Doin the memory math.

So I've got a 2.8 GHz 800MHz FSB CPU With a 14.0 multiplier = 200MHz
I'm currently runnin 2GB(4x512) PC2-3200(400MHz w/multplier2=200MHz) So theoretically my CPU & memory are matched. My MOBO specs. state I can use up to 4GB(4x1) PC2-5300(667MHz). Wouldn't that be overkill or am I wrong????
Would there be any benefit to going 4GB PC2-5300 or would I do better just jumping into 4GB of PC2-3200????
Thanks again.

If you're not going to overclock, then stick with the 3200, otherwise you could benefit a bit by using higher speed memory.

given that we are talking about ddr2 and not ddr1, i would believe ddr2 400 mhz would be more expensive. ideally you would get the fastest ram your motherboard supports, as well as the cheapest ram if you are not going to overclock.

i would say go for 4 gb 667 mhz. more speed can't hurt. theyre usually fairly cheap anyways (667 mhz)

what cpu do you have? is it the old pentium 4 or the newer core 2 duos?

also, bear in mind that if you get 4 gb of memory, you will have to get a 64 bit openrating system or you wont see all 4 gb. you will see ~ 3.25 gb of ram. this is a limit of 32 bit operating systems.

I just swapped out my old P4 630 3.0 GHz for a PD 915 2.8 GHz. Am running XP Pro media Sp2. Just added full system specs. to my profile.
Thanks.

it really depends on how much more you are willing to spend on your system as well as if you find it slow and open a lot of big programs.

to be honest, i would not upgrade your system any further and save the money for the next system or for other uses...