Desktop RAM Question

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Nightwyrm

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#16559 16-Oct-2007 11:50

I'm thinking about upgrading my RAM as 1GB just doesn't seem to cut it any more. Budget constraints are a key factor so I have to be a bit canny. Main PC use is gaming and some development work.

I currently run 2 kits of 2x256MB Dual Channel DDR400. My thinking is upgrading one of those kits to a higher spec dual channel. I can get a kit of 2x1GB ValueRAM for $50 more than a 2x512MB "performance" kit, but I don't know if it's worth it.

The value kit has a speed rating of 3-3-3-8 and the performance kit has 2-2-2-6. Do these ratings really make much difference at the end of the day? Advice?

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bradstewart

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#91228 16-Oct-2007 12:48

2x 1Gb will outperform that 2x512Mb. The timings don't make a huge difference at the end of the day.

Nightwyrm

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#91231 16-Oct-2007 13:52

bradstewart: 2x 1Gb will outperform that 2x512Mb. The timings don't make a huge difference at the end of the day.

When would these timings make a difference out of interest? Is the performance/value memory market a bit of a "have" when it comes to personal computer?

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.

destined

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#91236 16-Oct-2007 14:33

lugh: When would these timings make a difference out of interest? Is the performance/value memory market a bit of a "have" when it comes to personal computer?

The timings make a difference if you are looking to overclock your system. Value RAM meets the basic specifications, whereas performance RAM is designed to work in more stressful conditions. If you're not overclocking, the better timings etc are not going to make a big difference.

Tom's Hardware have just written an article on RAM basics in preparation for a series on RAM, which may be worth a read for you.

Nightwyrm

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#91239 16-Oct-2007 14:42

destined: Tom's Hardware have just written an article on RAM basics in preparation for a series on RAM, which may be worth a read for you.

That answers my questions and more! Cheers guys.

Post-geek, opinionated mediaphile, and natural born cynic. Jack of all genres, master of none.