CPU speed vs Memory bandwith for Encoding system (mem limited and too cheap to get costly new sticks)

[Naruto]

I am using a 2.4C along with an abit IS7-E. Cpu can probably go to 3.4 and up on default vcore. See, the problem is the last spare sticks of ddr ram I have are two unidentical ddr 333 256mb sticks (1x unofficial samsung and 1x infineon). They are both double sided sticks. They are able to run in dual channel mode, but when overclocked to around 360mhz or higher, system is not so stable. I have been able to get higher cpu speeds by using this ram in single channel mode. I also did a 3dmark2k1 test, and I lost only about 500 points going from DC to SC mode, which is nearly a 2500MB/S difference in bandwith. System only has a geforce 3 ti used for light gaming. Should I stick with SC mode and get more cpu speed and save money? I do have 4 identical official samsung ddr sticks that I know can hit dual channel 400mhz, but they are used in my nforce 2 systems, which are me and my bro mainly use for gaming and general use.

 

[Cheetah8799]

Encoding what? divx, mp3, something else?

Maybe if you tried your encoding in both modes, dual channel and single channel, and comparing the amount of time it takes for the same task, then you will know which is best.

 

[Duvie]

In my testing I found that in almost all occasions higher clocked cpu is more benficial then ram speed and bandwidth alone...Ultimately it would be nice if you could run 3:2 ratio at least at the 283fsb you have going now....At 283fsb and 3:2 ratio you would be running 377mhz ddr, right??? Have you tried a bit more juice and more relaxed timings??? If you get it stable 270fsb with dual channel and 360mhz ddr at 3:2 it may be a tossup as Dual channel in some appliactions not necessarily in encoding can have 5-10% gains overs single in real world mode....Therefore 3240 would only need to 6% faster to equal out....

Sorry to say sometimes the answers can't come form us but you need to test it out yourself and find the the best balance for you....

I bet 2.7v to 2.8v with cas 2.5,3,3,8 can maybe secure some stability if you haven't tried it at 377.....Heck I use to have some pc2700 kingmax stcks that did 410mhz with 2.8v....