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    Faster processor or more RAM?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008.

  1. jor.j.r

    jor.j.r Newbie

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    Hey, i am planing on getting a refurbished Dell XPS M1530 and there are two systems on there i found i might want. But, even though the price difference i only 20 dollars im not sure which one to get. One has 4gb of ram and a 2.0 ghz processor the other has 3 gb of ram and 2.2 ghz, so which would be best? And is it true that if the memory isnt an even amount it wont work as best?
     
    jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008
    #1
  2. Lithus

    Lithus NBR Janitor

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    Buy the least amount of RAM possible and upgrade yourself later.
     
    Lithus, Feb 10, 2008
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  3. Algus

    Algus Notebook Deity

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    It's still going to be an even amount of RAM. They call it 3 GB but that's actually a rounded figure. You don't really need 4 GB of RAM unless you've got a 64 bit operating system.

    The one 2 a 2.2 ghz processor and 3 GB of RAM is probably the better deal
     
    Algus, Feb 10, 2008
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  4. jor.j.r

    jor.j.r Newbie

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    im not realy worried about the price but just between those two which should i get?
     
    jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008
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  5. adinu

    adinu I pwn teh n00bs.

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    Between those 2, there's not much difference either way. Tho if you don't get a 64 bit OS, then getting 4gbs of ram is a waste and might as well go with the 3gb and faster cpu.
     
    adinu, Feb 10, 2008
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  6. jor.j.r

    jor.j.r Newbie

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    ok thanks so what difference would faster processor do?
     
    jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008
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  7. redrubberpenguin

    redrubberpenguin Notebook Consultant

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    Yes, supposedly if the two sticks of RAM aren't the same amount they're supposed to work more slowly than usual, although it's not a huge difference.
    Another thing to think about is that if you're not using a 64-bit OS, Windows won't recognize all 4 gigabytes of RAM.
    With that said, I think you should go for the 4 gigs of RAM.
     
    redrubberpenguin, Feb 10, 2008
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  8. jor.j.r

    jor.j.r Newbie

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    and since its 3gb of memory does that mean they have 1.5 in each slot?
     
    jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008
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  9. jor.j.r

    jor.j.r Newbie

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    Your telling me i wont need 4gb of RAM then you say i should get it?
     
    jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008
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  10. jor.j.r

    jor.j.r Newbie

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    ok, well thanks to all of you, that realy helped
     
    jor.j.r, Feb 10, 2008
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  11. Bog

    Bog Losing it...

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    I would advise that you get the 2.2GHz model since:

    1) CPUs are generally not upgradable; RAM is

    2) 4GB of RAM is pointless without a 64-bit OS; a 32-bit OS can only use between 3.2-3.5GB of RAM, not much more than the 2GHz model

    In general, you want to spend your money on components that are not upgradeable.
     
    Bog, Feb 10, 2008
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  12. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Get the 2.2Ghz CPU as said before harder to upgrade and definitely more expensive if possible.

    3GB 1X2GB + 1X1GB sticks. 2GB's will run in Dual Channel (full speed) last 1GB will run Single Channel. It will work fine speed difference will be unnoticeable on a benchmark bandwidth difference between 4GB and 3GB about 3%. But real world even less in my opinion. If $20 for 2.2Ghz That is the way to go. RAM is cheap and easy to change and you can't make use of 4GB anyway.
     
    powerpack, Feb 10, 2008
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