RAM confusion for the ASUS W5F

Hey! I went to memoryx.net to look at upgrading the RAM on the ASUS W5F that I am about to buy. The current configuration of the ASUS W5F is 512mb 533MHz. I noticed that I can buy two different types of RAM, 1GB 533MHz or 1GB 667MHz (there is a very small price difference). the online support person said that I could put either one into my computer but that the 667MHz would be my be "the best way to go". Is he correct? I guess I was under the assumption that the MHz's should match up to ensure the smoothest operation of the two RAM's working together. However, I want the faster one if it will work better.

 

If you are adding memory, then you should add the same size and speed RAM. If you have 533MHz 512MB, then add another stick of 533MHz 512MB. Identical sticks are necessary for dual channel operations. There's no need to spend the extra cash for faster RAM because your system would run at the lower of the two speeds.

 

if you mix 533 and 667, the 667 will clock down to the 533. if you want to run at 667, you'll have to remove the 533 and only run the 667.

 

Oh - I didn't know that the MB had to match up as well for it to work. (What does dual channel operations mean?). Does that mean that they have to match up to work together and increase your RAM? I was under the understanding that I could add 1 GB to increase my RAM to 1.5 GB. Does this mean that my only "real" increase will be to 1GB when I add the 512?

 

you don't have to match. they are just saying that say if you wanted to move up to 1 gig....then it would be beneficial to get the same type of ram b/c of teh dual channel business. but if you want to get 1.5 gb, it would definitely be more beneficial than having dual channel 1 gig.

 

Matched dual channel memory is very important if you have a duo core processor and you have any application that hits the CPU and GPU hard. Performance gains can be anywhere from 10-50% compared to using unmatched pairs.

You certainly don't have to match your memory. You can plop in a 1GB stick to increase your overall memory. However, if you want to see the gains of having a duo core processor, you really should match your memory. Just a little FYI.