Benchmark results (sort of an informal post...)

[narcotic]

I guess I should have sort of expected it, 'cause I've been hearing about it, anyway here is what I got on an A64 3000+, 6600gt, WD 160gb, nForce4 setting, tested on 3dmark03:

1. 1gb of RAM 2*512 (stock speeds) -> 7949
2. 1.5gb of RAM 2*512 + 2*256 (stock speeds) -> 7905

naturally, based on the original assumption I had (predicting that result) I didn't bother making further comparisons, so I kept going with the 1gb setting.

3. 1gb + ~10% gpu OC -> 8629
4. 1gb + ~10% gpu OC + ~10% cpu OC -> 8743

not too much boost from cpu OC, though both (gpu & cpu) OC's are very low. I'm guessing I can hit ~9500 with this system, since I can easily OC the RAM a little, and push a bit more both cpu and gpu.
I think I've seen in the video forum that some people managed ~11000 score with system like that, but that's extreme OC, maybe when I'll get a newer rig, I'll push this one to the limits as well.

Bottom line: its better to go for less RAM with less dimms in an A64 (winchester) based system, and for gamers, you get much more juice out of your system by OC'ing your gpu rather than the cpu.
I'm guessing most of you know it, but maybe there are a couple who didn't and now they do...

 

[eplebnista]

Interesting conclusions.

 

[bigpow]

I take it 2 chips was running 1T and 4 chips was at 2T?
That's what I gained when I went to 4x512 from 2x512, slight loss on synthetic benchmark scores.
But the bigger the RAM, the faster it feels. Don't you agree?