more RAM vs. better graphics

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Acer Aspire (2004)

Windows Vista Ultimate x32/ WindowsXP Home Edition SP2 x32

IntelCeleronD 3.20GHz

RAM 512mb

SiS Mirage Graphics 6.14, 64mb

Samsung SyncMaster 941bw, 19" WideScreen

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My main operating system right now is XP because it supports the programs I need.

I hate xp because I cant get my widescreen1440x900 capabilities (and after downgrading from Vista the look of XP isnt so great)

I adore Vista. I'm dual booting, but I never use it (programs don't work just yet)

It supports and projects the 1440x900.

But I dont reach the req. for Areo.

I spend most of my time on the CAD programes that arnt yet compatible with Vista and on PhotoShopCS2.

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*I know nothing about RAM...*

I have a $350.00 cheq coming in from taxes. And I don't know what to upgrade. I had read here Not to skimp on RAM. (FutureShop ~150$= 1G) First off, If i do deside to upgrade on RAM, should I stick with name brand (ie. Kingston) or can I go to a referbished store and pick up two sticks of 1G's for the same price as just one from FutureShop?

Also i already have 512, with one more avaliable slot. If i was to only buy 1G, could the two work together?

*I also know nothing about VideoCards...*

All I know about VideoCards is mines a piece of S**t. I want to get a VideoCard that supports Windows Areo in Vista (and/or. that will allow 1440x900 in XP) but to do that, Id also need more RAM...

I was looking at; 'ATI Radeon X1300 Pro AGP 256MB Video Card', at $149.99 which is faily desent. as someone had posted that anthing in the ATIRadeon X xxxx will support Areo.

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My priority with my computer is CAD programes, and in both OS they're held back (not working in Vista, Stretched Display in XP) It will be a while until the CADs functional in Vista, but it will also be a while until my cheque comes in.

Should I upgrade RAM or VideoCard? If RAM, can I go cheep? and if VideoCard, is X1300 good enough, or should I try for a beter brand?

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#446085

Well, any normal videocard should support WideScreen on WindowsXP - maybe you haven't got the correct drivers?

Anyway ATI 1300 is supported by Windows Vista:

http://ati.amd.com/technology/WindowsVista/Products.html

and pretty much all ATI Products are pretty good.

RAM: In my opinion sticking to a brand in this case is a matter of what you believe in. I usually buy Infineon/Qimonda RAM, because it always works for me. I've had problems with no-name-RAM before, but maybe they were just Monday products.

However, I don't know what refurbished RAM would be - if it is broken. Its broken there is no fixing it.

If you really have to put in two different modules you can - it shouldn't be a problem, but try to get two with the same latency (CL).

#446089

The widescreen on my XP graphics driver has been trying to be solved for a while now, here is all the ideas thrown out to try and fix it.

Since I'm on such a tight budget, I'm thinking of getting the ATI card and a 1gig stick of referbished ram.

#446090

I wouldn't go with refurbished ram. Thats one of the things you don't want to go cheap on. Trust me, get the best ram you possibly can.

#446096

I just bought 2 1gb sticks for about the price you say you can get one for. link here

That auction has ended, but here is his relisted one.Here

All items from GearXS are free shipping. Cant beat $68 for 1gb ram.

Oh yeah, you can also get an FX5500 256MB gfx card (Vista Ready) for $48, so 2gb ram and 256mb gfx for under 200. Here is the link for fx5500

#446113

Thanks man! Thats exactly what i was looking for!

#446119