DDR2 vs DDR3 How much performance do you gain

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Denithor

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2004
6,298
23
81
Anandtech: The Cost of Running Your PC

I think that should cover your questions. The only way to get a definitive answer if you're seriously worried about it is to buy a power meter ($20-30) and measure the draw from the wall for your whole system, both idle & under load. Then figure out how many hours a day it's under load and calculate total average consumption. Multiply by your kwh rate and bingo - your total cost.

Personally I have two systems at home that stay on 24/7 running F@H on the video cards (with two cards in one of the systems). Check it out - it's for a great cause and you will have more than enough machine now to contribute nicely. Sign up with the AT team or your favorite college (if they have a team) or just contribute anonymously. For more details go read the Distributed Computing forum here.

No, I don't get paid to do this, advice here is freely given. I draw from about 15 years worth of hobbyist computer work - lots (and lots and lots and...you get the idea) of servicing friends & family members systems (mostly older stuff for people on tight budgets) along with a lot of performance upgrades to my personal gaming rig (gets a total do-over every year or so, whenever I get bored or something new catches my eye). So I keep up with both cheap and expensive gear, what the great bargains are, etc, because someone is always asking for something. It's a hobby and I enjoy helping people out.

Now, if you're serious about contributing...give a little to my favorite charity: Carnivore Preservation Trust. I love the big kitties.
 

ironwarrior

Member
Dec 24, 2008
69
0
0
Thanks again...

The power article was very interesting.
Most don't even think about how much energy their equipment is using.
By the looks of those figures I think I will start turning my system off every night.
Well actually I think if you use full power management it will drop the cost way down. The calculations shown in the article were based on 80% plus efficiency.

I will certainly look deeper into your website.

As for animal donations I am always all for that...
Me, I am 100 percent animal lover here. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to help them out. I already contribute to several animal groups.

I have a co-worker who just ordered a similar computer setup as mine.
He ran the Q6600 and same motherboard. Unfortunately for him, I found out today that his board arrived from newegg defective. I hope that bad luck doesn't get passed on to me:) I think I will order my parts tonight. Hopefully they will arrive by the weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

Thanks again for all your help and words of wisdom
 

ironwarrior

Member
Dec 24, 2008
69
0
0
My parts order has been officially placed :)

After reviewing more detail on my motherboard I found that it doesn't have a parallel port connector. Being old school like I am, the serial/parallel ports were standard. While I don't have any need for the serial anymore, I still have a Laserjet 4050 HP printer that uses a parallel connection. Any advice on the best way to connect it to the new board. Should I use a parallel to USB converter cable. They had one on newegg with only 1 review and it was negative. :( I found my new motherboard does have a parallel header off the board, but no connector apparently comes with it. My other thought is to just go to Fry's and try to locate the parallel universal connector that I can add to the onboard header.

I promise, this should be the last question... haha


 

ironwarrior

Member
Dec 24, 2008
69
0
0
Hey Denithor,

I received all my parts from Newegg last week.
Have been so busy, haven't had much time for assembly yet.
I did start and got the power supply in the case, the standoffs marked off and ready for motherboard install. I install the hard drives, the dvd burner and tomorrow I am hoping will finish the build (I can't wait). I did some research on the mouse and order the Logitech G5 Laser... I have been very happy with it and seems to work great.
(keep your fingers crossed for me) I will keep you updated.

 

conlan

Diamond Member
Jan 27, 2001
3,395
0
76
Very nice rig there, you'll love the G5, i'd never use anything else. :thumbsup:
 

ironwarrior

Member
Dec 24, 2008
69
0
0
Thanks Conlan, Yeah I love it so far.
I finally finished my build and my system posts and all looks good.
My plan was just to take my hard drive out of my old system and plop it into the new.
The new board had a ide like my old hard drive and I attempted to fire it up. Unfortunately though I
got a WIndows did not start normally message. I tried to reinstall windows xp, but didn't get the repair option.
I then realized I am faced with a new fdisk, format and install. My next dilema is since I have to run a new format and install should I go with Vista 32. I keep hearing so many pros and cons that I can't decide.. My question is whether the Direct X10 and memory management of Vista 32 is worth installing it, or should I stick with XP.. Some say with my hardware (i.e.) ati 4870 card that I should load vista. But not all games take advantage of direct x10. I wonder why these things can't be more easier to decide... :).

Would love any recommendations you have. And Denithor's too :).
Sure would love to use my new machine. I have it built and still am using my old system. :(
 

fausto412

Member
Nov 22, 2007
106
0
0
Thinking about getting some ddr3 ram on my p35c board from gigabyte, anybody have any experience with it? is it worth it now that ddr3 can be bought for 60 bucks for 4 gigs?
 

fausto412

Member
Nov 22, 2007
106
0
0
OK, what's the best to use on this board....4 gigs of ddr2 1066 cas 5 ram or 4 gigs ddr3 cas 9 ram? same price...trying to decide which is best to use for gaming and for this board? anyone using these ram speeds on a p35c board please speak up? how does the board overclock ddr3 ram?
memory config that is on sale right now is 2 stick of 2 gigs each...i just need to know if it makes sense or if it will be noticeable.