DDR-2 Memory Difference Question

[farnold34]

I'm purchasing a new computer and was wondering if a 8 GB [2 GB X4] DDR2-800 PC6400 Memory Module set-up would be better compared to a 4 GB [2 GB X2] DDR2-1066 PC2 8500 Memory Module set-up? Also, considering the second option is a bit more pricey, would it be worth the extra cash for that upgrade?

Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dexter72209]

The few articles I have read where they tested 6400 against 8500 on "average" motherboards showed no real improvement in performance.

 

[GhislainG]

It all depends on what you use your system for? DDR2-1066 won't make the system much faster than DDR2-800. Using the extra cash on a faster CPU or GPU (if you're a gamer) usually is a better investment.

 

[farnold34]

Gaming will definately be the primary use for my new system. There's not a "considerable" price difference between the two options, however, I'm a little hesitant right now to make a choice between the two options because i would like to not choose option A to only find out later that option B was the way to go.

So, considering I'm not terribly tech savy, I'm trying to supplement that by doing a little research and getting a few opinions from anyone how may be willing to offer one.

Again... any and all help is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[jitpublisher]

You don't need 8 gig of anything for gaming.
4 gig is plenty. But it would help to know the full specs of the rig your are looking to be able to tell you if the difference between 800 and 1066 is worth it.

 

[smartel7070]

^+1 for what jitpublisher said. 4gb is more than enough right now. I have 4gb on my rig and I even disabled the pagefile and I've had no problems.

As for 800 vs 1066, the short answer is if you don't plan to do some extreme oc'ing you are fine with 800.