What is the least I should spend on memory?

[Kristafon]

I want to upgrade my RAM for HL2. I dont want to spend more than $100. I know you can get 512 megabyte sticks for that amount, but will they be any good? Whats should I pay for a stick of 256mb?

 

[Kristafon]

And how do I find out what I have at the moment?

 

[blahblahblah]

What are your computer specs?

 

[Kristafon]

Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 275MB used, 975MB available <what is this anyway?
Card name: RADEON 9200 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Display Memory: 256.0 MB

 

[RussianEmpire]

Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3000+, MMX, 3DNow, ~2.0GHz
Memory: 512MB RAM
Page File: 275MB used, 975MB available <what is this anyway?
Card name: RADEON 9200 SERIES
Manufacturer: ATI Technologies Inc.
Display Memory: 256.0 MB

screw ram buy a video card :cheese:

 

[Daegon]

If I may say so, 512 should be sufficent for playing hl2, your main problem will be that outdated video card. Well, maybe not outdated, but lowest common denominator. If you've got 100 bucks, go buy a used 9800 pro or 9700 pro.

 

[blahblahblah]

screw ram buy a video card :cheese:

excellent advice. A 9600 Pro for $120 is a nice choice for HL2. For future proofing, take a look at a 9800 Pro for $200.

 

[Daegon]

And if I may suggest, there is no reason to be shy of newegg's refurbished section, acutally there's an incredibly good deal on a sapphire 9800pro right now ($156) : http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-102-281R&type=Refurbish