There was a time when it seemed you could just order the cheapest RAM you could find on Pricewatch and be done with it, but it just doesn’t work like that, especially when you’re trying to upgrade a PC more than a year old.

You can easily spend hours reading about RAM density, ECC, buffering, registration, DDR(2), clock timing, et.al. and more hours doing awkward eBay and Google searches to find the right features just to end up with RAM that still won’t work with your system. Please save yourself the hassle.

• Look up your PC/motherboard at Crucial, Kingston and 4AllMemory, and note the model numbers recommended.
• Also check for these models at other reputable stores. NewEgg is known for excellent service, but also search Shopping.com and Froogle. Crucial is usually on the high side, but a safe choice.

BTW, pray you don’t end up needing a particular flavor of Rambus RAM.