DDR2 vs DDR3

Is there a big difference between a DDR2 vs DDR3 memory for general ram.
Also gateway 7805u vs msi GT725-074US.

 

There are differences. In mem intensive apps, such as Photoshop, you'll see a big difference, especially if working with HDR layered images.

In gaming, you won't see a difference UNLESS you get low latency DDR3, such as the Kingston HyperX DDR3 1066MHz CAS5 (CL5-5-5-15)

http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/forum/...2273&hl=hyperX

It will depend on the particular game whether you'll see a difference. Some games like GTA IV Crysis will see a slight difference.

DDR3 also consumes less power.

 

so in the gateway they supposedly uses the DDR3; however, the MSI has a better CPU and GPU I think. Which one do you think is the better deal?

 

Get the better GPU and CPU, the ram doesn't make that huge of a difference. Even old PC3200 DDR ram is faster than some DDR3 kits, the only real advantage is that it runs on a lower voltage, has less heat output, and less power consumption. DDR3 runs at a faster clock rate in exchange for high latencies, which is as important as the clock rate, so you'll basically be getting next to no performance increase with DDR3 at all.

 

oh ok thanks... well talking about gpu's how much better is the 4850 better than the 9800m gts? also which card is more better supported?

 

4850 will be better once it's out.

DDR3 is only of marginal benefit to i7 CPUs, you'll gain next to nothing on a Core 2 architecture.

 

The timings for DDR3 are a bit slow still; think we're at CL7. It'll get faster though...

 

There are some DDR3 SODIMMs with CL5 but really, timing has negligible improvement. At the moment, DDR2 is still better due to price.

 

Since your DDR2/DDR3 question has been adequately answered, I'm closing this thread. If you have more questions about it, post in the "Hardware Components" forum: http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=27

You already have a Gateway vs MSI thread and cross posting is against the forum rules, so continue discussion there: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=348495

For more graphics comparison questions, post here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=302231

Thanks for understanding.