So, I go to max out my RAM to 4gb. I have older DDR1 RAM, so...it's $270 with tax/shipping.

I notice that DDR2 at the same CAS latency is way cheaper...$150! So, for the same price, I could add a new intel mobo. Just need a Proc...for $440, I get the RAM/mobo/Core2Duo. Cool.

Only, wait...that'll need a beefier power supply...yikes-add $170.

And of course it will require a reinstall--add an evening of time rather than the hour or so to install/test RAM and configurethe 3gb switch.

So, now...$270+an hour has turned into $600 and an evening...and the inevitable "cross my fingers that there are no issues" that come with building a new system. Plus another evening to reinstall apps. And my CPU rarely hits 30% now.

Since I'll have mostly another system then...why not buy enough stuff to have this old system be the internet/gen use PC for the house? Add a few hundred more.

Ehh...screw it...I'll just order the RAM.

Isn't it great! Ram prices super low unless you want the old stuff, they just raise the price until supplies dwindle then retool and fill up again if needed. I just did that with my old G4 before I sold it, 512 sticks cost me more than twice what a ddr2 1gb stick cost. But then again, I spent $750 on 4gb for my Mac Pro last February, so the G4 was really a bargain.