My Rig (4GB RAM issue?) Help please

[sPadeytism]

So I'm building a Audio production computer. Strictly audio but I've left some room to play a few games (not many)

I notice the 4GB RAM and the inability to do full 4GB with Windows XP Professional. So I'm sure if I do purchase the 4GB I'll probably end up using the other 2GB for another system. Or is there a way around this because if I used Windows XP Professional 64-Bit I sure I'm bound to run into compatibility issues somewhere.

Here is my rig

I'll be using Abeleton Live 7 and Adobe Audition for vocal work.

On the side I'm using plugins and some synths to create instrumentals.

Possibly FL 7, Cubase, Sampletank, etc

2 Internal Hard Drives

1 Drive-Contains system files, Small-time programs, Recording programs
2 Drive-Contains Vocal work, Business logging, Saved copy of Sample database
External Drive contains- Sample Library Backup, Vocal recording backup, etc

(Salvaging 4 parts from current computer)

-250 GB Hard Drive
-Nvidia GEforce 8500 GT 512MB (Dual Monitor enabled, etc)
-DVD Burner
-17' Monitor (Money isn't there for another monitor. Not using Dual Monitors anyway)

(Purchasing)

M-Audio Delta 1010 ($200)
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Delta-1010-LT-PCI-Digital-Audio-System?sku=701376

Cool Master Mid Tower Case ($49.99)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811119047

ASUS Wireless SLI AM2 Mobo ($169)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813131011

Rosewell 850w Power supply ($199)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16817182072

AMD Athlon X2 6400+ ($159)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16819103191

Patriot 4GB RAM ($124)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820220267

Western Digital My Book Essential 2.0 WDH1U3200N 320GB External Hard Drive ($105)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822136174

Seagate 250GB internet drive ($65)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16822148261

Zalman CPU cooler ($79)
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835118019

Ending (RAW) price="$1086"
Ending (REAL) price (+ Shipping)="$1108"

[pam123]

That company is not on our approved list for power supplys, however it's possible that they're trying to turn themselves around, your gambling there but it might be worth it.
Power supply list : http://forum.pcmech.com/showthread.php?t=131195

You're going to have to make sure that that Patriot ram will run in both boards so pick the other one now.

[doubledragon5]

If your not planning on doing any overclocking, then drop the Zalman and use the stock heatsink/fan. By doing this you won't void your warranty on the cpu. I personally would not recommend the Rosewll psu, they are know to have a high faliure rate, and can possibly take out other parts when it dies.. I personally would recommend Corsair XMS I have heard some people having problems with the Patriot ram..

[sPadeytism]

Ok so I'm changing the Power Supply because I would like to end up with less problems as I can.

The reason for the Zalman fan is because there is no stock fan with the Processor, and then even if there is I want to be on the safe side if I open the box and there isn't one in there.

Depending on how much Corsair is I'll look into that RAM.

Thanks!

[pam123]

Down load the recommended hardware list (HQV) for the motherboard(s) of your choice so you can see what brands/types of ram work best with your board.
The fact that a particular manufacturer's ram isn't on the list doesn't mean it won't work but you can be certain it will if you find it there.

[sPadeytism]

Okay so where may I find a list for that?

Search over the net?

[pam123]

Okay so where may I find a list for that?

Search over the net?

Go to the Asus site's product page for your motherboard : http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?modelmenu=2&model=1163&l1=3&l2=101&l3=300

Remember,newegg provides the link for the hardware they sell so that you can always check.


There on the left you will see QVL (qualified vendor list) that's what you want to download.
While you're there download the pdf of the manual so you'll have a good idea of what you'll need to do with the motherboard.

[sPadeytism]

Okay so you've mentioned even if it isn't on there doesn't really mean it wouldn't operate.

Because my model isn't appearing on there.

I changed the RAM to Kingston HyperX 2GB

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134125