Will Faster RAM be Noticeable?

[Capper]

The more vs faster memory argument is tough in this instance.....and there are several things to balance.

I think we'll all agree that 2GB is optimal, unless you have a 64-bit OS, then 4GB will generally show a marked improvement. However, with PC2-4200 memory in that system, and generic memory, probably with 5-5-5-15 timings, I can see his system majorly bottlenecked.

With all of this in mind, he should see a major boost in performance moving to a 1GB or 2GB PC2-6400 kit over what he has now.....I think a 2GB kit of PC2-6400 would probably be the most cost effective, and optimal upgrade choice.

I'll also give my support for Crucial memory, and put them right there with Corsair and OCZ memory as far as performance and support.

[MantaBase]

Originally Posted by Capper

I think a 2GB kit of PC2-6400 would probably be the most cost effective, and optimal upgrade choice.

Heheh - given time we can spend all his money for him.

I didn't think about the timings issue. My only worry is that the board/BIOS will run the memory stepped down and he will have no way to change it. I am also assuming he's running Vista. If its XP, then I suspect 2 gigs won't give as much improvement as better RAM.

To the original question: "Will faster memory make a noticeable difference?"

Yes, it should, if it will actually run as PC6400.

Manta

[Kent10]

Manta:
In another year or so I will let you spend my money for me. I really like the system recommendation section that you have. I will probably build one using the enthusiast recommendations but without the water cooling since I doubt I will over clock and with a mainstream video card since I am not a gamer. I wonder how often you update this section.

I am still using XP because I have too much software that I need that probably won't work on Vista. So the 2 GB of RAM might come in handy only occasionally when I use Photoshop or Voice Recognition software. I have kept an eye on my RAM usage and it rarely goes above 1 GB. The RAM I have now has 4-4-4-11 timings. When I bought the system I chose a higher quality RAM for a few more $.

Thanks for everyone's continued help. I am learning a ton. Kent

[MantaBase]

Originally Posted by Kent10

I will probably build one using the enthusiast recommendations but without the water cooling since I doubt I will over clock and with a mainstream video card since I am not a gamer. I wonder how often you update this section.

Capper can tell you - but i believe they are updated at least once a year if not more. Not sure there is a schedule as much as simply deciding what we have is out of date and "its time".

Manta

[polobunny]

The systems were updated very recently, and so far I see Capper updates it whenever it's "worth it".
(When a much better or a better bang for the buck part gets out)

[Capper]

I'm updating the recommended Hardware Lists as we post reviews, as new products hit the market, etc

[Kent10]

You have done a great job with the recommended hardware lists. It was exactly was I was looking for as I collect information. I also like the system specs in the signatures.
Kent

[gvblake22]

Originally Posted by MantaBase

To the original question: "Will faster memory make a noticeable difference?"

Yes, it should, if it will actually run as PC6400.

Manta

Yes, but I want to emphasize the words colored and bolded in the quote above. you can try looking in your BIOS and see if it gives memory ratio options for DDR2-800 memory.

[Kent10]

Manta:
The BIOS is really basic and doesn't allow any changes to the memory. Oh well. I will build my own next time and then won't have to deal with this issue. Thanks, Kent

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by Kent10

The BIOS is really basic and doesn't allow any changes to the memory. Oh well. I will build my own next time and then won't have to deal with this issue. Thanks, Kent

+1 to that. Building your own is the only way to go, IMO.