RAM Upgrade Questions (DDR-GGHH!)

[Strudelstrasse]

Hi fellas,

I'm looking to upgrade my current RAM, as i'm a heavy graphics apps user (photoshop, illustrator, flash) and I really need some more memory.

I have an MSI 865PE Neo2 mobo, an Intel 4 2.8 cpu, and my current RAM conf is 2x256 MB DDR 266mhz CL2.5 (from Micron).

I think my mobo supports up to 400mhz chips and has 4 memory slots.. now my questions are:

1. Should I go for 1gb (2x512mb to enjoy dual ddr, right?) or 2gb (2x1gb)? will that give me a substantial boost or will 1gb suffice?

2. Should I install the new RAM along with my existing chips (2x256 MB DDR 266mhz CL2.5) or will they hamper the new chips' performance and I should replace them?

3. Finally, what reliable, good value brand would you recommend? a nice chinese reverse-engineering one will be great!

Thanks!

 

[Aluvus]

Which version of that processor is that (specifically, what Front Side Bus does it run at)? If it's a 533 MHz FSB, there's not going to be much performance difference between PC2100 and PC3200. I would still probably buy PC3200, because it will retain its usefulness (and value) longer.

For Photoshop in particular, I would go for the maximum quantity of RAM feasible.

The older chips shouldn't hold you back unless this Pentium 4 is a Northwood C (800 MHz Front Side Bus), in which case you should drop them like a hot rock.

Crucial (sometimes branded Micron), Corsair, Geil, and Mushkin are all good brands.

 

[Strudelstrasse]

how can I quickly check what's my p4's version?

 

[Crassus]

CPU-Z (get it from http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

 

[Strudelstrasse]

well cpu-z shows the following:

FSB: 200mhz
Bus Speed: 800mhz

so does that mean it's a Northwood C or not?

thanks for all your help guys btw..

 

[Strudelstrasse]

also, I dunno jack about the CL values, should I go for 2.5 or 3?

 

[Aluvus]

Originally posted by: Strudelstrasse
well cpu-z shows the following:

FSB: 200mhz
Bus Speed: 800mhz

so does that mean it's a Northwood C or not?

thanks for all your help guys btw..

It means it is. So you would most likely want to get rid of your older memory.

Originally posted by: Strudelstrasse
also, I dunno jack about the CL values, should I go for 2.5 or 3?

2.5 unless the cost difference is fairly dramatic. Lower is better.

 

[Strudelstrasse]

cool. thx again bud.

 

[LemUUU]

depending on the amount of cash you hvae to shell out for the ram I would look at prolly 2.5cl or 2... and from experience I have found that OCZ, Corsair XMS, and Kingston hyperX are very stable, and offer high quality memory for sure...
Check out:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227063
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145575 ...or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820134062