do i need more than pc3200?

[kopykat]

Hi everyone,
Im planning on upgrading my rigg. I wanna replace my graphics card to a 7800GTX, cpu to a 3800+ X2 and the mobo is still questionable but needs to be for highest performance. I dont know if there is any point in upgrading my ram or not, Im not sure itll have any noticeable affect.
Can someone plz tell me weather I should or shouldnt get more ram? should i just get higher clocked ram? or should i get more ram (2gb instead of 1gb)? or both options? and how much of an impact do you think this will have compared to ram I have today?
Thank you.

Asus P4800 Deluxe - 3.0C - 4X256MB corsair twinx - 6800GT 256mb - sata w/8mb 160gb - 120gb w/8mb - Thermaltake purepower 480w - Thermaltake XaserIII

 

[BrentUnitedMem]

1GB is optimal for current systems in terms of performance- this may slowly change towards larger memory setups. So you could go with 2x1024MB now.

Smaller density modules have slightly better performance, however, you end up with two or more module which can compromise stability; fewer modules has a higher degree of stability.

The noticible difference in clock speeds between 3200 and say 4300, or even 5300 is negligible. Performancewise, latency is more significant than clock speed. Keep in mind that the tighter the timing specification of the module, the less compatible it becomes with applications in general.

So it really comes down to what you want, and what your budget is.

For me, stability is top priority, performance is secondary. For stability, it is recommended you stick with major-brand chips from a reputable vendor (Micron, Samsung, Infineon).

Break your decision down like so:
<i>MEMORY SIZE:</i>
Hard core gamer: 2x1024MB
Casual gamer: 2x512MB

<i>MEMORY TIMINGS:</i>
Professianal: standard latency modules
Gamer: high performance modules
Casual gamer/professianal: Somewhere in between.


<font color=blue>******
<font color=green>"My Memory is not working today"
<font color=blue>AIM SoCaliCrowley

 

[kopykat]

So compared to how much more performance i can get to what I already have, ur saying there wont be a significant difference? cause if thats the case, ill just stick to what I have now. I acctually think that once i switch the mobo itll already be a memory upgrade as well in a way, since right now the mobo i have cant handle even close to the fastest latency settings my ram can offer.
Which brings me to the question what mobo would be good for my ram? something that can handle very low latencies, I had my eye on the DFI lanparty nf4 ultra.

Asus P4800 Deluxe - 3.0C - 4X256MB corsair twinx - 6800GT 256mb - sata w/8mb 160gb - 120gb w/8mb - Thermaltake purepower 480w - Thermaltake XaserIII

 

[BrentUnitedMem]

The Epox 9NPA+ Ultra and the DFI LANParty UT nF4 Ultra-D are rated by Anandtech as their prime choice: <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2465&p=28" target="_new">read</A>

So compared to how much more performance i can get to what I already have, ur saying there wont be a significant difference?

example:
PC3200 = 3200MB/sec
PC4300 = 4300MB/sec
PC4300 = 4300/3200 % faster = 34% faster (in theory)

In actuality, it translates to about 6-7% increase in overall system performance. Keep in mind the memory speed affects only part of the system. Also, modules of lower frequency usually have better timings, which further diminishes at the theoretical value above.

This difference is not very significant.

To calculate the difference in performance between modules of different latency:
To begin thinking about how latency affects performance we need to compare the time it takes the two memory setups to complete a program:
time = [instructions/program] X [clock cycles/instruction] X [seconds/clock cycle]

For simplicity, we assume:
1. Same instruction set architecture for each setup
2. Same program is executed in each setup

So our equation becomes:
time = [clock cycles/instruction] X [seconds/clock cycle]

We already know that most PC-3200 chips operate at 5ns at CL3. We can use this as a reference to find that CL2 operates at 3.33ns (Yes, we can assume this because we have the same clock frequency in each setup):
3/5 = 2/x; x = 3.33

And finally our performance calculation:
CL2 X 3.33ns = 6.66ns
CL3 X 5ns = 15ns

<b>PC-3200 CL2 is 2.25 times faster than PC-3200 CL3</b> (in theory haha)

In actuality probably 10-12% increase in overall performance because:
1. There are gaps between instructions
2. Idle time
3. Memory is only part of the overall system.

In anycase, this is a significant difference.

SORRY FOR LONG REPLY (it was a fun post)

<font color=blue>******
<font color=green>"My Memory is not working today"
<font color=blue>AIM SoCaliCrowley

 

[kopykat]

i didnt really think of overclocking
but ill look into it.
why did u think it was obvious?

Asus P4800 Deluxe - 3.0C - 4X256MB corsair twinx - 6800GT 256mb - sata w/8mb 160gb - 120gb w/8mb - Thermaltake purepower 480w - Thermaltake XaserIII

 

[kopykat]

The ram I have today isnt suffient for overclocking?

Asus P4800 Deluxe - 3.0C - 4X256MB corsair twinx - 6800GT 256mb - sata w/8mb 160gb - 120gb w/8mb - Thermaltake purepower 480w - Thermaltake XaserIII

 

[kopykat]

What would you suggest?
something in a reasonable price yet with much to offer performance-wise.

Asus P4800 Deluxe - 3.0C - 4X256MB corsair twinx - 6800GT 256mb - sata w/8mb 160gb - 120gb w/8mb - Thermaltake purepower 480w - Thermaltake XaserIII

 

[kopykat]

how about <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145522" target="_new">these</A>?

Asus P4800 Deluxe - 3.0C - 4X256MB corsair twinx - 6800GT 256mb - sata w/8mb 160gb - 120gb w/8mb - Thermaltake purepower 480w - Thermaltake XaserIII