again.


NeenahDee

Hi NeenahDee!

I would assume that your son took out the old ram if the new stick is 333 and the old one is 266 ( I hope he did).

As far as my knowledge goes having ram in a PC running at different speeds would be like having the tires on your car each running at a different speed (kind of a spur of the moment simile i hope it paints the picture though :read2: ).

I hope your dog gets better, sick animals make me want to cry.:sad:

Nope, he didn't take out the old ram. He's running a Gig in that PC . . . somehow. Tomorrow, I'm going to have my other kid check out what's in both mine and PJ's for sure. Could be he's okay, and I don't know it! But it doesn't change the fact that that stick of Kingston wouldn't work in my PC, but is humming along in his!

I suppose if I wasn't lazy I could just hunt up the receipts for the upgrades we've done on these things for the past who know how many years, and see what we've got . . . Ah, but that seems like soooo much work! Yeeup, someday I have just got to get organized!

I know we can easily find out the speed and such without getting under the hood, but that wouldn't tell me the Ram's brand, and I need to know that. Heh, even though I know it's not going to make me any happier that my PC wasn't good enough for the KINGston!

Ah, well, I guess I'll go fix a snack and poke in the next Voyager DVD . . .

NeenahDee

PJ's running a total of 1G of 333 memory in his three slots. I hadn't realized that my niece had given him a couple of sticks of unknown brand. So while he's fine with compatible speed, I still am left puzzled as to why the Kingston refused to work for me . . . unless it was lonely and wanted company . . .

As it turns out, SpecTek is not what's in my PC now. It's Infineon. Not as clearly marked as the SpecTek. So, all this brainstorming aloud, so to speak, seems to tell me go with the flow . . .

Now to find an Infineon dealer . . .

NeenahDee

Oh, I am sorry to hear that

Now, memory, tell me what you would like to know

Well, I had the usual newbie question of what brands are the best? Does it really matter? Performance wise, I mean. Obviously, the SpecTek before my memory slot failed, and now the Infineon, have served me well. Only, not until this morning was I actually aware of those brands. Didn't even know the memory I'd been using had brand names! I know . . . so sad! And if I had known beforehand, I would've posed my initial question way differently!

Anyway, as I mentioned in my last post, it seems as though I probably shouldn't be worrying too much over getting better ram--if Crucial is better--just get more of what works for this board. Again, since it rejected the Kingston ram, I'm afraid it could do the same to Crucial ram--although their site says it should be fine. Still, I'm chicken! Killed me to have to turn over that new ram to the kids!

I have no idea which might be "better" SpecTek or Infineon . . . both brands have worked . . . Hmmmmm . . . toss names into a hat and pick?!:undecided


NeenahDee