What is of more benefit: faster ram or a faster processor?

[Blackhawk2]

With ram prices falling I've got the upgrade itch. Now question is what would I benefit from more, faster ram (DDR vs PC133) or a faster processor?

 

[ragiepew]

Well, it depends a lot on what your doing. My opinion on it though is that faster ram is better. For example, I am running my system at a lower speed just so I can get a faster FSB and faster ram clock (149mhz cas2). Anyway though, it also depends on how much of a MHz jump your wanting to take on the CPU, ex: I would rather replace a 500mhz cpu w/ a 1ghz cpu then pc100 ram w/ pc133.

 

[Dee67]

I'd like to throw another element into the mix if you don't mind.

My opinion is the most noticable increase in performance would come from a faster hard drive.

 

[rmblam]

You'll need a new mobo and probably a new cpu for that DDR. And depending on which DDR you get you might be better off with the PC133 based on price/performance.

What are you running now?

 

[ragiepew]

Dee67- Agreed... but he didnt ask about that

 

[sparkle]

It also depends on what kind of upgrade we are talking about. Ie: going from 700Mhz w/64MB to 800Mhz w/64MB would make less of a difference than 700Mhz w/64MB to 700Mhz w/256MB. But as ragiepew said, it is best to determine what kind of applications would be run.

 

[Blackhawk2]

Thanks for the opinions guys, it seems subjective as to which would make the system faster.

 

[BDawg]

It also depends what your using now...is faster ram going to help a P2 266?

Upgrade the weakest link!