Will Faster RAM be Noticeable?

[Kent10]

Hi:

I have a Dell 8400 computer with PC-4200 RAM (4-4-4-12 timings). I am wondering if I would notice a difference with faster RAM. I am looking at the Crucial PC-6400 (same timings). I know this won’t make a huge difference but I may considerate it, if it is at least noticeable in reloading programs, for example, after they have already been opened once. Or would it only be noticeable in benchmarks?

There is also something else I have always wondered about but it may be difficult to answer. When a program is opened, is it more important to have a fast hard drive, a fast processor or fast RAM or do they play somewhat equal roles. I know a fast HD is important when first opening a program (I have a 10000 RPM Raptor). And on subsequent openings of the program, it is stored in RAM. I already have a very fast HD so I guess I am trying to determine is a faster processor will help and if the faster RAM will help significantly. My processor is a fairly old 3.4 Pentium 4.

Thanks for your help. Kent

Dell 8400
Pentium 4 650 (3.4 GHz)
1GB DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz
128MB ATI Radon X300 SE video card
74 GB Raptor hard drive
24” Dell monitor

[Capper]

well, the HDD is going to be a bottleneck on every system, and theree is really nothing you'll ever be able to do about that.

I try telling people all the time that the CPU is the most important component
, and it is.....but you have to have a good supporting cast to take full advantage. Ideally 2GB of DDR2-800/1066 memory is the sweet spot, that bandwidth would work perfectly with your CPU, and basically any of today's CPUs.

[Kent10]

Thanks Capper and thanks for your welcome e-mail too. The forum looks great.

I bought my son a new dual core computer and opening programs is snappier. My hard drive is faster so I assume the processor is doing more of the work as you say. His RAM has faster bandwidth but slower timings so I am guessing it is about equal to mine. I tried his RAM in my computer and there was no discernable difference but I am hoping the PC-6400 which is faster than his and has better timings will be noticeable even if a little.

Thanks again, Kent

[Capper]

That Raptor is a great drive, and you honestly won't find many that are faster in a desktop environment.

Some PC2-6400 should make a noticeable difference over that PC2-4200, just make sure the memory you choose is supported by that system.....Dell's can be a kit funny. some Corsair or Kingston Value memory should work, and are the two brands I'd recommend in this instance.

[Kent10]

This is what I was looking at (Crucial Ballistix) and it gets good reviews at a good price with the rebate. On their website, it says it is compatible with my Dell system. Thanks! Kent

Newegg.com - Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

[Kent10]

One thing I was wondering,,, If I upgrade to PC-6400 memory, it runs at 2.2 volts. My present memory runs at 1.8 volts. I know the memory is compatible because the Crucial web site says it is. Will the new memory run at its top speed. Or will it default to 1.8 volts and use some slower timings. I don't believe I can change this in the BIOS. I am not sure if there is something on the motherboard to change or not. If it does default to a slower speed then I wonder if the upgrade is still worth it. Thanks, Kent

[Yellowhello]

I used to have some 667MHz Corsair 1GB, then I got some 2GB G.Skill 800MHz and there was a noticeable difference in reponse time. (A good type of difference)

[Kent10]

Thanks yellowhello. That is good to hear. Kent

[Yellowhello]

Originally Posted by Kent10

Thanks yellowhello. That is good to hear. Kent

No prob man. Welcome to HL!

EDIT: that Crucial kit you linked to has a very good reputation. It's highly recommended!

[MantaBase]

Originally Posted by Kent10

One thing I was wondering,,, If I upgrade to PC-6400 memory, it runs at 2.2 volts. My present memory runs at 1.8 volts. I know the memory is compatible because the Crucial web site says it is. Will the new memory run at its top speed. Or will it default to 1.8 volts and use some slower timings. I don't believe I can change this in the BIOS. I am not sure if there is something on the motherboard to change or not. If it does default to a slower speed then I wonder if the upgrade is still worth it. Thanks, Kent

First - while I don't disagree with the above, having more memory will be more noticeable (generally) than the having the 6400.

Second, on almost all mainstream OEMS, you can't change much in the BIOS or on the board. What Crucial says is not as relevant as what Dell says - and that's kinda hard to find out. My trick has always been to look for replacement parts at Dell for your system and see what they are. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

That said, BIOS updates are sometimes helpful.

I'm not going to put down OEMs here - I like Dells. However, you have to understand that they have little incentive to make performance upgrading easy. They would prefer you simply buy a new box.

Now, if you switched out the RAM in your son's, did you check to see what the RAM was running at? That might give you a clue - I think Everest Home will tell you - if not, it will bench (and give you relative performance). Bench the RAM you have before you change out. Then you will know something more.

If it were my box - I think the 2 gigs would mean more to me than the rateing. Any money I saves would go towards a peripheral or card.

Sweet monitor BTW - I use a Dell 20" on a Mac workstation, and I have to say its 95% of the monitor Mac offered at a much much better price. Dell monitors rock!

Welcome to HL!

Manta