Which is the better memory option?

Chew · 08-06-09, 07:34 PM

I currently have an older computer with 4gb DDR2 RAM 667mhz. I just ordered a new computer with 4gb DDR2 RAM 800mhz, which can handle 8gb.

I'm thinking about using the old RAM in the new PC and I understand memory at two different speeds will run the memory at the same, lowest, speed.

Which, then, is better: 4gb at 800mhz or 8gb at 667mhz?

bwvanh114 · 08-06-09, 07:39 PM

Which OS are you using? If you're using any 32-bit OS (XP, Vista) the computer won't see anymore more than 3GB or so anyway. So it may be a moot point.

However, if I had to choose, I think I'd choose 4GB at 800MHz.

Chew · 08-06-09, 07:45 PM

OS will be 64 bit Vista (that is, until Windows 7).

bwvanh114 · 08-06-09, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chew

OS will be 64 bit Vista (that is, until Windows 7).

I think 8GB may be overkill. Maybe someone else has a better answer. What kind of stuff do you want to use the computer for?

I think for checking email, browsing the internet, and occasionally correct dark pictures that 8GB may be overkill.

GHackmann · 08-06-09, 11:00 PM

Most apps that people use day-to-day won't get real-world speed bumps from higher-speed RAM. A good rule of thumb is that if you have to ask, you probably don't need it.

Chew · 08-07-09, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwvanh114

I think for checking email, browsing the internet, and occasionally correct dark pictures that 8GB may be overkill.

One of the more system intensive things I'll be doing is transfering HD (Revision3) podcasts via on-the-fly pyTiVo encoding to my TiVo.

Chew · 08-10-09, 07:12 AM

Anyone else with an opinion on this?

wmansir · 08-10-09, 08:35 AM

I say try it and see, but you probably won't be able to tell much, if any, difference.

4KRG · 08-10-09, 09:04 AM

If you are doing something you know requires more memory, then go that route, if not, then it probably does not matter too much.

For ex. I can use 8gb of ram easily with Virtual Machines in use.

Something like Photoshop might benefit from more ram depending on what you are doing with it. Most applications won't care and your OS may or may not care depending on what else you have loaded.

This is one of those situations specific to you, so I agree with the folks that say try it both ways and see, but be careful about how you benchmark.

08-06-09, 07:34 PM	#1
Chew DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 1999 Location: South of Titletown Posts: 18,628	Which is the better memory option? I currently have an older computer with 4gb DDR2 RAM 667mhz. I just ordered a new computer with 4gb DDR2 RAM 800mhz, which can handle 8gb. I'm thinking about using the old RAM in the new PC and I understand memory at two different speeds will run the memory at the same, lowest, speed. Which, then, is better: 4gb at 800mhz or 8gb at 667mhz? __________________ XBL/PSN: chew1138 Weekly Tuesday Warhawk Night (PS3)

08-06-09, 07:39 PM	#2
bwvanh114 DVD Talk Gold Edition Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 2,364	Re: Which is the better memory option? Which OS are you using? If you're using any 32-bit OS (XP, Vista) the computer won't see anymore more than 3GB or so anyway. So it may be a moot point. However, if I had to choose, I think I'd choose 4GB at 800MHz.

08-06-09, 07:45 PM	#3
Chew DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 1999 Location: South of Titletown Posts: 18,628	Re: Which is the better memory option? OS will be 64 bit Vista (that is, until Windows 7). __________________ XBL/PSN: chew1138 Weekly Tuesday Warhawk Night (PS3)

08-06-09, 11:00 PM	#5
GHackmann Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 628	Re: Which is the better memory option? Most apps that people use day-to-day won't get real-world speed bumps from higher-speed RAM. A good rule of thumb is that if you have to ask, you probably don't need it.

08-10-09, 07:12 AM	#7
Chew DVD Talk Legend Join Date: May 1999 Location: South of Titletown Posts: 18,628	Anyone else with an opinion on this? __________________ XBL/PSN: chew1138 Weekly Tuesday Warhawk Night (PS3)

08-10-09, 08:35 AM	#8
wmansir DVD Talk Hall of Fame Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Land of the Lobstrosities Posts: 8,560	Re: Which is the better memory option? I say try it and see, but you probably won't be able to tell much, if any, difference. __________________ wes

08-10-09, 09:04 AM	#9
4KRG DVD Talk Legend Join Date: Jan 2000 Posts: 15,430	Re: Which is the better memory option? If you are doing something you know requires more memory, then go that route, if not, then it probably does not matter too much. For ex. I can use 8gb of ram easily with Virtual Machines in use. Something like Photoshop might benefit from more ram depending on what you are doing with it. Most applications won't care and your OS may or may not care depending on what else you have loaded. This is one of those situations specific to you, so I agree with the folks that say try it both ways and see, but be careful about how you benchmark.