Question on RAM.

[algae]

Hi all,
My nephew is buying a new computer from Dell and here are his choices for RAM:

128 MB PC600 RDRAM

256MB RDRAM [add $240]

384MB PC600 RDRAM [add $480]

512MB PC600 RDRAM [add $720]

1024MB PC600 RDRAM [add $1680]

128MB PC800 RDRAM [add $70]

256MB PC800 RDRAM [add $380]

384MB PC800 RDRAM [add $690]

512MB PC800 RDRAM [add $1000]

1024MB PC800 RDRAM [add $2300]

The price differences are obvious but we don't know the main difference between PC(X) Ram and RD Ram and whether or not it matters.
Btw these options are on a Dell Dimension 8100 P4 1.3 Ghz

Thanks for any enlightenment.

Gary

 

[Zenmervolt]

Basically, PC(X) RAM will NOT work with a P-IV. P-IV requires RDRAM, as there is currently no system board for the P-IV that allows PC(x) RAM. As for PC600 RDRAM vs, PC800 RDRAM, the PC800 RDRAM has a higher theoretical bandwidth than the PC600 RDRAM. I say theoretical because there has been very little difference detected in application performance, though programs which measure bandwidth have shown the PC800 RDRAM does have more. While current applications do not make use of the greater memory bandwidth of PC800 RDRAM, future apps will, and if you can afford it, go for 128MB PC800 RDRAM if running Win Me, or 256MB PC800 RDRAM if running Win 2000.

Zenmervolt

 

[ltk007]

What's his budget? If he's buying a P4 1.3ghz its probably not too high when 1.4ghz and 1.5ghz are available. I'd get 128mb PC800 RDRam, but if he has the money an upgrade to 256 couldn't hurt. I think a processor upgrade might be a better way to spend his money though.

 

[Dark4ng3l]

Rdram sucks big time dont get any of that memory.

 

[zippy]

Dark4ng3l, since he is getting a P4 he doesn't have any choice but to get RDRAM.

Oh well, go for 128MB PC800- it is definately worth the $70.

Either way RDRAM is a waste of money, but that's just my opinion (as well as most people's here). Since he is getting a prebuilt machine- what about a Gateway or Compaq (yuk on both accounts!) with an Athlon- specifically a Thunderbird. A 1.2GHz Tbird with 256MB PC133 will cost a lot less than that P4+128MB rig from dell and perform at least as well if not better.