computer help needed

[Dida]

My old PC broke down couple weeks ago so I havn't
been able to play CTP2 yet. I'm building a new one real fast. I have to choose between different
brands of RAM. I have 64 MB of NEC PC-100 RAM left over from the old PC. I'm buying 256 MB of PC-133
RAM. Do you guys think I should mix the two different kind of RAMs or no?
Also, do NEC make better RAM or Infineon makes better RAM?

[Falconeer]

If you have 256mb of 133 ram, I'd say forget about the other 64mb of 100 ram, you won't really need it. If you want to mix and match them, you'd have to step down the 133 ram to 100 in your bios settings so you lose any benefit of the 133 ram. Might want to check on the web and see if there's anywhere that will buy back your 64mb of 100ram (I believe www.memorybroker.com buys back ram, not 100% sure though).

As to which RAM is better, well... I'm not fully sure there is that much difference in brand names. I've always bought the cheaper "generic" brand and have never had any problems. I'm running 128mb of 'generic' 133 ram right now and have 0 complaints, but then I haven't compared it to name brand ram. I truly don't think it makes much difference in this game.

[The Viceroy]

Also, make sure your motherboard is ok with 133 !!

[skorpion59]

Also, make sure your MB chipset supports the memory type and config you have/are getting. I have an ASUS CUSL2, which is one of the best boards around but it uses the i815 chipset. This chipset only supports memory in specific configs. I tried to use a 256MB PC-133 chip which i had but it could only use 128MB of it. Buying the right kind of memory fixed it.

Everything is getting so complicated nowadays it is important to make sure your MB/Chipset/CPU/Memory are all compatable. I mean what happened to the days when you could buy any MB/CPU/Mem, plop it in and go.

As for type, don't buy cheap whatever you do. Cheap doesn't even get tested or it failed testing (that's why it is cheap). That cheap PC-133 memory you buy will only run at PC-100, etc. Note, I said cheap not cheaper. As long as you are not overclocking, you can buy cheaper (mid-range) memory and get by just fine.

[Dida]

Thanks for the tips guys. I got my BM, RAM and Case
and Power supply, and Fans as a barebone system from
eBay. It includes
1. AMD Certified Socket-A MB for TBird & Duron CPU upto 1.2GHz+
MSI KT7 Pro2-A with UATA-100 and 200FSB Support
2. Thermaltake Super Orb Socket-A CPU Cooling Kit INCLUDED
Build In Twin Power Trubo Fan Air Flow at 44 CFM
3. Thermaltake Blue Orb Chipset Cooling Kit INCLUED
Prevent KT133 Chipset Overheat When Overclock the CPU
4. 1x 256MB PC133 7.5ns SDRAM INCLUDED
5. Support 1x / 2x / 4x AGP Video Card
6. On Board Ultra-ATA100 Controller (686B) BUILD-IN
Support EIDE, UATA33/66/100 4x IDE Devices
7. 1x AGP, 6 PCI Slots and 1 CNR Slot
8. Onboard AC'97 SoundBlaster-Compatible 3D Surround Sound
9. 2 PS/2 Connector, 2 USB Connector, 2COM and 1LPT

The RAM was a generic one, but the seller agree to update to a Infineon RAM for $14. I'm surly going for it. Because the RAM comes with the MB, I think
they will most likely be compatible.
I'm paying $330 for it. Any one knows about current pricing on computer parts? Does it worth this amound of money?