computer memory question

[AVGWarhawk]

My computer uses PC 2700 memory (184 pin) 333 Mhz RAM. I see that I could install PC 3200 memory (184 pin) 400 Mhz RAM. Would I see any type of decent performance increase if I install PC 3200?

[Chock]

Yup, you'd notice a difference for sure, it wouldn't be huge, but anything is a bonus, you'd most likely spot it in reduced load times for programs. You might find that the speeded up calculations will cause more heat and they'll certainly use more power, so be ready for the need to increase cooling or upgrade your power supply unit. However, all that aside, one deciding factor for me would be this:

If I can manage it, I try and do what I call 'rolling upgrades', that is, any component which I buy to install has to be suitable for installation on the next motherboard I'm going to install, so that if and when I upgrade, the upgrade can be brought in over time, using components I already have, to reduce the need for spending a huge amount of cash all at once.

So for me the criteria would be, is that RAM going to be any use on what I envisage will be my next motherboard/system, and if it isn't, then I'd be better off going straight for a motherboard upgrade. I think it's unlikely that the RAM you are considering would do the latest motherboards justice, but if you are a while away from building something from the ground up, it's probably worth doing providing it doesn't cost too much.

Chock

[fatty]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

My computer uses PC 2700 memory (184 pin) 333 Mhz RAM. I see that I could install PC 3200 memory (184 pin) 400 Mhz RAM. Would I see any type of decent performance increase if I install PC 3200?

It depends on your processor, IIRC. Find out what the value of your front side bus is and double it to figure out the compatable memory. My Athlon 2500+ [in bad need of an upgrade] has an FSB of 166, which means my memory is limited to 2700 (2 x 166 = 333) unless I want to overclock, despite the fact that my motherboard can support 3200.

[AVGWarhawk]

I'm running a AMD 64 3200+. I do not know what the FSB speed is. 400mhz?

Would it be better to have a stick of 1gig PC2700 and a 512 stick of PC2700 for a total of 1.5 gig RAM of the PC2700 variety or would just 1 gig of PC3200 be just as fast?

[SUBMAN1]

I think your Athlon is the 200 MHz FSB, DDR400, PC3200 type by the way. I heard there was a 333 3200 at one point, but I've never seen one.

You will se absolutely '0' speed improvement. The 3200 memory can clock in at 200 MHz FSB (400 MHz if you count the rising and falling clock cycle and being able to do a transaction on either end), but if your BUS is running at 166 Mhz (333 Mhz DDR), so add ing 3200 memory to a 166 bus will make it run at 2700 speeds. But if you have a 200 MHz, you have to use 3200 based memory if you plan to run your CPU at normal speed.

-S

PS. 2700 memory will not run on a 200 MHz based system, which is probably what you have.

PPS. Had to edit this one - noticed that you probably have a 200 MHz based system.

[AVGWarhawk]

@subman1

I will have to check for sure what sticks I have but with that said, would it be best to just add a 1 gig along with a 512 stick of the same memory type for better performance?

[SUBMAN1]

Originally Posted by AVGWarhawk

@subman1

I will have to check for sure what sticks I have but with that said, would it be best to just add a 1 gig along with a 512 stick of the same memory type for better performance?

More memory is always better. Doesn't help on a 32 bit system to go past 3 GB since you can only use extra memory beyond that point for the Windows kernel, but on an XP box, I'd not go anywhere less than 1.5 GB for the games today. On SHIV, you will notice a marked improvement with more memory, especially in the loading screens. 1 GB is just not enough anymore.

ONe thing I forgot to mention - if you have a dual channel system, you must used matched memory to get the full benefit out of it. That allows 4 transactions per clock cycle instead of the DDR (Stands for double data rate) 2 transactions per clock cycle.

3200 in a dual channel system can have a peak bandwidth of 6.4 GB/sec. Pretty fast for normal memory.

-S

PS. The way a dual channel system works is that it hits each module indpendantly in parallel. It is kind of like a RAID 0 drive system. In a single clock cycle, you hit both RAM modules independantly, so you can do 2 transactions on the first, and 2 transactions on the second, resulting in a total of 4 transactions, effectively doubling the normal RAM throughput - this is why you need 2 matched memory modules - they need to be the same size and same timing - preferably modules made from the same batch or manufactured together at the exact same time.