RAM Speed Question

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  1. Posts : 114
    Windows 7 Home Premuim 64 Bit
       #1

    RAM Speed Question


    I decided to buy some RAM for my System. I have a Dell Insprion 530s, running Windows 7 64 bit

    I do know that RAM has speed, listed in MHz, and Capacity, listed in MB/GB

    So, my system has currently 2GB (2x1GB) of PC2-5300 modules installed, running at 667mhz

    Crucial.com says my system can handle PC2-6400, which runs at 800mhz.

    I ordered 2GB (2x1GB) of the PC2-6400.

    I don't know if i should "add" these to the empty slots (i have four RAM Slots total) or should i "replace" these and run at 800mhz. I do believe that the system will run at the slowest mhz speed i have installed.

    So...should i go 4GB at 667 or 2Gb at 800?
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  2. Posts : 239
    Windows 7
       #2

    Replace. The system will default to running at the lowest speed.
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  3. Posts : 114
    Windows 7 Home Premuim 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Thought so. Just wanted to see input from other users

    I will probably buy the remaing 2GB of the PC2-6400 in a few months.
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  4. Posts : 239
    Windows 7
       #4

    To be perfectly honest, I would keep the 4GB RAM in until you can get more of the PC2-6400 sticks. Although the 2GB RAM is faster, the 4GB is larger and will yield better overall performance. At least until you have more of the PC2-6400 RAM.
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  5. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #5

    Are you sure they are faster. Mhz is only part of the story - latency is another.
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  6. Posts : 114
    Windows 7 Home Premuim 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    how to check what the latency is?
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  7. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #7

    dbtmellis said:
    how to check what the latency is?
    Look at the specifications - especially the first one (CAS). Because, if the Dimm is 20% faster in terms of Hz but needs 40% more cycles to execute, you have not won anything.
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  8. Posts : 114
    Windows 7 Home Premuim 64 Bit
    Thread Starter
       #8

    Here is what i ordered

    2GB kit (1GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module
    CT764974
    • Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
    • Package: 240-pin DIMM
    • Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
    • Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 •

    This is what i have currenntly right now

    1GB, 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-5300 memory module
    CT700733
    • Module Size: 1GB
    • Package: 240-pin DIMM
    • Feature: DDR2 PC2-5300
    • Specs: DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 •

    According to Crucial, the CL (CAS) the lower the better.

    So..my new RAM has a CL of 6, while my current RAM has 5.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 519
    Windows 7 Ultimate (64)
       #9

    Mhz versus Latency is almost irrelevant if you're not overclocking or trying you're luck as a bandwidth junkie...

    Since your Dell bios doesn't provide tools to OC, as well as the MB was designed to run PC2-5300 not the 6400, there will be NO notable performance gain...

    I'd suggest following the manufacturer specs with your upgrade to 4MB.
      My Computer


  10. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #10

    Right.
      My Computer


 
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