Upgrading PC2-3200 to PC2-5300 ????

[dalejiw25]

Hey all
Presently running PC2-3200 2GB(4x512) dual channel. Wanna up to PC2-5300 2GB. Is it better to go with 4x512 or 2x1GB or does it make a diff. I'm running XP media pro SP2 so 4GB would probly be a waste ????

 

[doomsdaydave11]

unless you're a mass overclocker, I'm pretty sure that there would be virtually no difference between 2 gigs of PC2-3200 and PC2-5300. You might get like 3 extra points in 3DMark06 but thats it. I would stay with what you have. And depending on the rest of your rig, I'm not sure if 4GB would be overkill for you.

 

[lilsage]

It also depends what your board can handle... both speed and size wise. Need to look at the specs and make sure it can handle them first otherwise is a waste of money no matter what you do.

 

[antas]

Hold on a second here ....

PC-3200 is a DDR1 no? At least I've never seen PC-3200 DDR2, correct me if I'm wrong.

And PC-5300 is DDR2 with 667MHz.

EDIT: Ok, my noob mistake, sorry > I found PC-3200 DDR2, but there are also PC-3200 DDR1. Since you're putting PC2 on it I assume you meant for DDR2. IMO the different will not that much, but I'd agree with lunyone below, we should see the rest of your system. Mobo mem supports & Processor FSB will add up the calculation ..

 

[lunyone]

Found this, but not worth the $. Should just get a whole new rig if your going to spend this kind of dough on some memory.
mushkin Redline 2GB (2 x 1GB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 500 (PC 4000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146034

You'd be better off with the 3200, IMHO. What is the rest of your rig that you have?

 

[dalejiw25]

MY rigs full specs. are:
HP media center PC m7257c
Pentium D 915 2.8GHz 800MHz FSB
945G chipset
Asus P5LP-LE Phoenix bios V3.17
2Gb(4x512) PC2-3200 3-3-3-9 Max. is 4Gb(1GbX4)PC2 5300
250GB SATA
16XDVD CD DL Lightscribe
16XDVD
19" LCD
XP pro media SP2
XFX GeForce 8600 GT XXX
Corsair 550 VX

 

[lunyone]

I think that your fine with your setup. If you want more gaming power, your going to get a better GPU, but not sure if you want that or not. I'd get a 3850 or 9600gt around the $125-$150 range if you want a decent upgrade from your current GPU. What issues are you having?

 

[Guest]

Its usually easier to get everything smooth and stable using 2 sticks over 4. Also draws less power and puts less strain on your mobo.

 

[antas]

IMO you don't need to upgrade to PC2-5300. You have an FSB 800Mhz processor. Which means that PC2-3200 memory is suitable for your processor.

PC2-3200 = 3200/8 = 400MHz DDR2 = 400/2 = 200MHz actual speed.
FSB 800 MHz = 200MHz bus speed.

It means that you have 1:1 ratio (DRAM to bus) which is good. The latency (3-3-3-9) is also good.

 

[dalejiw25]

Thanks all. I think I'm done with this unit. I'm runnin 47-49 fps average in COH all settings High,AAx2,maxin out@62fps,min.22fps. Good enough for awhile. Also on the memory-MOBO specs. say max.4Gb(4x1). Can I run 4Gb(2x2) ????
Thanks for everything.

 

[lunyone]

Thanks all. I think I'm done with this unit. I'm runnin 47-49 fps average in COH all settings High,AAx2,maxin out@62fps,min.22fps. Good enough for awhile. Also on the memory-MOBO specs. say max.4Gb(4x1). Can I run 4Gb(2x2) ????
Thanks for everything.

No, you can only put in 1 gb per slot, so your limited to that amount. Did you change anything from your last post? Did you install the faster RAM or just leave it alone?

 

[jitpublisher]

You can run 4 gig, XP will only be able to use about 3.2 gig of it. Again though, you won't notice any difference. Your memory is fine. Waste of money to buy more, or faster, or whatever.

 

[dalejiw25]

I Didn't Change anything. Though I might jump into 4gb eventually. Everything s Runnin smooth right now. Thanks.