Slower CPU and more RAM or Less RAM and faster CPU?

[Jaxidian]

So I just built a new machine with a Venice in it an am wondering what will get me the best performance. I can run it with 4x512 in it at loose timings at 2.2GHz or I can put a pair of 512 BH6s in and get it to over 2.5GHz.

Would the 2GB of RAM help more than the 300MHz on the CPU? I'm guessing so but wanted a second opinion.

 

[DrMrLordX]

Since the game is EQ2, you might want to test both configurations. You should be "ok" with only 1 gig, but even still, knowing that game . . .

btw, this should be a sign to everyone that it's time to step up to 1 gig DIMMs. 512 is the new 256.

 

[freethrowtommy]

With the A64s, you have a third option:
- run a memory divider and clock that chip up higher, tighten the timings. The chip speed will matter the most with the most RAM you can throw at EQ2. So, get it up to 2.5 Ghz with the divider running the RAM around the highest it can go at tighest timings before you error out.

 

[ssvegeta1010]

Originally posted by: freethrowtommy
With the A64s, you have a third option:
- run a memory divider and clock that chip up higher, tighten the timings. The chip speed will matter the most with the most RAM you can throw at EQ2. So, get it up to 2.5 Ghz with the divider running the RAM around the highest it can go at tighest timings before you error out.

:thumbsup:

 

[Jaxidian]

Originally posted by: freethrowtommy
With the A64s, you have a third option:
- run a memory divider and clock that chip up higher, tighten the timings. The chip speed will matter the most with the most RAM you can throw at EQ2. So, get it up to 2.5 Ghz with the divider running the RAM around the highest it can go at tighest timings before you error out.

Nope! I can't run the 4x512 at a divider lower than the 5:6. Even with everything else at stock (or OC'd, stock voltages or more), they just won't run at 3:4 or lower. Additionally, they won't run at much over 205MHz. That means I can only get my FSB up to about 240 or so which is significantly limiting my CPU OC.

 

[Jaxidian]

No more thoughts? So far with the hardware I have my options are:

More RAM (4x512MB), slower CPU (2.16GHz)
- 240MHz x 9.0 CPU = 2160MHz
- 5:6 memory divider (i.e. runs at 200MHz) (note that the 4x 512 modules will not run at a lower divider otherwise I'd do so to get a faster CPU)
- 2T 3,4,4,10 timings

Less RAM (2x512MB), faster CPU (2.52GHz)
- 280MHz x 9.0 CPU = 2520MHz
- 5:6 memory divider (i.e. runs at 240MHz) (note that RAM isn't stable significantly above 240MHz but CPU isn't stable above 280MHz so this is a sweet spot for both)
- 1T 2,2,2,5 timings

 

[Furen]

you could sell your ram and buy two 1gb dimms ^^

 

[Jaxidian]

Originally posted by: Furen
you could sell your ram and buy two 1gb dimms ^^

I agree

 

[junitjam123]

i will go with the less ram

 

[Crassus]

Depends how much you hate prolonged level-loads. I've got a memory load of around 1,3-1,5 Gig, which makes level loads painfully slow with 1 GB RAM. Can't complain about the in-game performance, though.

 

[monster64]

Originally posted by: Crassus
Depends how much you hate prolonged level-loads. I've got a memory load of around 1,3-1,5 Gig, which makes level loads painfully slow with 1 GB RAM. Can't complain about the in-game performance, though.

You brought it back to life, even when it was dead. You defy the laws of...um...life?