2 quick questions about MHz on RAM and HD's

Hey guys, I am planning on buying a new Dell m1530 and I just have 2 quick questions:

The CPU is 2.5Ghz with 800MHz, does this mean it will support 800MHz RAM? I heard it was only limited to 667MHz RAM.

Also, I have the choice between a 250GB 7200RPM HD or 320GB 5400RPM HD, the 250GB would be faster correct?

Thanks guys.

 

Current Santa Rosa chipset only supports up to 667 RAM. HDDs will perform similarly.

 

alright thats what I thought, but the new platform will support 800MHz? Or 1066?

 

The Montevina platform will support DDR2-667, DDR2-800, DDR3-800 and DDR3-1066 SO-DIMM. According to Wikipedia. Now I am almost certain because DDR2 and DDR3 are not compatible each notebook will support either one or the other not both. My hunch is the first ones on the market will support DDR2 so look for the ability to take advantage of PC6400. I say that because I don't see any DDR3 SODIMM's yet. I suspect they won't even go into large scale production until Montevina is in full production and I think they will be very expensive at first. I think everyone is likely to be waiting past July to go above PC6400, and those of us who are not rich likely much longer. I am guessing not really in time for school next fall unless as I said you are rich. Pure guesses on my part.

 

if ur worried about speed i'd go with the 7200 rpm drive

 

Your CPU can do up to 800mhz FSB but your RAM is limited to 667mhz due to the santa rosa's capability

Both will perform about the same due to disk density. I suggest getting the 320gb for more space

 

DDR3 and DDR2 won't mix, they have different pin requirements, like previous updates.

DDR3 is 204 pin, DDR2 is 200pin SODIMMs.

BTW, just checked, and some early examples of DDR3 1066 SODIMMs are appearing like the Crucials.

 

awesome thanks guys, i'll wait till around august before I purchase my laptop then, just incase DDR3 becomes somewhat popular.

 

OK ignore most of my previous post. Here is a link Gophn posted. Looks like 1066Mhz DDR3 from the get go! But Good luck finding it on your own for cheap upgrade at first.