Which RAM would you prefer and why

[golam1]

2 Gig 800 MHZ dual
OR
3 Gig 533 MHZ

 

[einstein4pres]

2GB 800MHz would allow for significantly more overclocking on most intel processors than 533 (which restricts you to a 1066 FSB for an intel processor, IIRC), and would be incompatible with 1333FSB processors (at least without an underclock).

Let me guess, you've got 2x512 533 and are about to buy 2x1024 800?

Besides, 2GB should be sufficient for a most tasks these days.

 

[golam1]

2GB 800MHz would allow for significantly more overclocking on most intel processors than 533 (which restricts you to a 1066 FSB for an intel processor, IIRC), and would be incompatible with 1333FSB processors (at least without an underclock).

Let me guess, you've got 2x512 533 and are about to buy 2x1024 800?

Besides, 2GB should be sufficient for a most tasks these days.

I actualy bought the 2X1GB 800 but after installing them my mobo only detect them as 533. So I thought what if I add the old 512X2 533 would make it 3 Gig 533 would give me the same power. But i guess i'm wrong. Now my question is why my dell gx620 mobo not detecting them as 800 when 2X1GB are only installed? Help 🙁

 

[einstein4pres]

Your mobo might only support up to 533 memory, and I'm guessing this is the case. You might try:
1) updating the BIOS -- might just be reading it wrong
2) overclocking the RAM manually (aka setting the speed correctly in the BIOS)
3) Buying a new mobo

"The Dell OptiPlex GX620 uses PC2-4200 type memory and has 2 bank(s) of 2 socket(s) each for a total of 4 memory socket(s) ."

I wouldn't be too hopeful about either #1 or #2, though.

 

[jwolf24601]

Motherboard may not support 800mhz, or you may have to go into bios and change the memory multiplier

 

[geofelt]

I vote for 3gb. If your cpu is a C2D, they are not very sensitive to memory speeds. An AMD processor might be more affected. Try it both ways if you can.

 

[KyleSTL]

I had the same type problem with my computer (see signature). Reset the cmos. You can do this one of two ways:

• Turn off computer. Find the jumper to reset cmos and short it for 10 sec (I usually get up and get something to drink for ~1 min just to make sure, I know I'm obsessive), then take the shunt off and reboot.

• Turn off computer. Take out cmos battery (usually a 3V disk battery) for 5 minutes. Put battery back in and reboot.

Hopefully this cures it. It worked for me.