memory question

[X14]

if i've got generic PC100 memory in my KT7/TB800 system running fine at memory clock of 133, does it make sense to go out and by good CAS2 PC133 memory?

 

[Erasmus-X]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

No, it doesn't make sense to replace that memory with new PC133 when Athlons overclock using the core multiplier. This is a much bigger deal when overclocking PIIIs.

 

[X14]

Thanks Erasmus-

But sometimes if it ain't broke, you're not trying hard enough Like many overclockers, I am famous for breaking something that is perfectly good. Perhaps it just gives us a reason to go out and buy something that could be even better.

 

[Ulysses]

From a technical point of view CAS2 SDRAM gives only about a 3% performance increase over CAS3 SDRAM, other things equal. That's like 20-30 MHz equivalent, which isn't very much, but which may be a very expensive 20-30 MHz if you have to buy a lot of premium grade RAM. OTOH, some of the premium grade RAM may run at CAS3 at much higher speeds than the generic CAS3 stuff, which may be why a lot of overclockers buy it.

Also, sometimes the manufacturers will label PC133 SDRAM as PC100 in order to meet market demand for the latter when yields of the former are very good.