Need Advice on Memory Upgrade

[jankren]

Hello,

Im considering to upgrade my memory. However, Im not really a computer expert. So can anyone please give advices about what I need to know before I purchase a new memory?

Some of the questions in my mind are:
-Does upgrading memory make a big difference (512mb + 512mb=1gb)?
-Do I need to know whether the new RAM card Im gonna buy is compatible with my old one? If yes how can I see what type of RAM I currently have?
-Suppose I have 512mb PC2700 DDR SDRAM, can I pair it with 512mb PC5300 DDR2?
-And will all kinds of RAM card fit into my motherboard?

Thanks for the help in advance. By the way my computer is HP Pavilion a520n.

[Vanquisher]

I'd upgrade the motherboard and get ddr2 if you dont want to, you will need to get 1gb of ddr333 ram in 2 512mb sticks and get rid of your current memory as you can only have 1gb using two slots on that m/b.
Although adding more memory is more effective then speed, and a there is a whooping difference between 512mb and 1gb, you should really look at investing in a new motherboard that supports ddr400 if you're on a budget, not sure what socket pro that is though.

[Spart]

Hmm, if it is this PC, there are only two slots that are already taken up, and the fastest memory supported is PC2700. So to get 1 gig total, you need to replace the two you already have with two 512mb PC2700 DDR sticks.

[jankren]

Hmm, if it is this PC, there are only two slots that are already taken up, and the fastest memory supported is PC2700. So to get 1 gig total, you need to replace the two you already have with two 512mb PC2700 DDR sticks.

How about one stick of 1gb RAM? Is that okay?

[Erik]

-Does upgrading memory make a big difference (512mb + 512mb=1gb)?

Yes, going from 512MB to 1GB makes a huge difference.
512MB isn't really enough for modern games.

1GB should be sufficient for now, but in the near future you would probably want 2GB.

-Do I need to know whether the new RAM card Im gonna buy is compatible with my old one? If yes how can I see what type of RAM I currently have?

The RAM module should have a sticker telling you what kind it is. (most likely pc2700)

-Suppose I have 512mb PC2700 DDR SDRAM, can I pair it with 512mb PC5300 DDR2?

No, DDR and DDR2 are totally different and they aren't compatible.

-And will all kinds of RAM card fit into my motherboard?

No.
a Motherboard that supports DDR won't support DDR2, and vice-versa.
So even if you take your old ram out you still won't be able to install DDR2 unless you replace your motherboard.