Do I Really Need >1333?

[tfwhukdradji]

Hello,

I'm building a HTPC with the following specs:
AMD APU
Asus Mobo

EDIT: HERE IS MY FULL BUILD/PROJECT

I chose that particular APU + Mobo combination because it supports 8000-series ATI graphics, which I convinced myself would be "better" than 7000-series ATI graphics.

Now I'm wondering about the RAM- I read that faster is generally better, but the shocking truth is that faster is also more expensive.

The question at issue- will my graphics performance benefit from >1333mhz RAM?

Though my mobo will support it, I don't plan to OC.

-tfwhukdradji

 

[Tradesman1]

Yes - graphics performance of APUs is basically directly tied to your DRAM, graphics performance scales up as the DRAM freq goes up

 

[robax91]

First off, yes. Faster RAM significantly boosts APU performance as the CPU and GPU share memory. However if you are going to add a discrete card anyways, there is no reason to get an APU. Benchmarks and tests have been done. Even a A-10 6800k with a 7750 (best combo) still under-performs a cheaper setup with a cheap 4 core FX series CPU and a 7850.

 

[robax91]

There is also a disparity from your CPU and board. If you wanted performance, just get something like:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vrcm

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A75MA-P33 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Total: $228.72

Without a discrete card, this is the best price performance you can get without a GPU.

 

[tfwhukdradji]

There is also a disparity from your CPU and board. If you wanted performance, just get something like:

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1vrcm

CPU: AMD A10-5800K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: MSI FM2-A75MA-P33 Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($63.75 @ Newegg)
Total: $228.72

Without a discrete card, this is the best price performance you can get without a GPU.

That APU costs twice as much, though. Will it give me better graphics performance?

All I want this thing for:
* watching streaming www video
* watching blueray discs
* listening to high-bitrate music
* light web surfing

No office productivity for this machine.

 

[robax91]

Yes the CPU is twice as much but the Mobo is quite less. If you want price for performance, that is what I recommend. It can even do light to medium gaming. If it needs a sound card (unless you think the Realtek ALC887 is not enough) you could also pick one of those up.

If you want the cheapest option though (like the bare minimum to play blu-rays and streaming) you should look into a cheap Intel dual core with a motherboard that has on-board graphics and sound.

 

[tfwhukdradji]

Hi robax91,

REGARDING MY APU SELECTION
Of course I want the best CPU but I have reasons for going with the lower-echelon APU:
• This will be my first CPU install ever, which I might botch- bent pins, etc.
• My OS drive will be a single HDD, which I believe would bottleneck a system with a quad-core higher-speed APU
• MY OS will be W7 32-bit which will support only <4gb RAM (I know you knew that) so I doubt I could take as good of advantage of quad-core higher-speed APU

I just want to go slow and contain costs for now. *cue “What about Bob”… “Baby steps! Baby steps!”*

However, I want to maybe upgrade to a quad-core APU in the future. Scroll down..

REGARDING MY MOBO SELECTION
I need a 9.6" x 9.6" mobo which the F2A865-M Pro has, plus I like its feature set, so I want to stay with it for now.

NEW QUESTIONS
BACKGROUND TO QUESTION SERIES 1
First, I have some old RAM from my old mobo. I know it’s 240-pin DDR3 but IDK if it’s 1066 or 1333mhz.

QUESTION SERIES 1
Can reusing the “mystery” RAM described above damage my new mobo?
Will it cause something to short out?

BACKGROUND TO QUESTION SERIES 2
From my newegg searches for 4GB RAM, 1066, 1333, 1866 and 2400mhz configurations, all things being equal, it seems to me that nearly no matter what RAM speed I choose, from 1066-2400, I pay appx $10 per GB.

My new mobo will support up to 2400mhz when overclocked, which I may do in the future, esp if I upgrade to a higher-grade APU and probably (have to) upgrade my cooling system.

QUESTION SERIES 2
Is there any reason NOT to install 2400mhz RAM with my present, admittedly modest build?
Will it cause any problems?
My on-hand PSU’s are 250 and 350w- will I need a stronger PSU than either?

 

[robax91]

Alright, so you are just looking for entry and future upgrades.

1. You can check the speed of your old RAM by googling the part number or when a computer has it installed you can download CPU-Z and look at the memory tab which will show you speeds (usually 667 or something like that) which is multiplied by 3, because it is ddr3 (the mhz x 3 = speed)

2. Reusing old RAM is fine, as long as your motherboards supports ddr3, which it does. You may suffer speed loss, but since that isn't the issue, make sure you don't mix RAM modules of different speeds, voltages, or any other specs (I'd even stick with same manufacturers)

3. If you are buying exclusively from one retailer, state it loud and clear in the OP, usually people use whatever site they find it cheapest on, but if you only want newegg/amazon links, lets us know up front

4. Then using an APU, you want the fastest RAM possible, however with a weak, entry level APU, the scaling won't gain as much. Try not to overspend on certain parts, like the motherboard, which is very nice, but has features that you are unlikey to use all of. Unless you also have a brand preference like Asus, then state that in the OP and make sure people know

5. While the APU's performance does scale highly with RAM speed, the higher you go, the less boost you get (diminishing returns) so the RAM I listed is VERY VERY cheap and worthwhile at that price because it has a special that expires soon

Also have you considered mini itx over micro atx? It is much smaller if you only plan to use an APU, you can get a much smaller case (those cases usually come with their own power supplies too)

***Also just realized, you mentioned you are not overclocking. This makes me question the A85 chipset mobo even more, as it is an overclocking platform. You can get a similar board without that feature for less. Make a small list of what features you need and how much you want to spend.***

[Ex. Post]
Hi, I have $300 and want to make a form-factor HTPC. I plan on ordering from Newegg or Amazon. I already have these parts:
1. some part
2. another part
3. operating system

Here are the parts I am currently looking at: part here, and here

Is there any suggestions on parts or how to save some money?

The features I need are:
1. 6GB SATA
2. micro atx
3. usb 3.0
4. something else

Thanks for the help.

 

[robax91]

I think this will help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0Z7H1PYUkk

 

[sora]

I honestly think RAM does matter and will boost GPU/APU performance.

 

[Tradesman1]

Of course it does 😉