Ram size vs. Ram speed

[CrossTrack]

So I plan on getting a new laptop soon and the stock ram it has is going to be 8 gb 1600 mhz, but I have a previous ram upgrade in my current laptop of 16 gb 1333 mhz. I know that the actual difference in the speed is minuscule something like 2% or so in real time usage, but I was wondering if performance would be cut significantly if I were to use the slower speed ram or if I should stick with the stock 8 gb.

Basically, which would be better higher ram size or speed?

I know I didn't give a description of what I'd be using the laptop for, but I was just wondering what would be a better configuration generally.

 

[gpse]

16GB, you wont notice the difference with 1333 to 1600 unless you run benchmarks.
8gb to 16gb you WILL notice.

 

[fffblackmage]

For the most part, 16GB of DDR3-1333 will be better than 8GB of DDR3-1600. Down the road, older computers can still be relatively useful if they had more ram to work with. Running out of ram just sucks.

 

[lamedude]

If gaming with Intel iGPU I'd say speed but its not a big deal. If gaming with AMD APU then definitely speed.

 

[boxleitnerb]

16GB is overkill unless you do lots of video editing or stuff like that and actually need that amount.

 

[blastingcap]

My gf says both size and speed count, when it comes to a good ram. Seriously though if you have an integrated GPU you want speed, else I would go with the cheapest option because 16 is overkill but if it's the same price as the 8gb then go for that.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4503/sandy-bridge-memory-scaling-choosing-the-best-ddr3/6

 

[CrossTrack]

It'd be an intel i7 processor with a dedicated gpu and I'd be somewhat gaming, but nothing super hardcore really. I also wouldn't be spending any money on the ram since I already have the 16gb ram and the 8gb would be stock in the laptop, so price isn't a factor.

 

[boxleitnerb]

Then go for the 16GB and use parts of it as a RAM-disk or so. Otherwise you most likely wouldn't notice any difference at all, no matter if you have 1333 or 1600 or 8GB or 16GB.

 

[BFG10K]

8gb to 16gb you WILL notice.

Unlikely, unless he has a very specific niche reason.

RAM size only matters when you don't have enough of it.

 

[jacktesterson]

I have 8GB and never come close to using it all, including gaming. Depends on what your doing.

 

[KentState]

I have 8GB and never come close to using it all, including gaming. Depends on what your doing.

And mine was over 12GB used so it does depend.

 

[j03h4gLund]

I have 2x4GB sticks of ram(see below). I am having a minor stuttering issue with the game, Rift. I am going to get to the bottom of this. So far I have replaced my PSU and noticed 0 difference. My next step is to replace my 8GB 1600mhz ram w/ 16GB 2133mhz ram. I will let you know if I see my problem resolved with this change. Size + Speed = Win

 

[nomadicspirit]

I realize this thread is about a month old since updates, but I was wondering if anyone had any information on speed vs size for the Vishera CPUs. I already know they are going slower than Intel, but I am building kind of an AMD budget machine. Found a few benchmarks on the Bulldozer, nothing on Piledriver as far as memory bandwidth usage is concerned. Not much point in paying for the extra memory speed if the CPU is not going to utilize it correctly is what I am thinking. Anyone have thoughts?

CPU I have is 8320
Board is MSI 990FXA-GD80V2

 

[zephyrprime]

If you're really worried about it, sell both sets and buy a faster set.

 

[nomadicspirit]

In my current setup I am hitting full ram at 8GB when I have VMware running and Transcoding going on, the new one is definitely getting the 32GB treatment. Might as well spring for the speed, it cant hurt.

 

[Deders]

What would you be using the laptop for, apart from gaming?