6625WD RAM and HD questions

Hi!

I have been browsing this forum for some days and i find that people seem really helpful, so I was hoping that maybe you can help me out with some questions.

I am thinking about buying a 6625WD for gaming. Will this computer still be able to handle the latest games in 1-2 years from now? I understand that I wont be able to run high settings (maybe not even now?) but it would be nice if the computer was not completely outdated. I mostly play strategy games but also some fps.

As the 6625WD supports 4 gb ram, is it wise to choose a 1x2 gb ram now and later upgrade with another 2 gb card? Maybe it is a stupid question, but I am just concerned that the rest of the system (especially the grafics card?) will be so outdated that putting in another 2 gb ram will not make much of a difference any way?

I also read that the brand of the RAM is really important. Do you know who makes the RAM in Zeptos computers and what is your opinion about it?

About the HD. Is 7200 RPM much more noisy than 5400? Does it affect performance in games?

People in this forum seem quite happy with Zepto, but i dont see that many threads concerning zepto in other forums. Why is that? What would you say is the general opinion about zepto?

Thx alot!

 

- Yes it will handle newer games fine, but don't expect high settings.

- I don't think 4GB is necessary! And zepto RAM is fine

- 7200 is not more noisy than a 5400, and it will only affect load time in games, not general performance. It will also boot faster

 

I will correct that one n0elia

folks

I just got my new Hitachi 7K200 200GB installed into my computer, and yes, boot times get cutted in half,
oh yeah, it improves overall performance, much faster window opening
no, its not much louder than a 5400rpm, but it makes the lappy vibrate slightly more than the 5400rpm
havent tested gameloading times yet, but im guseeing that those are cutted in half too

If your going for 4GB, remember to get a 64bit OS

 

Thx for answering!

I am really having a hard time deciding what OS i want/need. Is there anything speaking against using the 64-bit version of vista compared to the 32-bit? Can i run the 64-bit with only 2 gb ram for now, or is it more demanding than the 32-bit?

n0elia: Do you mean that 4 gb is unnessesary because the rest of the system is not strong enough to take advantage of it any way, or do you mean that it is not needed as of todays games but might be useful in the future?

 

Extra RAM is allways useful, makes the system more responsive when it can have more files stored in RAM

And yes 2GB is 100% shure enough for 64bit Vista.

64bit might be a bit slower to game on, and you get lower scores in 3dMArk and such, but the diffrence isnt at all big.

 

I don't think 1 x 2GB is a good RAM configuration since it will run as single channel with reduced bandwidth. I am using 1GB + 2GB since 3GB is the maximum which can be managed by 32-bit versions of Windows. If you are getting Vista then 3GB is better than 2GB since Vista will use the spare RAM to pre-load files which it thinks (based on past usage) that you are likely to use. Strangely, Zepto don't offer the 3GB option - you would need to source a 1GB module from elsewhere.

CPU-Z tells me that my 1GB Zepto module is A-Data. However, it is about 6 months old and I wouldn't be surprised if Zepto shop around. In my experience, all the notebook RAM is much the same and I don't have any brand preference.

Regarding the HDDs, the 7K200 is one of the best performers, but the 250GB and 320GB 5400rpm HDDs have transfer rates in the same range although access times will be slightly longer. The 250GB 5400 is a good compromise between price and performance.

John

 

Thanks again for your answers! I really appreciate it.

If I am going for only 3GB RAM, is there any reason to have 64-bit vista then?

On Zepto site it says DDR2 667/PC5300 SODIMM. 667 is the bus speed? And i guess DDR2 means it is second generation DDR? What does PC5300 and SODIMM mean? When I buy another 1GB module does it have to be exactly the same as the 2GB? I guess it does not have to be the same manufactor, or?

 

64-bit operating system may have some benefits but also brings additional compatibility headaches. I will leave others to try to convince you of its merits.

As for the RAM, PC5300 and 667MHz indicate the speed. DDR2 means double data rate (the actual clock frequency is 333MHz but the hardware can move data twice per clock cycle) and SODIMM means a small outline DIMM. Zepto also offer PC6400 / 800MHz RAM but i only runs at 667MHz due to the chipset limitation.

You don't need other RAM to be the same manufacturer or exactly the same specs. The BIOS inspects each module and works out the fastest settings which are supported by both the modules. Basically, you are looking for 667MHz DDR2 PC5300 (or PC5400) 200 pin SODIMM.

John

 

The new chipsets can handle 800MHz, can't they?

 

No they can't. Only between the CPU and the chipset. Between the Chipset and RAM it's still running 667MHz.

 

I bought one 4 months ago and don't reget it.
Went for 4GB zepto RAM I'm running Vista Business 64 bit. 160Gig Hybrid HD (Which is fine).

It is clear that Vista 64 bit does not support 4GB. I knew that when I bought and assumed a service pack will fix it.
My opinion like many other people's is that Vista is not of merchantable quality. If I get fed up of it I'll go Gutsy Gibbon and bounce MS into a refund.

I'm not a game player but did a post "Stricutures on Zepto Part 1" (points outstanding they will be answered when I publish part 2). A friend, Eve player, gave an opinion (A good one) although I had to switch aero off and essentially run as pre Direct X or 10 or whatever the Zepto graphics card is.
Eve has now upgraded so I will be getting him to do another test.

Build quality is good there was quite a bit in the bloggs about keyboards. No problems with the one I received.
Zepto is new to the "Big" market place their site details their growth plan.
At the time I bought, the chips were new and there was one salesperson for the whole UK. He was very good and helpful. Hence my GBPs went Zepto's way.

Round the margins; Zepto forget to install a TV card but sent me the arial and lead.
Also the docking station is a bit ify.

Mine was purchased OS free. To me a great advantage.
Whilst the marginals are irritating. True is, it's an every day workhorse and works well. The marginals are not sufficient reason to send anything back.

 

Big thanks to everyone helping me out!

I ordered the computer today and I think I will be happy with it. I got 1x2 GB ram and will buy a kingstone 2GB from the local store. Price was 55 euro. 1/3 of the price zepto offered. Cant see why it is so expensive to have zepto put in 2x2GB (~180 euro).

Tiny mouse: what do you mean when saying that vista 64 does not support 4gb ram? How can it not?