Should I get 2gb RAM? or buy faster 1GB ram?

[guynexdoor]

I currently have 2 512mb RAM sticks. It's the Corsair Value ram...see below for the exact kind.
I'm thinking of buying 2 more 512 sticks, of the same kind, for a total of 2gb ram. BTW, the extra RAM sticks would only be 28 dollars each...

But should I just replace the 1gb of ram with a "faster" RAM. I don't know much about RAM speeds, or DDR stuff...but would like some help with figuring that out.

Mainboard : MSI K8 Neo4 (MS-7125)
Chipset : nVidia nForce4
Processor : AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ @ 2000 MHz
Physical Memory : 1024 MB (2 x 512 DDR-SDRAM )
Video Card : Nvidia Corp GeForce 6600 GT
Hard Disk : ST3160827AS (160 GB)
DVD-Rom Drive : _NEC DVD_RW ND-3520A
DVD-Rom Drive : DVD-ROM DVD-16X3H
DVD-Rom Drive : AXV CD/DVD-ROM SCSI CdRom Device
Monitor Type : Samsung SyncMaster - 20 inches
Network Card : Atheros Communications Inc AR5005G 802.11abg Wireless NIC
Network Card : Marvell Semiconductor (Was: Galileo Technology Ltd) Yukon 88E8053 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (Copper)
Operating System : Microsoft Windows XP Professional 5.01.2600 Service Pack 2
DirectX : Version 9.0c (December 2007)

 

[JustaGeek]

I would recommend a 2x1GB set, and removing/selling the existing RAM.

But it is the DDR RAM, correct...? The older RAM is more expensive these days than the DDR2, so it might be too costly for you.

I understand that AMD processors have problems dealing with 4 sticks of RAM, that's why I would recommend the 2x1GB kit over 4x512MB. But if it is less expensive, try the extra 2x512MB sticks...

Perhaps someone from the AMD "camp" can tell you more - from experience...

Good luck!


BTW, definitely go for a total of 2GB of RAM, regardless of configuration (either 2x1GB or 4x512MB).

 

[guynexdoor]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek
I would recommend a 2x1GB set, and removing/selling the existing RAM.

But it is the DDR RAM, correct...? The older RAM is more expensive these days than the DDR2, so it might be too costly for you.

I understand that AMD processors have problems dealing with 4 sticks of RAM, that's why I would recommend the 2x1GB kit over 4x512MB. But if it is less expensive, try the extra 2x512MB sticks...

Perhaps someone from the AMD "camp" can tell you more - from experience...

Good luck!


BTW, definitely go for a total of 2GB of RAM, regardless of configuration (either 2x1GB or 4x512MB).

Yeah, it is older RAM. Does it matter what brand I get? Is Corsair Value RAM OK? I'm not a big gamer...but eventually would like to play games like Crysis, etc.

 

[Throckmorton]

Add a 1gb stick. They cost $50 at CompUSA right now.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
Add a 1gb stick. They cost $50 at CompUSA right now.

You can't do that with almost all Skt 939 motherboards. Unless the BIOS has a way to disable dual-channel operation, they automatically try to run dual-channel, and will fail to post, unless they've been setup beforehand to not run in dual-channel mode.

 

[nefariouscaine]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Throckmorton
Add a 1gb stick. They cost $50 at CompUSA right now.

You can't do that with almost all Skt 939 motherboards. Unless the BIOS has a way to disable dual-channel operation, they automatically try to run dual-channel, and will fail to post, unless they've been setup beforehand to not run in dual-channel mode.

I never had issues like that when I was running 3x512 on a 939 setup for a little while but I wouldn't recommend running any setup for 939 that isn't dual channel

Preference going to 2x1 gig as you get to use the T1 timings that make a difference in performance. The fact that the memory controller is on board for the processor is one of the advantages of the AMD platforms and why you see it shine in memory bench marks - T1 is about a 5%ish performance boost on average

You cannot run 4x512 at T1 on that board - I tried when I had one (same board) and that Nvidia chipset doesn't allow it. Dual channel wasn't an issue, could OC the hell outta the ram but T1 was not bootable....period

It might be the more expensive route but I've seen 2 gig kits going for about 100 in some places.

G.Skill made some nice kits 2x1 gig as did a few others - but... If you're planning on hanging around newer games you're 6600GT is going to be a huge factor in holding you back. You might want to see about investing in a 7900GS/GT and do the ram after that fact.

 

[Yellowbeard]

As a general rule, mixing different types/brands/sizes of memory is not a good idea. "Most" 939 boards I have used were very unstable or would not even boot with 3 DIMMs, even 3 matched DIMMs. If you are serious about your upgrade, I would suggest a 2 x 1gb kit. Then, you can try running it with the 2 x 512mb kit. If it works, great, you have 3gb. If not, you can fall back to the 2 x 1gb kit.

 

[guynexdoor]

I see DDR PC 3200 ram, which is the type of ram I have. Can I buy DDR RAM that is PC3700, or any other RAM that has a higher number than 3200? Or do I stick to PC3200?

 

[JustaGeek]

Check you motherboard's manual, and see if it supports higher frequencies.

If it does, you might see a performance increase.

 

[guynexdoor]

THis is what I found regarding frequency..

? Supports dual channel DDR 266/333/400, using four 184-pin DDR DIMMs.
? Supports a maximum memory size up to 4GB without ECC.
? Supports 2.5v DDR SDRAM DIMM.

