Will more RAM make a difference?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Kenny
  • Start date Start date
K

Kenny

Using XP/SP3, Gigabyte GA-KNSC-939 m/b, Athlon 64 3200 with 1GB PC3200 RAM
(2x512GB in dual channel mode).
I do some video editing but nothing else too demanding.
If I add another 2x512GB will it make much difference?
Would I be better buying 2x1GB matched pair in case of incompatability with
existing RAM?
Replies appreciated.

Kenny
 
When running in dual channel mode it is always better to get a matched pair
of RAM. That way you will not run into RAM timing issues.
 
Kenny said:
Using XP/SP3, Gigabyte GA-KNSC-939 m/b, Athlon 64 3200 with 1GB PC3200 RAM
(2x512GB in dual channel mode).
I do some video editing but nothing else too demanding.
If I add another 2x512GB will it make much difference?
Would I be better buying 2x1GB matched pair in case of incompatability
with existing RAM?
Replies appreciated.

Kenny
Click to expand...

In addition to the other suggestions from John and Rich
what to see how much disk drive activity is going on when
you are doing some editing. A slow hard drive can have as
much impact as memory.
 
Thanks for the replies. Am using a SATA drive and keep background apps and
services to a minimum, also regular cleanup and defrag.

Kenny
 
Kenny said:
Another question re: RAM.
Crucial Memory Advisor tells me that this:
"DDR PC3200 . CL=3 . Unbuffered . NON-ECC . DDR400 . 2.6V . 128Meg x 64 184
pin DIMM"
is what my m/b supports.
Is this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-VS2...uffered/dp/tech-data/B0009W7OJO/ref=de_a_smtd
suitable?
Replies appreciated, don't want to be buying the wrong thing!

Kenny
Click to expand...

It is a socket 939 motherboard (GA-K8NSC-939), so DDR would be
a good bet for the memory type.

You can check the customer reviews here, to see if any RAM arrives DOA.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16820145579

When you use four sticks of RAM, the timing may have to be adjusted
for stable operation. The two parameters of interest are the DDR speed
setting and the Command Rate. Command Rate determines how many cycles
the address/command are presented on the bus. That is set to 2 for
heavy loading situations, or 1 for light loading situations. The
2 setting cuts address/command bandwidth in half, but the address/command
bus is not used full time anyway, so the impact is less severe than
a factor of 2.

These are some options for S939 memory.

DDR400 Command Rate 1T 2 sticks of RAM

DDR400 Command Rate 2T 4 sticks of RAM
DDR333 Command Rate 1T 4 sticks of RAM

Of the two options for four sticks, the first gives slightly better
performance.

So yes, your memory choice looks OK. You'll end up with 2x512MB+2x1GB
for a total of 3GB. If the current BIOS settings are full auto, the
BIOS may select a stable combination of settings. For example, it might do

DDR333 Command Rate 2T 4 sticks of RAM

which is unnecessarily pessimistic. You can change the settings if
you want, but do thorough testing with memtest86+ (memtest.org) and
Prime95 from mersenne.org, before concluding you're finished. You
should at least use memtest86+ on a floppy or CD, before booting
into Windows - if there is a problem with the RAM, you want to
discover that before booting into Windows.

You can verify the memory settings with CPUZ. But that would have
to wait, until your memtest86+ testing is finished.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Your BIOS has a "DDR Voltage Control" setting. Sometimes, a little
extra voltage can help with memory stability, such as if you have
say, one error per total pass of memtest86+. But based on the layout
of your DIMM slots, and the fact they're very close together,
with no breathing room for cooling between modules, I wouldn't
reach for that option unless absolutely necessary. Extra voltage
means a bit of extra heat, which you don't need.

Paul
 
Kenny said:
Using XP/SP3, Gigabyte GA-KNSC-939 m/b, Athlon 64 3200 with 1GB PC3200 RAM
(2x512GB in dual channel mode).
I do some video editing but nothing else too demanding.
If I add another 2x512GB will it make much difference?
Would I be better buying 2x1GB matched pair in case of incompatability with
existing RAM?
Replies appreciated.

Kenny
Click to expand...

In addition to previous comments, you should realize that with a 32-bit
OS (regardless of your CPU and mobo), Windows will only be able to "see"
about 3 GB of RAM. See http://members.cox.net/slatteryt/RAM.html

Of course, if you're thinking of going to a 64-bit OS, you'll be able to
use that 4th GB.
 
Thanks Paul for the very comprehensive reply.
Most of that stuff about voltages and timings is over my head.
Have ordered the Corsair RAM and hopefully it will work straight off.
One more question, the existing RAM is Kingston which is a cheaper brand,
could it "pull down" the performance of the better Corsair?
If I thought so I may just run with the 2GB of corsair.

Kenny
 
The computer will perform to the lesser spec. Higher spec RAM will be
degraded in performance, but it will work.
 
Back
Top