How much RAM to add?

[msiler]

I was wondering what kind of performance increase most people see from increasing their RAM? 10% 20%?

I am currently running Windows 2000pro on an Athlon XP 750mhz w/256 of sdram. I am thinking of upgrading to 512MB of 266mhz DDR RAM or may be even 1gb. (my MotherBoard will accept DDR or sdram - upto 2 sticks of either type and max of 1gb total)

Is DDR significantly faster than SDRAM?
Is it worth the extra $$$?
Am I better off upgrading my MB and CPU instead?
I am trying to keep this SIMPLE and cost effective.

I am not a heavy user but on occasion use graphics, gaming, music or video. I am more your average business user. I live on my computer and usually have 4-5 programs open and in constant use all day switching back and forth between things like Quicken, Outlook, Opera Browser (always on cable modem), Palm desktop, Excel & Word etc.

Thanks for the help,
Matt S

[Kestrel]

okay.. firstly.. yes.. you will notice a significant perormance increase by changing from SDRam to DDR.. not quite the 100% increase that the memory itself is.. but certainly worth the changeover..

The main difference to your system when increasing the amount of memory.. is the reliance on the swap file is reduced.. for the uses you mention, a memory upgrade will do more for you than changing your mobo and cpu..

as a general rule of thumb.. the more memory you have.. the more programs you can run side by side.. and the faster it will be to switch between them.

I would advise putting as much memory in as you can afford.. as this will stand you in good stead when you upgrade the rest of the system at a later date..