computer memory question

[doffmaster]

I just got a 512 stick of memory with a bus speed of 133. I have another 128 stick @ 100 mhz. My question: Which is better - 512 mb @ 133 mhz or 640 mb @ 100 mhz? I can run either and I'm just looking for opinions from some of you guys.

 

[hhajdo]

Go with 133 mhz..
BTW which CPU do you have ?

 

[doffmaster]

it's an amd thunderbird 1 gig

 

[hhajdo]

Can you chose RAM clock in BIOS (100/133) ?

 

[doffmaster]

yup...right now i'm running it at 133 with just the 512 stick. I was just curious if it would be better to run 640 mb of ram at 100 mhz bus speed

 

[hhajdo]

512 mb is plenty..
You wouldn't be able to use whole 640 mb so adding additional modules won't make a difference - go for speed...
If you're using Windows don't use 98 or Millenium, go with 2000 or XP....
NT based OS use memory more efficiently..
For example if you switch from 256 to 512 mb in NT based OS you will notice significant increase in speed (when you benchmark the system) but in win 98 it'll have no benefit....
If you're using NT based OS you can check Memory usage % via TaskManager....

 

[doffmaster]

thanks for the advice

I'm actually running xp with desktopX - here's a screenshot

it shows free memory just above 400 normally...lower when I have a ton of stuff running...like right now.

 

[KA-BAR]

go with just the 512 and overclock the shit out of your FSB and Memory. Makes a big difference. Oh yea if you have an athlon you can unlock it also but make sure you have have it cool. I water cool my whole machine to make sure I dont burn shit up.