Will upgrading to 2GB increase performance?

[userofcomputer]

I am currently running two 512MB DDR400 in dual channel, T2 timing (although I cant figure out how to get them to T1 which I think is better, right?).

My question is, would I see a performance increase by adding two more 512 MB DDR400 sticks? Those two that I can install are not similar to those in my computer, and as far as I know this means that they will be running single channel. I assume that they still can work together, despite their differences?

On a sidenote: How do I know if a memory stick is single or double sided? It seems like it has nothing to do with the physical appearance of the stick.

Thank you for your help!

 

[TemjinGold]

You're gonna need to give a LOT more info than that if you expect any good help. Start with your system specs, the OS you run, and the types of apps/programs you use.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

Most likely, yes, it will help. Certainly running any memory intensive apps, like games or such, it will help.

Don't worry about 1T vs 2T, in real world usage, things like that don't really matter that much (less <5%)

 

[TemjinGold]

Originally posted by: GarfieldtheCat
Most likely, yes, it will help. Certainly running any memory intensive apps, like games or such, it will help.

Don't worry about 1T vs 2T, in real world usage, things like that don't really matter that much (less <5%)

Well, the problem is, the OP is worrying about single vs. double side and is dealing with DDR1 memory. That means there's a fair chance that the machine and, by extension, the OS and programs are really old. If that's the case, while 2 gbs will be *better*, the OP might not *see* a difference as 1 gb could be more than enough for whatever the computer uses.

 

[Blain]

If he's running old hardware, "single sided" and "double sided" DIMMs may not be his biggest worry.
Many double sided DIMMs these days are "high density", which may not work for him if he's running an Intel chipset based MB.

It's far better to simply go to Crucial and use their memory upgrade tool to find out what DIMMs to buy.

 

[userofcomputer]

Originally posted by: TemjinGold
You're gonna need to give a LOT more info than that if you expect any good help. Start with your system specs, the OS you run, and the types of apps/programs you use.

Yes, my mistake, can't see how I could omit giving up my specs

Anyway, specs:

AMD 3200+
2x 512MB DDR400
GeForce 6800GT
nForce 4 Ultra motherboard
Windows XP Service Pack 2

Games:
Oblivion (this is where I reckon a memory increase would do some good)
Hearts of Iron 2
Warcraft 3
Various Total War games
Half-Life 2

Originally posted by: GarfieldtheCat
Don't worry about 1T vs 2T, in real world usage, things like that don't really matter that much (less <5%)

Alright. Although if that 5 % increase is something that can be achieved, I'm all for it.

Originally posted by: TemjinGold
Well, the problem is, the OP is worrying about single vs. double side and is dealing with DDR1 memory. That means there's a fair chance that the machine and, by extension, the OS and programs are really old. If that's the case, while 2 gbs will be *better*, the OP might not *see* a difference as 1 gb could be more than enough for whatever the computer uses.

Well, not really worrying about single vs. double, more like wondering. Maybe I don't even have to care?

And since I already own two extra 512 MB DDR400 sticks any performance increase is enough for me to put them in. The only thing I don't want to see is a performance decrease.

 

[TemjinGold]

With XP and a decent cpu, yes you will see an improvement. You will primarily see it when loading levels in games. Since you already have the sticks, why not put them in and see for yourself? If you don't see an improvement or it doesn't work, just take them back out.

 

[alcoholbob]

Oblivion is either memory hungry or has memory leaks but I remember 512MB of RAM was smooth as silk for about 30mins, but after that it lagged like crazy. Throwing in another 512MB stick worked wonders.

RAM timings will have a small effect on performance but it's more than an acceptable tradeoff than only having smooth gaming for a short duration before you run out of RAM.

Edit: DOH! I thought you only had 512 but it looks like you already have 1GB of RAM. Well like I said, it really depends on gaming hours. Oblivion does pretty well on 1GB although if you are going to say, beat the Gladiator Arena in one run, then yes 2GB of RAM would definitely help.

 

[userofcomputer]

Well, hmm, I only play for like 1 hour straight at max, but I guess I could stick them in and see what I get.

Thanks for everyone's input, I'll probably come back here for help should anything explode .

 

[BonzaiDuck]

Amazing, that I can still find these available at the Egg:

OCZ Platinum 2x1GB 2,3,2,5 DDR-400 kit $66 after-rebate price

If you want to upgrade that technology, I'd say this is the way to do it, provided the "configurator" for your AMD motherboard gives it a "go" and a "pass," or vice-versa with the "configurator" at the OCZ site.

OCZ was at the top of their game in the DDR(1) world. They debuted with a kit of "EL Gold" DDR-500 modules back in January, '04, with a rave review from Tom's Hardware. We later discovered that these Platinums were what was needed.

At a voltage setting of 2.7 to 2.75V, they over-clock to about DDR=454 without loosening the timings. Rock-solid. As opposed to more recent offerings by Crucial (DDR2), volting them to just below the max doesn't seem to endanger them, and OCZ has a lifetime warranty that covers these modules to a limit of about 2.95V. Whether they can honor that warranty with identical product replacement now that we're in the middle of the DDR3 generation -- that's another matter.