Ram

[Eternal-Souljah]

So im thinking is it better now (look at my specs) to upgrade my computer or to buy another some point in the future, but right now in say BF2 I get pretty bad lag at the start of maps, but the problem is I have 4 x 256MB RAM sticks, filling up all the slots on the mobo. So should I upgrade by buying 2x1GB?

If so which memory would be best, I was looking at Mushkin:

So does anyone have a pair of these, but all of Mushkin series is DDR, and DDR2 is slightly better isn't it? So oppinions would be good, but im looking for a very good pair of 2x1GB sticks, that someone at least has or used, that are very good and run BF2 smooth, thats the thing I get lag in games like BF2 and Oblivion. SF is barely playable and alot of BF2 maps like Daquing Oilfields are too lagged to play on, reason I know that my RAM is the cause is because when I exit BF2 theres always a yellow caution sign in the taskbar corner saying Windows is increasing my memory page file or something can't remember. So to revise what I said, need RAM thats, fast, effective, runs games like BF2 smooth, future proof. Also just incase would be good if they were compatible with another computer in the future.

I could pull out some more cash on the RAM, but I don't want to spend too much on it, since, I no doubt will upgrade other parts of the comp.


Noone has replied so I'll update that I looked at these Mushkin's since I went on egg since it has alot of reviews, and this one does look promising:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146397

And bassically one of the reviews states that it is perfect for BF2 and doesn't tap into the harddrive? take it thats why when I play a game that I get a loud noise from the computer as if a jet fan is running?

Anyway should I go with these? they are DDR or does that matter too much? and am I guarenteed to have a smooth game in BF2?

[abtomat74]

Re: Ram

DDR1 and DDR2 are not interchangeable.

That ram you linked...RIPOFF! You don't need ram with specs like that unless you plan to overclock like a madman.

Just stick with Value ram and lose a whopping 1-2fps...but save over $100 in the process! But, right now NewEgg has Corsair XMS series for cheaper than their own Value ram series:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145491

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145486

Any one of those two links will be perfect.

[Eternal-Souljah]

Re: Ram

Alright well just out of a question, what is the differences with PC3200, PC5300 etc. Which one is better? I also heard Patriot are a good brand name, and the Patriot RAM seems to be only a few £'s more which is nothing. And the spec of it is:

- PC2-5300 (667MHz) Data Rate
- 240-Pin Dual in-line memory module
- Non-ECC Unbuffered
- 1 Rank Single-sided module
- 7.8US Refresh Interval (8192 CYCLES/64MS)
- 1.8V Power Requirement
- Auto and self refresh capability
- PCB height: 1181 (mil)
- Serial Presence-Detect (SPD)
- 100% Tested
- Lifetime Warranty

Link http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatal...ot_Memory.html

Seems quite powerfull, and its quite a bit cheaper than the Mushkin one, its also DDR2.

I think these are them here on newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220064

As I said before, im trying to get the best bang for the buck which is natural, but im looking for it to run BF2 including SF with faster loading times since I usually get in a server a few minutes after others, and for SF to work without constant slowness for a long while.

Oh yeah here is my specs:

http://www.uktsupport.co.uk/advent/pc/t11.htm (It's 1GB not 512MB)

And can my mobo only accept PC3200 or what?

[Stormy{CAN}]

Re: Ram

One quick question for you, which part of this,

DDR1 and DDR2 are not interchangeable.

didn't you understand? reason for asking is that you keep linking to DDR2, which is totally incomatible with your motherboard. Here are the full specs for your motherboard,

http://www.yakumo.de/downloads/drivers/PC/Boards/MSI%20MS%207046/Manual/ms7046v1.0.pdf

and you can see quite clearly that the board supports DDR PC3200. That is not to say that you can't use faster ram (only really needed if your overclocking).

Just for reference, DDR is 184 pin and DDR2 is 240 pin.

[Eternal-Souljah]

Re: Ram

The **** you talking about man, im questioning it to see wheather or not I should upgrade now or build a new comp later, but it looks like im better getting much better RAM for a new comp. So now you can do me a favour and tell me what motherboard will take DDR2 and top quality RAM.

[cloakster]

Re: Ram

so you are buying RAM for a future build or the one you have now? You wont be able to get RAM for both.

[Eternal-Souljah]

Re: Ram

so you are buying RAM for a future build or the one you have now? You wont be able to get RAM for both.

.... The whole point in this topic really was for me to see if im better buying RAM in the future for when I get a new comp or upgrading to new RAM now.

[knghtwhosaysni]

Re: Ram

.... The whole point in this topic really was for me to see if im better buying RAM in the future for when I get a new comp or upgrading to new RAM now.

That really depends on how bad the stuttering bothers you. If you think you can live with it, then just get new ram with a new computer, whenever that is. If you don't think you can live with it until you get a new computer, then go ahead and get some DDR. Just know that with your next computer you will be using DDR2 and will need to get all new memory.

[_SilentXScope_]

Re: Ram

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227078

[abtomat74]

Re: Ram

.... The whole point in this topic really was for me to see if im better buying RAM in the future for when I get a new comp or upgrading to new RAM now.

In that case, you must wait for the whole comp plan.

Right now Intel is using DDR2. On the other side, AMD just recently began using DDR2 on their new socket called M2 or AM2.

So, if you buy any ram now for your existing comp, it will NOT be compatible with either an Intel mobo or an AMD mobo when you do decide to get the whole new comp.

The only exception to this plan is the older socket939 AMD's. Those s939 take DDR1 184pin, the same ram you are using now. s939 isn't old by any means, because AM2 just came out last month.
There is only about a 3% performance increase for AM2 over s939...and that is using really expensive DDR2@800 in the AM2.

So, either upgrade now to 2x1024 pc3200 and build a s939...or wait and buy nothing now until you do the entire comp: CPU, mobo, ram.
.
.
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The difference between pc3200 and pc5300 is the mhz it runs at. pc3200 is 400mhz, pc4000 is 500mhz, etc etc. You see the mathematical formula don't you?

DDR2 is simply newer, faster mhz ram than DDR1. DDR2 is available up to pc8500(1066mhz). But unless you buy at least pc6400, most DDR2 is slower in benchmarks due to a high latency(one of rams many settings)than DDR1 right now. So DDR2 is faster mhz, but nearly double the latency of DDR1. The future of DDR2 will be brighter, today only the top stuff is equal to DDR1.

As stated before, you DO NOT need anything beyond pc3200 for DDR1 unless you plan to overclock. If you buy expensive faster ram like pc4000, you will gain perhaps 1-2fps in the games you play.
Is 1-2fps worth the extra $100-200 for the ram alone? Of course not, that $100-200 spent on a better video card would yeild an fps increase of 10-100 depending on which card you got.

So, when it comes to ram purchasing, Value Ram is best unless you overclock. And the money saved applied to a better video card.

[Sir. MatDef]

Re: Ram

DDR2 is available up to pc6400(800mhz). But unless you buy pc6400, most DDR2 is slower than DDR1 right now.

Agreed with everything else, but ddr2 goes up to pc2-8500 (1066mhz).

[abtomat74]

Re: Ram

Agreed with everything else, but ddr2 goes up to pc2-8500 (1066mhz).

**** you're right, corrected.

[Boon59]

Re: Ram

as you come from scotland there is no point in looking at newegg.com as they dont ship over here. you'll have to use another website like www.microdirect.co.uk or someone like that in the uk.

[Eternal-Souljah]

Re: Ram

Thanks abtomat74 the exact answers I was looking for.

Boon59, I was simply posting it for newegg because the reviews are handy.