With an AMD 64 X2 5600, should i get 667 or 800

[primalminds]

I feel like such a noob asking this question, but it's been 4 years since i upgraded and i'm really quite lost.

If i go with 667 ram with this processor, what all is slowing down? Is it just the speed of the ram, or am i Hurting the speed of the processor because i'm getting slower ram?

I ask this because in the http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html they always use ddr2-800 ram, and i'm not sure why.

Thanks.

 

[jackluo923]

just overclock the 667mhz Ram to 800mhz if you want to save money. If your budget isn't a concern, then go with 800mhz memory.

 

[primalminds]

So there will be an increase in speed if i get the faster ram? Money's not a big issue, i think it's only 17$ between the two, but i didn't want to spend it needlessly. If it's worth it, i'l spend it.

 

[jackluo923]

TH uses 800mhz for AMD processor because there will be about 20% increase overall performance of the CPU by switching from 533mhz memory speed to 800mhz speed. Since PC5300 (descent quality ones) will most likely be able to overclock to 800mhz effortlessly, i think its a better buy. If you don't want to take the risk or fearing that it won't reach 800mhz, then go a head, spend the extra 17$ on each stick of ram.
If you're currently using 667mhz ram, instead of upgrading new stick(s) of 800mhz ram, you could just overclock the ram to 800mhz with minimal vdimm adjustment.

 

[phassat]

use ram as fast as you can....Need more speed....

Off course your system will be better... if you get a good pc6400, you can overclock it to even get better speed.

 

[jackluo923]

But IF he already have 667mhz memory since he's upgrading RAM, he could just overclock the ram instead of wasting money on Pc6400.