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    Looking for a RAM upgrade

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Calum, Nov 10, 2007.

  1. Calum

    Calum Notebook Consultant

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    I'll keep this short and sweet.
    I'm looking for a RAM upgrade for my laptop.
    I'm told that I need PC2700 or PC3200 speed RAM, I currently have 1 stick of PC2700 and one free slot.
    I'd like another Gb, and basically I'm wondering whether it's worth replacing my current stick and getting 2x1Gb PC3200, or just getting another Gb of either speed and have them both work at PC2700 speeds.
    Will I see a difference between 2Gb PC2700 and 2Gb PC3200?
    Some benchmarks would be nice, I failed to find any.
    Thanks in advance for any advice you can give me.
    Calum.
     
    Calum, Nov 10, 2007
    #1
  2. jetstar

    jetstar Notebook Deity

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    For most tasks, you will not notice any difference in performance.
     
    jetstar, Nov 10, 2007
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  3. Calum

    Calum Notebook Consultant

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    Hmm . . . OK, any tasks where I will actually see a difference?
    What about for gaming?
     
    Calum, Nov 10, 2007
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  4. ccbr01

    ccbr01 Matlab powerhouse! NBR Reviewer

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    The only thing would be the cas latency. Running the 400mhz ram at 333mhz is fine, but your motherboard might not reset the timings for 333mhz.

    Story put short:
    -ddr 333 at cas latency of 2.5
    -ddr 400 at cas latency of 3 (running at 333mhz but still at cas latency of 3)

    If your motherboard can change it to run at the lower latency, that would be great. I have a screenshot of what I'm trying to say.
     

    Attached Files:

    ccbr01, Nov 10, 2007
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  5. Calum

    Calum Notebook Consultant

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    I get what you mean, I think.
    You're saying that it's possible that by running the PC3200 RAM at PC2700 speeds, the PC3200 stick may still run at the higher timings caused by the higher clock speeds.
    I can't change my timings via the BIOS either, so that could be a problem.
    If there isn't much difference between PC3200 speed and PC2700 speed, I think I'll just grab a 1Gb stick of PC2700 at 2.5 to add to my current stick.
    Thanks for your help everyone.
     
    Calum, Nov 10, 2007
    #5