CPU Upgrade...add more RAM or upgrade current?

[mtalonm]

This is hypothetical as I am speculating on CPU and memory upgrades.

Say I were to upgrade my AMD Athlon X2 4200+ to a 5000+ or a 6400+ or something. I currently have 2 x 1GB Kingston DDR2-667 modules in dual channel mode. My mobo only supports speeds up to DDR2-800. Would it be wiser to switch my 2GB of 667 to 2GB DDR2-800? Or add another 2GB DDR2-667 (and would they have to be identical to the originals?) Or is the upgrade from 667 to 800 not even worth the money at all? I feel that if I want the life of my computer to be maximized I should put the best RAM and CPU possible on my mobo (Asus M2N-SLI Deluxe).

 

[teh_boxzor]

get the 5000+ BE your RAM is fine... ddr-2 800 doesn't offer as much of a noticeable difference as a new cpu.

 

[mtalonm]

hmm why the slower processor? and what about adding 2GB more 667 ram?

 

[seabreeze]

Unless you're using 2GB generally, or somewhere near it, excees RAM will not add to any performance measure. I do mean excess, not specifically 1GB, 2GB, 8GB, or whatever, but excessive RAM for your computing requirements.

If you're up around 2GB already, you probably need the extra RAM, go with an additional 2 x 1GB 667MHz. So have a look at your typical paging file size and current RAM being used and if they come close to 2GB, buy more RAM.

If you're not at, or around, the 2Gb threshold, then put the money into a quicker CPU, as suggested by teh_boxzor.

"Or is the upgrade from 667 to 800 not even worth the money at all?" No, you should not bother with DDR2 800MHz RAM.

 

[ZOldDude]

hmm why the slower processor? and what about adding 2GB more 667 ram?

The 5000BE has unlocked multiplyer....easy to OC to over 3Ghz and cost is about $125 online.

 

[quicsilver]

If you do it right, find a good deal at newegg....say http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820141299
Which is 800 ram with a 4 latency. $38 after $10 MIR, + $5 shipping = $43, then sell your other 2 gigs on your local craigslist or ebay for $40 and pay $3 for faster RAM.

Then buy a faster proc you can overclock a little to take advantage of the faster RAM...

 

[mtalonm]

mm thanks guys for the help. so the BE 5000+ is generally regarded as the most upgrade worthy AMD chip for AM2? The 6000+ and 6400+ look like heat and power freaks.

If I go with the BE 5000+ what cooler do you recommend?

 

[teh_boxzor]

zalman cnps 9500 or 9700 or arctic cooling freezer 64. stock should do fine as well.

 

[mtalonm]

thanks for the help