Here is the link as well.

http://global.msi.com.tw/index...incat_no=1&cat2_no=171

 

[JustaGeek]

If you can change the memory frequency manually to 466MHz, you can use the faster memory.

But if your choices in BIOS are limited to 266/333/400MHz, stick with PC3200.

 

[secretanchitman]

i ran 2x1GB DDR-500 (g.skill 4-4-4-12) and 2x512MB DDR-400 (corsair 3-4-4-8) on my desktop rig (see sig) and it worked fine, and even kept my overclock at 2.5Ghz. although i couldnt clock any higher, and i was only able to run at 2T...again, a limitation of the amd chipset.

go for the 2x1GB.

 

[cozumel]

If your goal is to be able to play modern games (with a reasonable fps) as per the original post then you will definitely to have 2x1GB PC3200.

An upgrade to the GFX may also be required to further enhance your gaming enjoyment.

 

[Sheninat0r]

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
As a general rule, mixing different types/brands/sizes of memory is not a good idea. "Most" 939 boards I have used were very unstable or would not even boot with 3 DIMMs, even 3 matched DIMMs. If you are serious about your upgrade, I would suggest a 2 x 1gb kit. Then, you can try running it with the 2 x 512mb kit. If it works, great, you have 3gb. If not, you can fall back to the 2 x 1gb kit.

Heh, looks like I'm a lucky one - I have 3 unmatched DDR DIMMs [2x512MB, 1x256MB all from diff. brands] in my cheapo Asus A8N5X running 100% stable.

 

[guynexdoor]

OK, I shall buy the 2x1gb PC3200. Do I have to get the same brand? Or can I get another brand?

Or should I just invest in a new vid card? Will $150 be enough? Or do I need to spend more on a vid card? Any suggestions based on my current system?

 

[JustaGeek]

I would go for the same brand and model number (if possible) so you can re-use the existing 2x512MB for the total of 3GB, stability permitting.

As to the Video Card, if your MB has the PCIe x16 slot (I believe it does), go for the 8800GT family card, even if you have to wait to save another $100.

EDIT: Your PCIe x16 slot might not be compatibile with the PCIe 2.0 standard, if this is your motherboard:
http://www.msicomputer.com/pro...el=K8N_Neo4-F&class=mb

One PCI Express X16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)

It is not PCIe v1.1, required for compatibility.

Sorry!

 

[Marty502]

Originally posted by: Sheninat0r

Originally posted by: Yellowbeard
As a general rule, mixing different types/brands/sizes of memory is not a good idea. "Most" 939 boards I have used were very unstable or would not even boot with 3 DIMMs, even 3 matched DIMMs. If you are serious about your upgrade, I would suggest a 2 x 1gb kit. Then, you can try running it with the 2 x 512mb kit. If it works, great, you have 3gb. If not, you can fall back to the 2 x 1gb kit.

Heh, looks like I'm a lucky one - I have 3 unmatched DDR DIMMs [2x512MB, 1x256MB all from diff. brands] in my cheapo Asus A8N5X running 100% stable.

You aren't the only lucky one. My mobo manual says it will not start with 3 sticks of memory, yet here I am. 1 x 1GB and 2 x 512MB... no problems at all.

 

[guynexdoor]

Originally posted by: JustaGeek
I would go for the same brand and model number (if possible) so you can re-use the existing 2x512MB for the total of 3GB, stability permitting.

As to the Video Card, if your MB has the PCIe x16 slot (I believe it does), go for the 8800GT family card, even if you have to wait to save another $100.

EDIT: Your PCIe x16 slot might not be compatibile with the PCIe 2.0 standard, if this is your motherboard:
http://www.msicomputer.com/pro...el=K8N_Neo4-F&class=mb

One PCI Express X16 slot (supports PCI Express Bus specification v1.0a compliant)

It is not PCIe v1.1, required for compatibility.

Sorry!

Are you saying that I cannot buy the 8800 series of video cards??? ANd yes, that is my mobo.

 

[JustaGeek]

PCIe 2.0 is backward compatible with PCIe 1.1, but not 1.0a.

Unless you decide to flash the BIOS of the Video Card to "downgrade" the PCIe interface to 1.0a, the 8800 and 3800 series cards will not work with your motherboard.

Apparently people have been successful to do it for ASRock Dual-VSTA series - perhaps you can search this forum for the workaround.

 

[cozumel]

Maybe buy a new mobo that you can stick your 3800+ with 2x1GB DDR2 is an option instead? They would cost the same as the new 8800GT. You would then have a new mobo that is more ready for the future and can save for a 8800GT some time next year.

Just a humble idea...

 

[guynexdoor]

SHould I wait for DDR3 mobos? How much better is it get that? I mean...all I want to do is to be able to play CoH without a hitch...and possibly Crysis....

 

[JustaGeek]

CoH plays without a hitch on my computer.

Crysis gets between 20-30 FPS at 1680x1050, All High, No AA, DX9, XP.

If you can wait, I would rather wait for a new generation of Video Cards. By that time, the DDR3 will most likely be mainstream anyway.

It will take up to another year, IMO.

 

[cozumel]

And DDR3 is so expensive. Not mass produced yet unlike DDR2. If you are going down the new mobo route I would advise a DDR2 model unless you have a large hidden stash of money somewhere...