why?

To be honest...no idea

It's better because it's faster..but i don't know why it's required.

so coud this be a problem solving exercise? i mean, could i just buy another 1 gig sick and be done with it, or would i have to get matched ram...?

They should be the same stick generally, i.e. same size, brand, and model.

the reason that 2 sticks of Ram are better than one is the Dual channel factor..One stick you only get one channel..Two sticks you get double the bandwidth..ie pc400 needs 2 sticks to run @ 400mgz if you only run one you only get 200mgz..

And yes you should match ram but its not a nesesesity to get the same brand, but some motherboards like the same brand ram..

As you run into problems with the timings of the ram etc.

oh cool. well guess what the computer is now fixxed..... i took it to a place in town and he pulled it apart and rebuilt it piece by piece. and when her turned it back on he said he couldnt fault it.. he seems to think that the motherboard spacers were different heights and may have ben bending the motherboard and not allowing the ram to sit rite, or some of the usb wiring on the motherboard was on wrong... but he told me plenty of times that he could not pin point any 1 problem that would cause such mischief.. 7 weeks! thanks for the help guys much appreciated

Good stuff
Never even thought of asking about the risers...

Marked as resolved - thanks for keeping us updated