Memory

[kutocer]

Hi all.

I am looking at upgrading my PC with new FX card and some memory, my question is that at the moment i have DDR2-3200 installed will i be able to install fast memory, will faster memory work for i.e will teh speed of the new memory drop to the speed of the old memory?

Thanks for any help in advanced.

Kutocer...

 

[Andrius]

It depends on your memory (the installed one) and if the motherboard can use the extra speed of the new memory modules.

Since you say the old memory is rated at DDR2-3200 it's likely the new fast memory will revert to the same speed. It could also happen that the new memory won't work at all if you have a very old motherboard.

Use CPU-Z to see what model of motherboard you have and check it's specification for maximum memory speed and module size.

 

[kutocer]

Thanks for the fast response.

I have managed to find out that my mobo is a P5LP-LE and have managed to find the spec sheet on it. Max 4gb Supports PC2 3200 (400 MHz), PC 4200 (533 MHz) and PC2 5300 (667 MHz) DDR2 DIMMs so i would be ok to keep the 1gb i have in there and put another 2 x 1gb sticks. Would this be better than say keeping just the new 2gb at the higher speed?

Kutocer...

 

[Andrius]

It depends on the use of your system. If you multi task heavily it would be better to have 3GB. I doubt you will notice any major performance difference from faster RAM alone, but make sure you run your memory in dual channel mode.

 

[kutocer]

Its gonna be used for gamign only really i wanna buy the 9600GT to get my some what up to date as its mostly old hat stuff, trying to do it all on the cheap as well. Again thx for the help.

Kutocer...

 

[Andrius]

In that case you might notice a difference from using 2GB at say 667MHz (a few frames per second in some games).

What are you other specs?
If you have a very slow processor (IE some Celeron) the 9600GT would likely be limited by it.

You also need a good power supply unit (PSU) for 9600GT (it's rated at 95W). I gather(from the motherboard model) your system is a HP/OEM machine or something?
A 400W-500W PSU would be advisable.

 

[kutocer]

MY psu died not so long ago so my friend who is the UK manager of Antec gave me a Neopower 650 so i know that is alright and my CPU is the Intel D820 at 2.8.

I had to buy a PC from my companys home computing scheme as i had old p4 cpu and stuff and needed to get up to date with new tech and the only way i could do it was to get a HP machine (i have kids so very little money for me) this has done me ok until Age of Conan came out and now i have to do a couple of upgrades. I thought the first port of call would be the FX card and ram just to get my up to spec then it would be Mobo and CPU next.

 

[Andrius]

Okey so the PSU is not an issue and the CPU is also going to be enough for now.
The 9600GT is a good match(maybe even a bit too powerful) for the 820D.
I would however not advise you to buy anything less right now.
If you can get the 9600GSO that would also work(maybe even better). But 8600GT(S) or less should be avoided.
In general I would recommend a Gigabyte/EVGA/BFG/XFX/ASUS card but not MSI(short warranty?)/ECS(bad reputation).

I have a Gigabyte passive cooled model. It's nice and cool on the desktop but gets quite hot under load so you need good airflow. It's been good to me.

Some links:
9600GSO (a bit cheaper and a better performer by some accounts)
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=815996

9600GT:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=773803
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=764132
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=815996

Good luck

 

[kutocer]

Thanks Andrius, Was gonna go for the http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=773802 as it has HDMI and my pc is sat next to my Viera so was gonna sort of use it as HTPC as well since it has HDMI. The memory was gonna be http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=291363 I hope i don't have any problems with it. If the mix don't work then I will just use 2gb instead of the 3gb as the mobo supports that speed.

Again thanks very much for you help in this matter.

Kutocer...

 

[Andrius]

Corsair is a very probleme free brand for memory (from my experience) so it shouldn't be an issue (no idea about the other brand you are using).

The 9600GT is a good pick. Mine has similar clocks. The DVI to HDMI adapter is a plus. I'm not sure the 9600GSO comes with one.

 

[kutocer]

CPU-Z says it is Hyundai Electronics PC2-3200. If the worst comes to the worst i will just purchase another 2gb worth of the Corsair and have 4 in there.