ram questions

[chaosiscandytome]

I am interested in upgrading my ram. currently my desktop uses a gig of ddr2 pc4200 @ 533mhz. i just found out that it is in dual channel 2 @ 512mb. my intention was to upgrade fo 4 modules of 1 gig @pc 5400 at 675mhz. gateway confirmed my motherboard, with 775 socket for pentium d dual core, will support pc5400. wat i am curious about is, can i used for separate modules for a dual channel supporting board? can i expect a better performace from 4 gig of single channel as opposed to 2 gig of dual channel? and is it worth it to replace my existing gig of pc4200 dual channel for something more or just add more pc4200? will i notice a change likely on the newer ram either in dual channel or single if possible. i note that the ram i will likely buy is a mushkin product that has a cas latency of 4-4-4-11( http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1206028 ). or a crucial product with latency of 5 ( http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1558820 ) if i recall from a previous thread the higher the cas number the better? please advise!


im just not sure where to go, should i bypass the dual channel? can i bypass dual channel? would 2 gig of dual channel out perform 4 gig of single channel ram at either pc4200 or pc5400?


B

[chaosiscandytome]

i just found out, which i think is possibly incorrect, that i can only run in dual channel? so in that case since i do eventually want to max out at 4 gig i am thinking of this unit. can anyone make a recommendation or correct the statement that i am only able to run in dual channel

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1206040

B

[glc]

WHY do you want 4 gigs? Are you doing work that benefits from it?

The lower the CAS latency the better the ram is.

That said, Gateway motherboards don't have timing adjustments, so buying high performance ram is a waste. PC2-5400 may be *compatible* but I doubt that it would run at that speed with an 800 bus processor. However, you WILL slow an Intel down by taking it out of dual channel.

I'd personally just use PC2-4200 (DDR2-533) and keep it in dual channel kits. I'd also recommend that it be bought from a configurator to guarantee compatibility.

[chaosiscandytome]

could you recommend a configurator, or inform me how to find out wat type of ram is already in my computer?

B

[chaosiscandytome]

how do u feel about u.s. modular as a provider of dual channel pc4200 at 2 gig total

[chaosiscandytome]

ive been thinking glc, and i am planning to use this computer for a few years and would really like to see its potential. while i admit i am only using it for dvd creation and some gaming....eventually extensive gaming after a new graphics card and psu. is it overkill to ket the pc54000? or just add 2 more gigs, for a total of three, in dual channel at pc4200?

B

[glc]

I would only put PC5400 in it if you are going to put a 1066 bus processor in it. So - I would say no.

Do you even need 3 gigs?

Use the configurator at crucial.com.

Also - please use the Edit button instead of posting 3 replies within 6 minutes. Thanks!

[chaosiscandytome]

ok thanks bud. I tried that on crucial, and my system is not listed. I think I'm gonna go with ultra.

[glc]

If your system is not listed at Crucial, maybe you better talk to Gateway again and get a recommendation. They may even sell upgrades reasonable, wouldn't hurt to ask.