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everythingerased
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Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Wed Aug 08, 2012 9:11 pm

I currently have the Patriot DDR2 1066MHz 8500, and have noticed that I often run my computer utilizing the majority of the 4gigs I have.

I was considering upgrading to this 8 gig Komputerbay 667mhz 5300 set.

Would this be a mistake since the speed is decreasing? It's also going from 8500 to a 5300 series, not sure if this is important.

I'd appreciate any advice deciding between this, I could double the amount available but reduce the speed and I'm not entirely sure what the consequences would be.

Thanks again
 
Chrispy_
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Re: Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Thu Aug 09, 2012 4:00 am

Depends on your processor, and whether you use integrated graphics or not.

There's practically no advantage to running faster RAM these days, unless you are using the very fastest processor and you have money to burn. You can get an extra 15% out of a machine if you buy REALLY fast RAM and also overclock it too, but unless you already have the fastest processor available, it's always much better value to just get a faster processor in the first place. Modern integrated graphics in A4, A6, A8 chips really benefit from faster RAM, but those all use DDR3 so I'm guessing you don't have one.

The difference between 5300 and 8500 is negligible, especially for games, as long as your CPU supports PC2-5300.
I am fairly sure that all Intel Core2 chips run at either 1066 or 1333 and I'm pretty sure AMD's PhenomII/AthlonII also works with PC2-5300. Anything more recent and you'd probably be asking about DDR3 instead of DDR2 ;)
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Chrispy_
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Re: Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:02 pm

BolinH wrote:
Agree with Chrispy_ - you should consider upgrading to DDR 3 first


Well DDR3 doesn't fit into a DDR2 slot. That would be bad ;)
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Captain Ned
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Re: Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:07 pm

Chrispy_ wrote:
BolinH wrote:
Agree with Chrispy_ - you should consider upgrading to DDR 3 first
Well DDR3 doesn't fit into a DDR2 slot. That would be bad ;)

You're simply using an undersized hammer. 8)
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TDIdriver
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Re: Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:09 pm

Post the details of your current motherboard and CPU for us.
And are all of your RAM slots currently filled?
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DPete27
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Re: Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:10 pm

Can you tell us what processor you have? Other than that, I agree with Chrispy also, don't worry about the speed too much. If you're running out of available RAM, you're taking a bigger performance penalty anyway.

Why do you need an 8GB kit if you've already got 4GB? Can't you just add another 2x2GB kit? That would be cheaper.

I think what BolinH is trying to say is that you should consider how much adding an 8GB DDR2 kit is worth to you and whether that money is better spent toward a full system upgrade. An 8GB DDR2 kit is probably going to cost ~$150, which is roughly what you can buy an inexpensive motherboard and 8GB of DDR3 for. Is it more worthwhile to not have 100 windows open at a time?
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absurdity
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Re: Deciding between 2 RAM sticks (gaming computer)

Mon Aug 20, 2012 1:13 pm

You'll probably just be happy that you upgraded to 8GB!

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