[GOMER113]

Just make sure that they're compatible with DDR RAM, not DDR2. For example, you might see something like PC-3200 or PC-2700 on the packaging. Those will very likely work, but they're faster than 266 MHz RAM, which is PC-2100. Since PC-2100 is older and slower, you might not see that number on any packaging.

In short, just buy 2 sticks of 1GB each of PC-3200 or PC-2700 and if it doesn't work, take it back to the store and try another speed.

[VietMTwarrior]

Originally Posted by GOMER113

Just make sure that they're compatible with DDR RAM, not DDR2. For example, you might see something like PC-3200 or PC-2700 on the packaging. Those will very likely work, but they're faster than 266 MHz RAM, which is PC-2100. Since PC-2100 is older and slower, you might not see that number on any packaging.

In short, just buy 2 sticks of 1GB each of PC-3200 or PC-2700 and if it doesn't work, take it back to the store and try another speed.

the 512MB I bought today was PC-3200 and it works, so if I get two 1GB PC-3200 I should be fine?

[GOMER113]

That should work fine.

[VietMTwarrior]

alright I'll update again when I get around to buying it, thanks for help again.

then after that I'm upgrading the video card! man I didn't know starting a thread on Sherdog would help me learn so much about upgrading the performance on my computer HAHA

[The Krisiun]

Dude.. you can only upgrade so many things on a 4-5 year old motherboard. If you want to play CoH and other new games.. it is time you build a new computer from the ground up.

[VietMTwarrior]

Originally Posted by The Krisiun

Dude.. you can only upgrade so many things on a 4-5 year old motherboard. If you want to play CoH and other new games.. it is time you build a new computer from the ground up.

the only thing I'm thinking of doing left is the upgrade to 2GB RAM and a capable enough video card, is that really impossible with what I have right now?..

[GOMER113]

You should be fine with a video card upgrade after upgrading the RAM. The only thing is you'll probably want to go for a full system upgrade in the near future because you'll think "my computer is good, but I could do better."

[AmericaOverAll]

It ran decently on my 512mb. 256 is just ridiculous though. Good game by the way

[VietMTwarrior]

Originally Posted by GOMER113

You should be fine with a video card upgrade after upgrading the RAM. The only thing is you'll probably want to go for a full system upgrade in the near future because you'll think "my computer is good, but I could do better."

yeah I was thinking that too because one of the recommended processors for CoH is 3.0 GHz pentium 4 and I have a 2.80 GHz pentium 4...

so am I limited on which video cards will be compatible with my computer? because I want to buy a real good one.

[GOMER113]

Unfortunately, you are limited to an AGP video card. At the very least, I would recommend a GeForce 7800 GS.

I don't know what you're willing to spend, but here's a good one for $175, $145 after rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130274

Things to consider about a video card: effective memory clock speed and type of memory (GDDR3 > GDDR2 and 256 bit >128 bit).

Memory bandwidth is the major selling point for me when it comes to buying and upgrading video cards either for myself or customers. Not all video card spec sheets will have the memory bandwidth on them, but here's how to calculate it: Effective memory speed (i.e. 700 MHz x 2 = 1400 MHz effective) multiplied by memory interface (128 bit or 256 bit) divided by 8.

Just because a video card has 256MB of memory, it does not necessarily make it better than one with 128MB of memory. a 256MB video card with a memory bandwidth of 24 GB/s is still slower than a 128MB video card with a memory bandwidth of 38 GB/s. If both cards are evenly matched as far as bandwidth, but one has more memory, then the one with more memory will be better. Not necessarily faster, but it will render the onscreen objects more efficiently.