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    G50Vt-X1 RAM (DDR2-800 CL6) -- is it worthwhile to buy DDR2-800 CL5?

    Discussion in 'Asus' started by thermodynamic, Mar 5, 2009.

  1. thermodynamic

    thermodynamic Notebook Enthusiast

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    I will be using my laptop for basic web browsing (Ubuntu) and word processing/graphics editing/programming (emulated XP in Ubuntu or native in Vista Home Premium).

    Will CL5 make any real difference for me?

    Thx!
     
    thermodynamic, Mar 5, 2009
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  2. novablade

    novablade Notebook Consultant

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    You will probably not notice any difference in real world performance only a slight increase in the benchmarks that test ram speed.
     
    novablade, Mar 5, 2009
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  3. thermodynamic

    thermodynamic Notebook Enthusiast

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    Cool, good to know.

    Is it possible to change the RAM timings? Diags in Windows claim I can do CL5 at DDR2-667... The processor itself uses a 266MHz bus (quad pumped) and I have no intention of overclocking... (no BIOS settings are seen by default and I'm using rev 210, is there a special keystroke that's needed to access them? (for example, the gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L needs a certain keystroke to make that area accessible))

    Thx!
     
    thermodynamic, Mar 6, 2009
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  4. Quicklite

    Quicklite Notebook Deity

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    Quicklite, Mar 7, 2009
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  5. Bryanu

    Bryanu Notebook Deity

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    The ram in this notebook I have learned does not work well if you changes its times, BUT it can handle a somewhat decent overclock, thus why we are able to OC with DirectConsole, it clocks the memory at almost 900Mhz and still runs good.

    If you want more speed, your best bet is 8gb of DDR2 800 w/ cl5 but be ready to pay $500... :)
     
    Bryanu, Mar 7, 2009
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  6. ramgen

    ramgen -- Morgan Stanley --

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    ^^^ Can you show me where the 8GB CL5 RAM is? I saw a Crucial kit but that was CL6...


    -
     
    ramgen, Mar 7, 2009
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  7. thermodynamic

    thermodynamic Notebook Enthusiast

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    Also see Ramgen's response; I've found 8gb kits for Corsair DDR2-800 @ CL6... or Mushkin DDR2-667 @ CL5... :(

    To keep with the 1:1 ratio with the CPU, I think I'm better off with the Mushkin and doing CL5 @ 667MHz... I'd read snippets elsewhere, with people thinking this beastie can do 8GB. And as Corsair doesn't mention RAM compatibility for ANY laptop for its 8gb kit, I'll try the mushkin and report back...

    Thanks for the advice!
     
    thermodynamic, Apr 14, 2009
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  8. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    Save your money it will not make too much difference in real world applications.
     
    IKAS V, Apr 14, 2009
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  9. thermodynamic

    thermodynamic Notebook Enthusiast

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    Except for allowing more apps to be ran.

    The machine is capable of running Photoshop CS4, and I can fill up all 8GB on my desktop easily enough... :)

    I think you're right though; tight RAM timings vs higher bus speed (e.g. CL5/DDR2-667 vs CL6/DDR2-800) is by and large negligible, at least from reading a bit on Tom's hardware guide site... but even then, the quantity of RAM will be of help. Mushkin is said to be the best brand, certainly on par with Corsair, so I'm trying the RAM that has a return policy first. (I saw a person complain about heat, but heatsinks might help or maybe he bought a really cheap laptop...)
     
    thermodynamic, Apr 14, 2009
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  10. jacobxaviermason

    jacobxaviermason Notebook Consultant

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    I think there could be good reason to upgrade to more premium RAM if it would allow a higher FSB overclock. I can push my cpu to 3.00ghz, but start getting occasional memory errors on memtest at around 2.85ghz.

    I just wish I had some cl5 RAM to test with before actually spending any $$$. Or better yet they could make me some 1066mhz DDR2...
     
    jacobxaviermason, Apr 14, 2009
    #10