Performance loss running PC2100 vs PC3200 DDR on a Dell 865 MB?

[DaveH]

I have 2 matching Crucial 512 meg sticks, and a Dell 4600 Dimension with 800mhz FSB.

The system runs fine with PC2100, but can't be OC'd, so the RAM will only run at 266mhz.

What kind of performance penalty can I expect? Any links to articles examining this subject?

TIA, Dave

 

[DaveH]

^

 

[DaveH]

^

 

[Budmantom]

That's a great question, do some before and after benchmark tests.

My guess is it will be small 5%ish(depending on the task).

 

[egale]

Which processor? You are not running 1:1 at 400mhz then. You will see an improvement with faster ram for sure but getting the processor and ram to work at 1:1 is important too.

 

[DaveH]

Budmantom, I don't have the two sets of ram, otherwise I'd bench 'em myself.

egale, it's a P4 2.4 processor, 800 mhz bus.

 

[egale]

I think you then need the pc3200 so that you can run at 400mhz 1:1. Also, you want two identical sticks so that you can run dual channel.

 

[DaveH]

Thanks egale,

I know that's the ideal. I'm just wondering how much performace boost I could expect, to see if it's worth the hassle and expense of upgrading. My 2 pc2100 sticks match, so I'm getting dual-channel already.

 

[jacktesterson]

5-10% tops increase..

 

[DaveH]

Thanks AMDHardcoreFan, I assume you're referring to the increase in standard overall system benchmarks using, say, office applications?

What's your basis for that estimate? TIA

 

[jacktesterson]

just a guess you'll see 10%.....allowing your processor to work at its peak will help