Faster memory to improve performance?

So the performance index in my XPS is 5.1, determined by the lowest performance element (memory operations per second). When I click on the link to see ways to improve score, it takes me to the Dell website, but I already have the fastest memory they show in the website:

System Type Package Type
Notebook DDR2 200-pin SODIMM
Logical Type Speed
256x64 PC2-5300 / 667 MHz
Description
Non-ECC, SODIMM

How can I upgrade from there?

 

For example, any known reason why I could not upgrade to the below, found in crucial.com?:

4GB kit (2GBx2), 200-pin SODIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module
CT768754
US $123.99

* Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
* Package: 200-pin SODIMM
* Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
* Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 256Meg x 64

 

First: The chipset in your M1530 only support 667Mhz for memory. So even if you managed to get 800Mhz to work in it the speed will still me 667Mhz.

Second: Try a real benchmark application. WEI is a marketing tool for Microsoft.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...Subcategory=381&description=&Ntk=&srchInDesc=
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231154 (this would be your best bet as your laptop will downclock the above memory to 667Mhz anyway. CAS 4 > 5

Just pick and choose.

 

Just to tell you now..those widows based scores don't know what they're doing...they appear to assign randomly generated numbers.

 

Vista's benchmarking is not necessarily dependant on speed. It's more of a 'suitability' index which is, if you think about it, more useful to software makers. MS's idea was that software publishers would quote a minimum index score on their box art, enabling people to easily select suitable software for their computer.

Upgrading from 512MB to 2GB will increase your memory score, even if you use slower RAM. Upgrading from an old P4 with hyperthreading to a Core2Duo of even a slower clock speed will again give you a higher CPU score because it has more features (although the Duo will probably be faster anyway, but you get my point).

Vista's benchmarking is really showing how capable your machine is of coping with complex software. Speed is one factor, but it's not the overriding one.

In answer to the original question though, your chipset does not support 800MHz RAM. You can us it, but it will be running at 667MHz.

You would be far better off getting a faster HD.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, all very informative.

 

Faster than 7200 rpm? where?

 

I think SSD would be faster...

 

True. Maybe I'll consider one when they lower price and can get a decent sized for less than a leg and an arm.

 

Basically, the larger storage capacity a hard drive has the faster it is (RPM to RPM anyways. If you want the fastest spinning platter then get the biggest 7200 RPM drive you can buy.

WEI is pretty goofy. I had a Core 2 Duo desktop processor clocked at 4.3GHz and WEI still only gave it a rating of 5.8. On the other hand, Q6600s running at the factory frequency (2.66GHz) get a 5.9.