Simple CPU/RAM question

enewmen

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Mar 6, 2005
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I hear a lot of talk about RAM speed and RAM latencies.
However, when I see actual results, the benifit is only like < 10%.
The only way to get big gains is a fast CPU (dual is nice) and lots of RAM.
Is this correct?
I am not taking about graphics cards or hard-drives.

So, what benifit can I expect from really good fast high quality RAM, many channels, low lantency, etc ?

If you think I have no idea what I am talking about, please give me a link.

thanks!
 

MadModMike

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Feb 1, 2006
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Speed Speed Speed, that's what we need!

You always want the lowest latency, highest frequency RAM you can get. As well as the fastest CPU's (not necesarily the most GHz) and the gains you make might not always be huge. If what you're asking is how much performance you'll gain from different RAM, you'll have to read reviews. Always try to get the best everything, but don't spend $250 for some PC4800 RAM because your timings are going to be high, 2.5-4-4-10 for the most expensive brand (that type of RAM is best for power users; such as 3D Rendering, Photoshop, etc.). PC4000 3-3-3-8 or PC3200 2-2-2-5 (or 1.5-2-2-2 in my case ;)) is your best bet.

~~Mad Mod Mike, pimpin' the world 1 rig at a time
 

MadModMike

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You can go from avg 5.6GB/s RAM bandwidth to over 7.5GB/s overclocking your RAM from 200MHz (DDR400) to 275MHz (DDR550) and above. The gain will be about 5-20% in Games and other apps.

~~Mad Mod Mike, pimpin' the world 1 rig at a time
 

luminaris

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Mike says it best when he says he's pimpin one rig at a time! Rock on Mike

Now, as far as RAM goes, Mike is right. What you should do though, is get the processor multilplier up as high as it will go and run stable, then crank up the RAM timings and OC the RAM. Faster RAM + lower latency = Kick ass machine