Upgrading from 1GB PC2700 to 1GB PC3200..?

[ZTHS]

Hello, I just signed up for an account on Anandtech.com because the forums look interesting... :thumbsup: Regardless, I have a question:

As of now I'm running an AthlonXP 2700, Asus A7N8X, Radeon9700(non-pro), and 1 GB of PC2700 memory, And I wanted to know if changing to a Gigabyte of PC3200 memory, (which would be 512x2 like my current config) would create a decent increase in general gaming performance.. and would it be worth the money. Well, thanks for your time..

 

[Boztech]

Not unless you are overclocking. AXPs run best with the memory at 1:1 to the FSB. Meaning at stock speeds PC2700 is the best match for a 2700+. But if you are raising the FSB, PC3200 will be able to match it with better timings. PC2700 may overclock some but you'll have to loosen the timings and take a performance hit, and will still be limited in how high you can take the FSB at 1:1.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Not unless you are planning to overclock the CPU. Right now you have a nicely balanced system that I'd guess might run Doom 3 at 800x600 medium quality (where "medium" actually means really nice).

To do much better you'd probably need to upgrade everything -- A64 3000+, motherboard, 1 GB PC3200, and an nv 6800GT.

 

[ZTHS]

Heh.. thanks.. However, I don't really plan to overclock, because I'm trying to get the longest life out my components, and coincidently, I am indeed planning to buy a 6800 GT very soon.. Hopefully with that upgrade, I can postpone further upgrades to motherboard/cpu/ram until I REALLY need it... thanks again for the help..

 

[Soulkeeper]

of course it won;t

i would only do the upgrade if you are getting pc4000 or higher and overclock
maybe even waiting for ddr2 might be better
dual channel motherboards/chipsets seem to easily negate the performance difference in most real world cases