notebook memory. DDR2 - 667 or 533?

[crimsontwo]

So far I have not been able to get a straight (to a reasonable extent, obviously) answer as to how much difference would it make to get 667Mhz RAM versus 533Mhz? The price between 2GB of both installed in my Inspiron 9400 (Core 2 Duo 2.16Ghz) is USD$308 -- pretty big difference, I must say.

Does it make sense?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Mondoman]

The difference will most likely be only a few percent in overall performance. However, we need the specifics: what are the brands and model numbers of the memory modules, and (most importantly) what are their latency specs and what module voltage is necessary for those specs (should be reported along with the latency specs)?

PS - Great choice to go with 2GB over 1GB total.

 

[crimsontwo]

Thanks for you reply.

I don't know whereabouts to look for memory specs. Here is what the DELL e-mail lists:

[2G2D ] - [311-5635 ] 2GB,DDR2,533MHZ,2 DIMM,I

No other info at the moment since I have just ordered the system. Can anything be deduced from that part # code?

My initial choice was a 1710 XPS system but with similar specs it came to 700$ more. Yes, it had 667RAM, dual pipe GPU and some minor bells and whistles, but the price did not really justify those enhnacements (IMHO).

 

[Mondoman]

I took a quick look at the Dell online store, and it looks like there is only a small price difference between the DDR2-533 and DDR2-667. Here's what I would choose for good performance on a not-unlimited budget:
T7200 processor to save $150 (spending money elsewhere will make a much bigger performance difference)
2GB RAM at 667MHz instead of 533MHz ($50 more, but synchronous w/CPU FSB)
100GB *7200rpm* hard drive (the faster hard drive will make a noticeable difference)

 

[crimsontwo]

Thanks. I did choose 7200 RPM 100GB even though I paid more but T7400 was the only choice of CPU for this system. So I guess I will stick with 533; I just wish someone posted benchmarks to show the actual real world difference between the two.

P.S. The funny thing is, I built my system yesterday. I have just tried to do the same and there is no 7200RPM drive anymore listed as an option at all -- either 120GB or 200GB (4200RPM). Canadian web site.