I have four slots and my computer can take up to 4 GB. However, I have 2 x 256 already installed in slots 1 and 3. My question is do I put my 2 x 1GB RAM in slots 2 and 4 or do I have to put like RAM with like RAM (that is, the 256s go next to each other and the 1GBs go next to each other)?
the answer is both. On most modern (dual channel) motherboards you match the RAM, but it's matched 1-3, and 2-4 which is why the 256s were in 1 and 3. Usually it's color coded, like the odd slots are black, and the even are blue.
Put the RAM in 2 and 4 and you should be set. Just make sure Windows sees it once it starts up. Beware that depending on your configuration, adding 2 GB might only add like 1.92 GB or so, if the integrated video is configured to take more of the RAM.
Thanks!
Use the tool at this website to determine your options:
You don't want to just jam RAM in. If you add the wrong type of RAM it might not help you at all.
You want to make sure it configured to work on your machine. For example, if you have a Dell Computer, go to the Dell site and see what type of RAM works best for that computer.