Does it matter that I had to separate the pair of 256MB from the color-coded slots in order to put the 512MB stick? What's the advantage of running "dual channel mode"?
doesn't really have a noticable advantage of running dual channel.... least i don't think it does. is the power supply in your computer a full size PSU, or is it one of the smaller ones that are almost half the size of a standard PSU? if it's full size, you could probably even get a slightly more powerful power supply and easily run a 6600/6600GT... or maybe even a 7600GT...
I believe your psu is definately suitable for a 6600gt. and for occasional gaming at lower resolutions, it is a very nice card to have.
I fixed a computer where one of those Bestec 300W power supplies had failed. It had taken the Mobo and a stick of ram with it too. Not trying to put you off, but i dont really trust them... Get an FSP or something - cheap, yet good
So an FSP will fit where the currently Bestec sits? Someone else mentioned it'd be hard to find a PSU that will fit because Sony tends to fit PSUs of non-standard form factor so you can't upgrade them except by chopping the case :frown: