sparky853

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Jun 25, 2003
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I just bought a 512MB stick of PC2700 RAm for my computer (specs below) to bring it up to 1GB.

After installing the new RAM and benchmarking, all my scores have dropped in 3DMark2001SE, 2003, PCMark 2002 and 2004. Scores are down approx. 2%, but I would have expected them to increase.

Upon running Aida32, I noticed that the original memory is PC3200 (should have been PC2700). Anyways, would having the two different speeds make a difference? Could that be causing the performance loss? Would I be better off getting rid of the PC3200 for another PC2700??

Spec:
Intel P4 2.4B
MSI 645E Max-U Mobo
1GB DDR333
R9600XT 128MB
SB Live 5.1
WD 60GB
Maxtor 120GB
LG DVD+-R/RW
WIN2K PRO SP4
 

Crashman

Polypheme
Former Staff
No, memory doesn't have a locked speed. Put your PC2700 in the first slot and your PC3200 in the second, just to make sure it's 100% stable. Because all modules run at the same speed, both will be running at PC2700 speed. I don't even think your motherboard will run PC3200 speed with your processor, it was probably running PC2700 speed all allong.

I don't know why your scores dropped. It could be the second module uses slower timings than the first. In any event, swapping the better PC3200 module for another PC2700 modules gets you nowhere.

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sparky853

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Jun 25, 2003
909
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18,980
I tested the computer using 3DMark2001SE, 2003, PCMark 2002, 2004 and Aquamark 3, using different configs of RAM..just one 512 of DDR333, just one 512 of DDR400, and both installed, and the performance difference was no more than 2% either way.

I talked to the local computer guy, and he says that the benchmark scores won't change as they really don't utilize that much memory.

I have noticed FarCry running better though, and thats what counts :)

Thanks for the info though.

Spec:
Intel P4 2.4B
MSI 645E Max-U Mobo
1GB DDR333
R9600XT 128MB
SB Live 5.1
WD 60GB
Maxtor 120GB
LG DVD+-R/RW
WIN2K PRO SP4