pc2700 or pc3200?

[ps99115]

Im a noob at computer building so forgive me if this is a dumb question.

Im currently building a KT600 witha sempron 2500+. The MB only supports 1 double sided pc3200 stick (400 mhz), but it can support up to 3 double sided sticks of slower memory (333 mhz and lower). Would it be better for me to get 1 stick of pc3200 ddr 512mb, or 1 gig of pc2700 ddr in terms of system performance?

Thanks

Jason

[Peter M]

Since KT600 has one single RAM channel, the faster operational mode obviously is the faster solution. Not that the Sempron (running its FSB at 166 MHz DDR) will see much benefit from the RAM running at 200 MHz DDR.

It is perfectly normal that PC3200 is limited to one DIMM (per channel). PC3200U (unbuffered) is defined that way.

[ps99115]

Since the sempron can only support up 166 ddr fsb, I'm wondering if its worth the extra money to get 1G of pc3200, or 2 512 megs of pc2700? The price diff does seem significant.

Thanks for the reply, I really appriciate all your help!

Jason

[Peter M]

It might be at first look ... however if you're starting with two DIMMs right away, you won't be able to upgrade any further. Also, the price delta between PC3200 and PC2700 is absolutely minimal, and current (single-sided) 512-MByte DIMMs use the same 512-Mbit chips as the 1-GByte DIMMs do, just half as many. It's the same stuff, just spread across two DIMMs rather than one. Finally, the more DIMMs you have, the slower the timings will have to be.
It'll be better with one big DIMM, even if you decide to run the DIMM at 166 MHz. The price delta shouldn't be more than $10 if you look at stuff of comparable quality.

[ps99115]

Im still a bit confused on what type and how much memory to get. I currently have 512 megs of pc3200 but this maxes out my memory capacity with the KT600 in regards to the pc3200. I could get 512 m of pc2700 memory and then I would have the option to add more memory in the future or I could get a gig stick of either kind.

I'm not a gamer and will mainly be using my pc for Microsoft office, internet, and photos. What type and how much memory should I get?

[topos]

Actually, the statement "The MB only supports 1 double sided pc3200 stick (400 mhz)" probably means "The MB only supports 1 double sided pc3200 stick RUNNING at 400 mhz. "
In other word, you CAN add another stick of PC3200 but then you will have to run your memory at lower speed 333 mhz.
As the FSB for the Semptron is 333 mhz, there is no point running your memory at 400 mhz anyway.
So I would recommand getting another stick of 512 meg PC3200 as it is the same price as PC2700 (sometime it is even chaper now!) and it will give you more options if you want to upgrade later to another MB or CPU.

[Peter M]

Im still a bit confused on what type and how much memory to get. I currently have 512 megs of pc3200 but this maxes out my memory capacity with the KT600 in regards to the pc3200. I could get 512 m of pc2700 memory and then I would have the option to add more memory in the future or I could get a gig stick of either kind.

I'm not a gamer and will mainly be using my pc for Microsoft office, internet, and photos. What type and how much memory should I get?

None. 512 MByte is plenty for those uses.

[ps99115]

Thanks for all the input. I 'm starting to get a better feel for Memory.

Although 512 Megs seems fine for my setup currently, I'm just concerned that within a couple of years I may start running some games or software that would require more memory.(I'd be more likely to upgrade my system memory than the MB or CPU) I'm under the impression that a big 1 gig doulble sided stick would make my system run faster than 2 512 meg sticks although both amounts equal to 1 gig. If thats the case, I would rather buy a large 1 gig stick right off the bat and not have to worry about multiple DIMMs or upgrading in the future. (Although I can get some great deals right now on 1 gig package comprised of 2 X 512's and I'm considering that as well).

Do you still think that I'll be Okay with 512 for now and upgrade later if needed or should I fork out the cash for a big 1 gig DIMM?

Thanks again!!!!!

[topos]

Generally 1 gig sticks have more relax timing then 512 meg.
So 1 stick of 1 gig is actually slower then 2 x 512 meg.
But in real applications, I doubt you will ever notice a difference between the two.

[Salad]

I don't think you need more ram unless you do a lot of editing on large photos. Or have multiple photos open at once in your image editing program...

[Peter M]

If your system kicks you back to a lower RAM frequency when using two DIMMs (this might happen with PC3200), the slower-timing 1-GByte stick will actually be faster because it's still running at 200 MHz.

Buying stuff now because you _may_ be needing it in a couple of years is a poor plan. By that time, your 32-bit system will be rather obsolete in all other aspects, and you'll throw out the extra RAM you never really made good use of along with the rest. Just stick (haha) with your current needs, build for that.

[ps99115]

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll "stick" with my 512 megs of Kingston for now.

I appriciate all the responses and help!!!!! =)

Next will be overclocking ..... So I'll be over in the overclocking forums soon (he he )