A computer question...

[skyboy]

Would I notice a performance difference if I used the new DDR500 memory as opposed to the DDR400? I'm building a new P4 3.2 system and was just wondering if it's worth the extra bucks.

BTW I'm planning to use 1G of Ram


Thanks!

 

[pizzapest]

Can your new motherboard support ddr 500 sdram?

Are we talking OEM or Retail Ram?

What are you planning on using your computer for?

 

[WC Drifter]

Two issues to consider:

1st: The motherboard must support the memory at the speed you are adding. Many to most motherboards have trouble fully supporting the latest, fastest RAM standards...Investigate completely before purchasing that new motherboard. ASUS, for example, will often only support a high speed RAM module in one DIMM socket, while supporting slower RAM in the second and third slot.

2nd: The P4 3.2 GHz CPU will specifically support a RAM speed based on the FEB (Front End Bus) speed of the motherboard chipset. So if the CPU is built for DDR 400 then get DDR 400. The only possible advantage of getting higher speed RAM is if you want to attempt to overclock the CPU Bus speed.

The simple point to be made is that higher speed RAM is not faster in and of itself it simply allows the opportunity to push things up to that point, but is completely dependent on the CPU and motherboard.

 

[sushiman]

Simple solution - buy a system ready made - comes with warranty and manufacturer's backup.

 

[Savage]

To answer the question, you won't notice any difference unless your going to overclock your system.

 

[Commander Chode]

Savage has it right. Anything over DDR400 currently is for overclockers. If you are going that route the AMD mobile Athlon XP-M 2500+ is a fantastic overclocking chip.

If you have the money for a P4 3.2 personally I would go with a AMD64 instead. NCIX has somee nice AMD64 bundles in their current sale.

 

[skyboy]

Thanks for the info guys! I'll check into it more. I haven't quite decided what motherboard yet, but i wasn't planning to overclock.

 

[PoorGuy]

Bah, go to ATIC. Shittiest service you will ever encounter, but always the cheapest price.

 

[pizzapest]

Cheapest price yes, shitty service yes, and be careful that they don't try to stick in OEM parts after you pay retail. Always insist they give you the box. Only 30 bucks extra and they will put your computer together for you.

 

[skyboy]

Actually there are a few stores like ATIC in Richmond that I visit. Asian computer stores are so cheap. I can't believe more poeple dont go to a store like ATIC before they go to future shop.