Processor vs. memory speed - does it matter?

On Dell’s website, looking at the E1505 they give the option of getting the Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2050 (2MB Cache/1.60GHz/533MHz FSB) or other faster one’s that have 667 MHz FSB. Since the memory that Dell offers runs at 533 MHz then what am I really getting with the faster processor. I know the faster the FSB is the better but wouldn’t the memory be a bottleneck for 667? Sorry if this is a dumb question but I’m trying to learn. Please help! Thanks.

 

I'm not entirely sure so if I'm incorrect, please tell me. But I think that with the FSB at 667MHz, you will have the option of upgrading the ram to 667MHz in the future if you would like. But with the 533MHz FSB, you're stuck with 533MHz ram unless you like buying 667MHz RAM that will only run at 533MHz. Of course, you would think that 667MHz RAM is great but the higher latency makes it perform like its lower latency 533MHz RAM brother.

 

So they don't sell 667 Ram yet? Dell doesn't offer it.

 

you should still upgrade but you may not see much of a difference but it is actually there. They do sell 667 Ram but dell is overpriced. I suggest you going to another place such as newegg

 

I see that they do 667 memory on the XPS but not on Inspiron. Wonder why?

 

eh but still that ram doesnt give a much bigger performence boost, what i would do is wait till LC4 667 ram is develouped and then get it bc now its simply a waste of money (unless gettin more ram)

 

Because the XPS's are the performance systems, while Inspiron's are the entertainment orented systems.

 

Here is what the Chat computer had to say:

4:11:56 PMSystemWelcome Ned ...
4:11:56 PMSystemConnecting to server. Please wait...
4:11:56 PMSystemThank you for using Dell Chat, a representative will be with you soon.
4:11:56 PMSystemInitial Question/Comment: On the E1505 why do you offer duo processors at 667MHz but only offer memory that runs at 667MHz? I
4:12:12 PMSystemYou are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat
4:12:12 PMSystemConnected with CU_Rep_Ronald_C
4:12:20 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CWelcome to Dell Sales Chat. My name is Ronald. I'll be your personal sales agent today. Give me a moment to review your concern. Please don't go away.
4:12:39 PMYouI meant memory that runs at 533 MHz
4:12:59 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CHi Ned.
4:13:43 PMYouI notice that you do offer 667 memory on the XPS series
4:15:14 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CHow may i help you regarding the memory of the E1505?
4:15:57 PMYouI already asked a question
4:16:56 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CB'coz its a Dell Configuration Ned..
4:17:55 PMYouNo kidding Ronald. Wouldn't the 553 MHz memory be a bottleneck for the 667 MHz processor speed?
4:19:39 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_COne moment please.
4:22:54 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CB'coz the 533 is also compatible to the notebook Ned.
4:23:45 PMYouYou haven't answered my question Ronald
4:26:53 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CFor the memory of the 667mhz you can check them in our Spare Parts Department. You can reach them at 1-800-915-3355 ext. 72-69937.
4:27:39 PMYouWhy don't you sell it as an option for the Inspiron?
4:28:20 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CI'm sorry what we can give to you is what you see online Ned.
4:28:27 PMCU_Rep_Ronald_CWhat do you plan on using the computer for?

 

wow that didnt sound very helpful, you should just call em' up and get a straight answer, instead of getting the old beat around the bush and not answer your question spiel.

 

lol i wanna try this dell chat service

 

If you get the lower-end Core Duos (T2050, T2250) with the 533MHz FSB, you can't have memory running at 667MHz, it is a hardware limitation. Even if you install 667MHz memory, it will downclock to 533 because of the FSB.

For a general user, a 533MHz bus speed is fine. If you are going to be doing stressful apps though, get the 667FSB Duos (lowest model with them is the T2300E). It is worth the upgrade.

And for those wondering - whether you get 533MHz memory or 667MHz memory in your notebook doesn't make much of a difference. Although the 667 has more bandwidth, it also has a higher latency and thus the difference is not noticeable.

 

The FSB is only as fast as the weakest link, so if you have memory at 533mhz and a processor at 667 (as in my case) then it will run at 533MHz. From what I know you're not getting a huge speed boost if your FSB is running at 667 vs 533 though I couldbe wrong.

 

Most users won't notice much of a difference. Any Core Duo processor is very fast.