Question Regarding Memory (RAM)?

Question

I just installed 2x512MB sticks of RAM (dual channel), both with a frequency of 533 MHz ($130 for both). I also have two similar sticks (512MB) that came with the computer, running at 266 MHz. Obviously this causes the 533 MHz sticks to run at only 266 Mhz. Now, my question is: Would it be worth the money to replace the 266 MHz sticks with faster 533 MHz sticks, thus increasing the overall speed to 533? And would this setup actually be twice as fast (memory wise)? I guess what I want to know is, will I be able to notice the difference? Thanks!

And my motherboard does support 533 MHz memory.

Oh, and each of the old sticks are 512MB.
I have 2GB overall.

Answer 1

Probably not. $130 to boost your overall RAM speed to 533Mhz is probably not worth it. But that's my budget. Only you can say if something will be truly "worth it" for you.

It really depends on your computer usage. If you are not regularly going over 1g of RAM then you will be fine dropping the extra RAM and should see a slight performance boost from having your RAM at 533Mhz. It will not be 2 times as fast. (memory wise or other wise) There are so many factors for memory performance to consider. If you are really concerned about this look at any of the articles on Tom's Hardware page.

If you are regularly using over 1g of RAM then there will be noticeable difference between using 1g and 2g of RAM. That is a guarantee.

Answer 2

You know it may have been a good idea just to buy 2 1gb chips instaed i mean most people dont have 4 ram slots but since you do it sounds like you are ahead of the game but no upgrade for mhz is just gonna be a waste of money it really dosnt matter you will still have 2gbs if you have the money go ahead more power to you

Answer 3

See. if u replace ur old 512 rams, with the new 512x2 mb of 533MHz bus speed, and if ur mother board supports dual channel, it will surely increase the speed of your system, and effect the overall speed. if all the ram are of same size(512mb) and of 533MHz then the effective bus speed will be double.

to check the accurate speed of ram and to compare the difference, download the everest ultimate edition, pc benchmark software and run the memory benchmarks there ( 3 different benchmarks) u'll get the difference in speed and comparison with others.

url is www.lavalys.com

thanks!

Answer 4

Unless you are into Heavy gaming,
(check the cpu / ram usage does it show floating avove the 1000 mark in taskbar properties - while you put it to toughest job)
If it doesnot cross , just pull out the 266 ones.. that should speed up.
you'll do just fine with 1GB of memory.
and save some $$

Answer 5

Truthfully, I do not think that you will notice the least bit of difference at all, in fact, I would be surprised if you did notice a difference. There are so many other variables involved, other than just the freq of the RAM --- stick with what you got if it works OK for you.

Answer 6

While it is technically true that the 533Mhz ram isn't being used at it's full speed potential, the difference in speed probably wouldn't be noticeable. We are talking about nanoseconds here, and while you could measure a difference, you wouldn't notice it in your day to day usage.

Answer 7

I would recommend running with the 1GByte of fast RAM. The additional 512MByte of the old RAM would not help you unless you are running applications that require more memory.

Answer 8

This would only be worthwhile if your motherboard and processor actually support the faster speed. The lowest common denominator always wins!

Answer 9

Its correct u have 2gb overall RAM. but if u put all the RAM together it will work only on 266MHz. try using only the new RAM's. But it does not show much speed.