Thanks for the clarification, I'm glad to know Microsoft isn't totally heartless then

. Your right, RAM is cheap in comparison, but I'm estimating that a new CPU and motherboard will put me into the $150-250 range, and 2G of ram would bring that price up anther $100, it is probably worth it if you guys tell me the best deal is to simply scrap the RAM if they are in the way of the upgrade/replacement of the motherboard. So I'd like to say that I'm somewhat eager to buy new RAM, but if it can be avoided by any small means I'd like to do it just to save another $100 for a month or so in the future (I'd replace it after christmas or somewhere close).