DDR vs Normal RAM

[Illusio]

I will be upgrading my Proc. to a Athlon 1.2 or 1.33 very soon and need to get a new motherboard. What I was wondering, is would it be a good idea to scrap the 256 stick of normal pc133 ram and buy a motherboard that only supports DDR and get new RAM of that kind? would it be worth the extra money? would i notice a difference? is there even much of a difference?

thanks

 

[AaronP]

I don't think you'll notice much of a difference in general windows use, but if you start doing some hardcore multitasking or photoshop, or maybe games. If all you do is email and web browsing or ICQ type of stuff, save your money. If you plan on playing Return to Castle Wolfenstein at 1600X1200 then go for it!

 

[Illusio]

ok, what is the actual difference though? I know it stands for double data rate, but is it just faster? I do a lot of multitasking, espically between photoshop and homesite. I also play a lot of games...so i guess it would be a good idea, ya?

 

[AaronP]

DDR has a lot higher bandwidth than SDRAM. I am not sure of the exact numbers.

 

[majewski9]

Get DDR! If you are on budget get a sdram board using KT133A! New DDR chipsets are coming though so I'd wait!

 

[Illusio]

i was thinking about gettin the Asus A7M266 with DDR, what do u think?

 

[Buz2b]

<< i was thinking about gettin the Asus A7M266 with DDR, what do u think? >>

Oh boy, here we go again! Not picking on you at all, it's just that this debate comes up several times a day it seems. Here's MY TAKE on the question. Others will undoubtedly follow with a different view, and are certainly entitled to that. It is my feeling that the ASUS board you mention is an excellent DDR board. It has been on the market a bit longer and has a rock solid reputation for being just that........Rock Solid and stable. I am sure that there are a few exceptions to that, but usually no one can argue that point. That reputation is not just limited to this Forum either, it is worldwide. HOWEVER.......it does not contain the overclockability options that others, such as the Epox 8K7A does. Mind you, you can still overclock with the ASUS board, but it is limited to increases in the FSB. The ASUS board does not have a multiplier adjustment. I am running my 1.33 T-Bird @ 1.45 as we speak on this board. I can perhaps go higher with voltage adjustments, but I have no desire to start that process. If overclocking is your priority, then the ASUS A7M266 is not for you. If stability is your priority, then it is for you. Note that I DID NOT say the Epox was not stable! A great many people here will swear by that board. I just say that the ASUS has more of a reputation for that. Good luck.