Is it worth upgrading my RAM if I'm leaving my processor as it is?

BabylenTatarsky

First up, the thread I used to pick my PC bits: How expensive is it to get a decent SFF? Thinking of getting one. (some of the links are now incorrect.)

My current RAM is 1GB (2X512MB) Corsair Value Select, DDR2 PC5400 (667)

My current processor is AMD ATHLON 64 3500+ 512K SKT-AM2 RETAIL

There are 2 empty RAM slots in my motherboard and I decided I might aswell buy s'more RAM, just to boost overall performance and that. Dunno why really, just want some.

So I Googled my current RAM and found that I could either get Corsair Value Select 1024Mb (2x512mB) Kit 667MHz 240Pin 1GB DDR2 RAM DIMM 1.8V and just double the current amount and end up with 2GB.

OR I could go for Corsair Value Select 2048Mb (2x1GB) Kit 667MHz 240Pin 2GB DDR2 RAM DIMM 1.8V and bump that bad boy up to 3GB.

However, would my PC benefit from 3GB with the processor I have? Would it benefit from 2GB?

Thanks

RoyBatty

Depends on what will you use the PC for. 1GB is enough for some Office work and most games (AFAIK), but some latest ultra-memory-hungry games may need at least 2GB...

BabylenTatarsky

Would the processor result in a bottle neck situation though? (is that the correct term?)

Grace

The processor is about speed, the RAM is about size.


If you run many applications concurrently, or RAM hungry applications (or if you plan to get Vista!), the RAM upgrade should benefit you. Also, latest games appear to like more than 1GB of RAM.

2GB of RAM is plenty for nowadays. 3GB is more than plenty, making it more future proof.

If you are just a casual PC user though, perhaps you want to stick with 1GB RAM for the time being! It is enough for everyday applications and gaming.

OpusP.Gladiator

Although I will say I believe my system "feels faster" with 2gigs over my previous 1gig... don't really think you'll see any benefit to 3 gig unless you set your swap file to something really small... but that's for the more advanced user anyways... at least that's what I've heard GL but glad to hear u got the OCZ because if you ever have to RMA it they are great!!!! Went above and beyond for me and actually gave me an upgrade from 1 to 2 gigs.... how oftern doea that happen....? like never! hehe

BabylenTatarsky

I use my PC to play 3 games. Two (CS Source and World of Warcraft) run fine. However, one (Football Manager 2007) could be faster.

Also, it takes a while to startup - but that's something else entirely that I need to look into further.

Hmm, if you were me, would you go for 3GB or 2GB? There's £74 ($146US?) difference.

I think I'll go for the 3, "just because I can," if you know what I mean.

RoyBatty

I don't see any mention of OCZ memory in this thread, you do?


Then go for it, if "you can"

BabylenTatarsky

I'm worried now. Have I bought some duff memory in the past, or something?

Dowaco

Most likely you do not need 3 GB of RAM. 2 GB is usually enough for even the most heavy computer users.
If you upgrade to Windows Vista, then more memory might be usable but that is yet to be seen.

Because of the way motherboard memory slots are configured it is usually better to have 2x1024 sticks than 4x512. It has to do with command timing. You may not notice a big difference but it will show up in benchmarks.

AndyOCZ

Hi, if you are running 1gb of RAM now, you will see a nice boost from upgrading to 2gb. You can have more apps open, keep more web pages open, etc. without slowing down. Given that your CPU and motherboard are operating in dual channel, it's best to stick with 2gb or 4gb. Chances are 3 sticks ill worki fine, but would put you into a single channel mode and slow your system down. Maybe not by much, and it may not be noticeable, but it will have some effect.

On a side note: AMD systems have a known limitation where you must install 1 2gb kit, then set "2t" or "CPC OFF" in the bios, then install the extra 2gb. Just so you know what needs to be done.

OpusP.Gladiator

But see what I mean about OCZ even giving a shit! These guys are so cool I swear!!!! And I think he's looking to fill up his other two ram slots on his mobo which would give him 4 stciks total... some mobo's do have issues here I think, or so I seem to remember anyways.... I say Sell your old stuff and get two 1gig sticks for a total of 2 gigs... it is plenty Unless you do a lot of cad or photoshop or somethin.... hehe....

AndyOCZ

I just came in here to help! It was nice to see that our customer service is apprecited though.

Judas

I've noticed on my system and another recent AM2 socket system that installing anything more then 2gb of ram (dual channel mode) to say 3gb (dual channel using 1 2gb kit and 1 1gb kit [2x1gb + 2x512mb]) or even 4gb using 4x1gb, that under windows XP Pro (32bit) there are under some cercumstances SERIOUS performance hits. Even though windows cannot address anymore then 2.8(ish) gb of ram, there seems to be quite the impact.

RoyBatty

I meant that BabylenTatarsky mentioned that his current memory is Corsair and he wanted to buy another Corsair, then OpusP.Gladiator came with "glad to hear u got the OCZ". This looked a little strange to me.
I have nothing against OCZ, it was the first DDR memory I ever bought (but it was replaced with Kingston later more or less by mistake).

BabylenTatarsky

I don't like the sound of that.

I think 2GBs will do, just to avoid slipping into "single channel." Although I'm getting a new job soon so might even be able to get 4!

AndyOCZ

That was a bit strange wasn't it? I even checked the thread in the first post and no mention of OCZ there either. Haha

BabylenTatarsky

I know this is an old thread but I figured it beats making a new thread about the same thing.

Would it be worth buying two of these: 2GB Corsair DDR2 PC2-5300 (667MHz), 240 Pin, Fully Buffered ECC DIMM , CAS 5-5-5-15

??

Thanks.