Is it always best to user faster ram?

cliffhucker · 01-20-2008, 11:22 AM

I am working on a friends Dell Dimension 8400 and need to add some memory.

Is there any reason not to go from the 400 to the 533 MHz or even 667 MHz (If I am not going to use the existing 400MHz modules?)

Right now it has 2 x 256MB DDR2 400 (PC2 3200)
and I was thinking of getting rid of these and going with 2 sets of 2x512 DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)

So I would have (4)512 modules.

Or would it be better to go with 2x1GB ? It is cheaper. But I always thought the performance would be better from 4x512 rather than 2x1GB (all else constant) At least for overclocking. (I can OC my CPU more on 512's than I can on 1024 modules)

If it makes no difference between 4x512 & 2x1024 then what speed?

-What speed is best?
-Are the higher speeds useless if I am not overclocking the cpu?
-Are the higher speeds less stable in my situation?
-Is the latency going to be slower for the faster speeds? (they show no latency specs for the 667)
-is it better to have the 4x512 than the 2x1gb for only $10 more?

Choice:
1) 4x512MB 533MHz ($50)
2) 2X1GB 533MHz ($39)
3) 2x1GB 667MHz ($39)

TIA

**speedster123** · 01-20-2008, 05:08 PM

whatever you decide, remember this-

Quote:

One area where technology enthusiasts won't like the Dell Dimension 8400 is the lack of options in the BIOS, there are no options to overclock the PC is any way, shape or form. This isn't an issue for most users though who just want a fast PC that works out of the box without needing to worry about clock multipliers, memory CAS settings, or anything like that.

i would get these-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145527

cliffhucker · 01-20-2008, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedster123

whatever you decide, remember this-

i would get these-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145527

Why?

I know all abut the limited bios. It is not my system so I do not want to overclock it.

Why do you suggest the 2x1gb 533 and not the 667?

why not 4x512? is it because they are only better for overclocking?

thanks for the reply

**speedster123** · 01-21-2008, 05:35 AM

If a 64 bit system upgrade were to happened, albeit unlikely, you have banks for expansion without wasting existing ram.
If there is improvement with 4X512 against 2X1 gig sticks....I never experienced it.

cliffhucker · 01-21-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedster123

If a 64 bit system upgrade were to happened, albeit unlikely, you have banks for expansion without wasting existing ram.
If there is improvement with 4X512 against 2X1 gig sticks....I never experienced it.

Good point. I suppose I could use the other to slots for a set of 2x512's also since xp can use 3gb. right? Or I may put the old 2x256's back in depending on latencies, stability, etc.

Also the Ram guy told me that the 4x512 would tax the memory controller more than the 2x1gb and agreed that the 512 were better for overclocking because of their density, (the 1gb sticks are denser) I know this from experience , I can OC my cpu more with my xms 512 than I can with my xms 1024's.

Thanks for the reply and input.

01-20-2008, 11:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
cliffhucker Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 181 OS: XP Pro-SP2	Is it always best to user faster ram? I am working on a friends Dell Dimension 8400 and need to add some memory. Is there any reason not to go from the 400 to the 533 MHz or even 667 MHz (If I am not going to use the existing 400MHz modules?) Right now it has 2 x 256MB DDR2 400 (PC2 3200) and I was thinking of getting rid of these and going with 2 sets of 2x512 DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) So I would have (4)512 modules. Or would it be better to go with 2x1GB ? It is cheaper. But I always thought the performance would be better from 4x512 rather than 2x1GB (all else constant) At least for overclocking. (I can OC my CPU more on 512's than I can on 1024 modules) If it makes no difference between 4x512 & 2x1024 then what speed? -What speed is best? -Are the higher speeds useless if I am not overclocking the cpu? -Are the higher speeds less stable in my situation? -Is the latency going to be slower for the faster speeds? (they show no latency specs for the 667) -is it better to have the 4x512 than the 2x1gb for only $10 more? Choice: 1) 4x512MB 533MHz ($50) 2) 2X1GB 533MHz ($39) 3) 2x1GB 667MHz ($39) TIA

01-21-2008, 05:35 AM	#4 (permalink)
speedster123 Mentor Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: United States-New York Posts: 3,904 OS: xp pro My System	Re: Is it always best to user faster ram? If a 64 bit system upgrade were to happened, albeit unlikely, you have banks for expansion without wasting existing ram. If there is improvement with 4X512 against 2X1 gig sticks....I never experienced it. __________________ Infection Detection and Removal Thermal Grease Instructions Bench Test