Lower latency or more RAM? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

propaganda · 03-16-2004, 02:52 PM

Ok right now I have 2x256mb PC3200 generic RAM. I say generic because its whatever crap Dell slapped in there and work.

Well through third party software I was able to figure out my CAS latency is 3.0. I've been trying to figure this out for a good while so I could upgrade but thats when I thought I had 2.5 so I ask here. Is is worth going for the lower latency RAM or just to upgrade this pair of sticks.

I'm planning on adding 2 more sticks of 256mb.

heyal256 · 03-16-2004, 04:33 PM

i'd say that unless you were planning on overclocking, on thoe most part you will not notice the difference between a cas of 3.0 and cas of 2.5 (if someone knows differently feel free to prove me wrong). In general more ram will give you a better speed boost then a faster cas latency.

Hope that helps

Caphreak · 03-16-2004, 05:34 PM

well, from my experience with dell motherboards(assuming you have one), you wont notice a difference, because dell sucks like that. even though the clock speeds are lower, there are bottlenecks inside the mobo that slow it down more than the .5 clocks you might gain. you probably wont notice anything. more is better, but unless youre running lots of games + programs in the background, 512 should be plenty

if you want faster ram, a non-dell motherboard is the place to start.

propaganda · 03-16-2004, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Caphreak
more is better, but unless youre running lots of games + programs in the background, 512 should be plenty

if you want faster ram, a non-dell motherboard is the place to start.

That's exactly what I do with this computer. I play intensive games sometimes a few at a time with backround programs all at the same time.

If I get another motherboard I probably will have to get a new case, motherboard, and power supply (if you can explain how this isn't considered a monopoly please do i would really like to know) because Dell parts aren't standard...

Cynthetiq · 03-16-2004, 05:49 PM

when you can tell the difference between a few nanoseconds...

my thought is if you can spare the $$$ then spend it.

dell parts are very standard just their motherboards are not.

propaganda · 03-16-2004, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cynthetiq
dell parts are very standard just their motherboards are not.

Because they don't make the other parts

Lasereth · 03-17-2004, 07:27 AM

Get a better CAS with PC3200. Past PC3200 speeds are for overclockers. Besides, a lower CAS PC3200 will beat out a higher CAS PC3500 or 4000 in most cases. Lowering the CAS on some RAM will boost performance drastically; it makes more a difference than you realize.

-Lasereth

03-16-2004, 02:52 PM	#1 (permalink)
propaganda Psycho	Lower latency or more RAM? Ok right now I have 2x256mb PC3200 generic RAM. I say generic because its whatever crap Dell slapped in there and work. Well through third party software I was able to figure out my CAS latency is 3.0. I've been trying to figure this out for a good while so I could upgrade but thats when I thought I had 2.5 so I ask here. Is is worth going for the lower latency RAM or just to upgrade this pair of sticks. I'm planning on adding 2 more sticks of 256mb.

03-16-2004, 05:49 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	when you can tell the difference between a few nanoseconds... my thought is if you can spare the $$$ then spend it. dell parts are very standard just their motherboards are not. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

03-17-2004, 07:27 AM	#7 (permalink)
Lasereth Knight of the Old Republic Location: Winston-Salem, NC	Get a better CAS with PC3200. Past PC3200 speeds are for overclockers. Besides, a lower CAS PC3200 will beat out a higher CAS PC3500 or 4000 in most cases. Lowering the CAS on some RAM will boost performance drastically; it makes more a difference than you realize. -Lasereth __________________ "A Darwinian attacks his theory, seeking to find flaws. An ID believer defends his theory, seeking to conceal flaws." -Roger Ebert

03-16-2004, 04:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
heyal256 Not so great lurker Location: NY	i'd say that unless you were planning on overclocking, on thoe most part you will not notice the difference between a cas of 3.0 and cas of 2.5 (if someone knows differently feel free to prove me wrong). In general more ram will give you a better speed boost then a faster cas latency. Hope that helps

03-16-2004, 05:34 PM	#3 (permalink)
Caphreak Insane Location: Ames, IA	well, from my experience with dell motherboards(assuming you have one), you wont notice a difference, because dell sucks like that. even though the clock speeds are lower, there are bottlenecks inside the mobo that slow it down more than the .5 clocks you might gain. you probably wont notice anything. more is better, but unless youre running lots of games + programs in the background, 512 should be plenty if you want faster ram, a non-dell motherboard is the place to start.