RAM

Getting RAM is pretty simple. Like I mentioned above in the motherboard section, you'll only want to get DIMM RAM. I won't get into the really technical aspects of RAM (such as PC-100 or non PC-100) but I will explain the three main types of RAM you can buy.

The first type, are of course the best. While they are usually priced higher (10 to 20 dollars higher than the second type), you do get the performance for your money. You usually also get a lifetime warranty when you get this type of RAM.

The second type, are pretty much average. They perform very well, but you'll usually only get a 1 year warranty on these. If you don't want to pay that extra money for "the best brand", then get the second type of RAM. More than likely it won't ever fail on you.

The third type is the evil OEM brand, or better yet, the no name brand. Whatever you do, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT get fooled into buying this brand of RAM. It can be really attractive (price wise) but performance, compatibility, and warranty - just simply not worth the trouble of testing and returning it to the store.

Next, you have to decide how much RAM you'll need. To be quite honest, 32 megs of RAM should be the minimum to consider (not recommended). If you want something with some power then consider getting 64 megs (my own personal minimum recommendation), or even 128 megs (which is really great). Now if you want POWER, then just buy yourself one 256 meg DIMM.

About the DIMM's themselves, don't get anything slower than 10ns (nanoseconds). 8ns is pretty much an average. Another thing about DIMM's, unlike the older SIMMs, you don't need to buy these in pair. So if you just want 32 megs, get yourself one 32meg DIMM. If ever you want to upgrade to 64 megs, then simply get yourself an extra 32 meg DIMM. It's that simple.

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