Quantity or Quality?

[TROAB]

I've got 1GB of PC3200 ram in my machine right now. I might be getting a GB of PC2100 RAM dirt cheap from my work.

Assuming there are no real quality issues with the ram and that it is good for what it is... is it better for me to run 1GB of the 3200 or add the extra GB and run 2GB? (I assume you have to run both at 2100 at that point)

I'll be able to try it to see if I get an increase, but I was curious if this was even worth bothering? How much does that number factor in?

Thanks

 

[ribbon13]

Variables to this question

What do you do on your computer?
Chipset/CPU?
Games? Photoshop? 3D CAD/CAM?

 

[GamerExpress]

I would go with one 1GB stick of 3200 now and then upgrade later when you can afford a second stick.

 

[The Green Bean]

If you could

 

[TROAB]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Variables to this question

What do you do on your computer?
Chipset/CPU?
Games? Photoshop? 3D CAD/CAM?

Games mainly.

Athlon 3500+
Not sure on the chipset.

Yeah I will probbaly add another GB of 3200 when I can afford it, but I can get this GB of 2100 for next to free... is there that much difference between 3200 and 2100?

 

[CalvinHobbes]

PC2100 would have to be running at 200Mhz to run with an A64. So you'd have to OC the memory which would then OC everything else. Not a good choice. Stick with PC3200.

 

[ribbon13]

You have 1x1GB or 2x512 DDR400 right now? 1xGB or 2x512MB DDR266 from work?

 

[TROAB]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
You have 1x1GB or 2x512 DDR400 right now? 1xGB or 2x512MB DDR266 from work?

Yes. 2x512 in both cases.

 

[ribbon13]

Then absolutely NOT!

Stick to 2x512MB DDR400

 

[TROAB]

Out of curiosity, why? What is the difference between 2x512 and 1x1GB?

 

[CalvinHobbes]

Originally posted by: TROAB
Out of curiosity, why? What is the difference between 2x512 and 1x1GB?

Besides the fact that one has two sticks and one has one stick?
With two sticks you could run dual channel.

 

[ribbon13]

Because with 4 DIMMs the onboard memory controller of the A64 will run in a slow command rate (2T) in addition to all the ram being downclocked to DDR266 to match the other sticks. This will actually really fsck up your performance

 

[phaxmohdem]

My Athlon64 FX-51 was running on 1GB (2x512) PC-2100 for the first year or so of its life. When I finally saved up the cash and got 2X1GB PC3200 for it, there really wasn't a HUGE difference, but it was noticable. The system is a little more responsive, (Due mostly to the fact that I use more than 1GB RAM frequently with my apps open).

If you use more than 1GB of RAM frequently like myself... Running Photoshop, Premiere Pro, LIghtwave 3D + 4-5 browser windows + whatever simultaneously, and you computer needs to thrash the page file, you will be happier with 2GB, however, most people 1GB is fine. and I'd just stick to the current PC3200.

 

[Cheesetogo]

Originally posted by: hatim

Originally posted by: GamerExpress
I would go with one 1GB stick of 3200 now and then upgrade later when you can afford a second stick.

 

[PrayForDeath]

Originally posted by: CalvinHobbes
PC2100 would have to be running at 200Mhz to run with an A64. So you'd have to OC the memory which would then OC everything else. Not a good choice. Stick with PC3200.

Not really; he just needs to change the dividers (or whatever they're called).

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Because with 4 DIMMs the onboard memory controller of the A64 will run in a slow command rate (2T) in addition to all the ram being downclocked to DDR266 to match the other sticks. This will actually really fsck up your performance

I am not sure about the performance hit of running 2T, but I heard it's minimal.
You might wanna stick with your PC3200 unless you absolutely need more than 1Gb.

And btw, if you have a Venice core, then you won't have to run at 2T with 4 DIMMs.

 

[0roo0roo]

games are starting to like 2gb. but 2100 is too slow.

 

[Fox5]

PC2100 will reduce the athlon's speed to about on par, mhz per mhz, with an athlon xp 3200+ with low latency pc3200. Basically you lose somewhere between 300-600mhz worth of performance.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Fox5
PC2100 will reduce the athlon's speed to about on par, mhz per mhz, with an athlon xp 3200+ with low latency pc3200. Basically you lose somewhere between 300-600mhz worth of performance.

actually the difference between 2100 vs 3200 is miniscue but noticeable!!
if you did use both 2100 and 3200 the 3200 would default automatically to whatever the 2100 was.....no questions asked!!

Instead of having a 400fsb you would most likely have a 200fsb!

If your doing alot of number crunching as well photoediting ot movie editing...then the default setting and the extra ram would do you fine.

Since your a gamer I would stick to the 3200 and forget about the 2100!!

Good Luck!!