> > OK, RAM is mismatched with CPU, and there is not nearly enough
> > of it. Go for 1GB minimum of PC2100RAM. You may not be aware
> > of this, but the PC3200 you have chosen will actually SLOW
> > DOWN your system, as it will be asynchronous with the CPU you
> > have chosen. -Dave
> >
>
>
> Wouldn't the fast memory just slow down to the speed of the slower
> memory?
No. Here is where motherboard makers made the mistake of giving too many
options to their customers. Most motherboards are flexible enough to run
RAM at speeds other than the speed that best matches the CPU FSB. Thus, if
you put DDR333 RAM on a motherboard (for example) with a 266 CPU, you will
likely end up with DDR333@333 and CPU@266. Running like that, your overall
system performance is degraded, as the two components are not in sync (the
RAM is too fast).
Now you probably CAN set the RAM timing manually so that (for example) you
can run DDR400 at 266. This way, CPU and RAM will be perfectly matched, if
the CPU is 266. But there is no good reason to do that. If you need 266
RAM, buy 266 RAM. I can hear someone already saying, "but what about
upgrading?" Yeah, what about it? By the time you are ready to upgrade,
you will want new RAM anyway. So buy RAM that matches your CPU now. In the
OP's case, that would be PC2100 to match his processor at 266. -Dave<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
>> Stay informed about: Please critique this setup before I buy. Thanks 
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