SDRAM vs DDR RAM

[5atanic]

Okies, I'm thinking of doing a very mini-upgrade and my budget is very low

For a brief moment I wanted to get the A7V333-RAID version but the only problem is that it reads from DDR RAM only (obviously). The DDR RAM is quite "expensive" here at Australia.. so I'm questioning the benefit of the DDR RAM vs SDRAM in terms of performance.. I could get a 256MB PC2100 DDR but with the same money I could get a stick of 512MB PC133 with addition to my current 2 sticks of 128MB PC133.

The main use of the computer would be browsing around, programming, I usually open up a lot of programs (especially when web designing, PS + DW + FW + Flash + Winamp of course). So I'm not sure if I should go for 768MB PC133 or change my MB and get 256MB PC2100 DDR and sell my 3 sticks of 128MB.

Btw, you can use a PC2100 DDR stick with a PC2700 DDR Motherboard right? Kinda new to the new motherboards and stuff since I got older hardware Oh yeh, the CPU is most likely going to be a Duron 1300 if I upgrade my MB, since I'm also wondering if the PC2700 will have any performance benefit over the PC2100 for mah CPU. Since it's only a 200MHz FSB

Any helps & suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[KenKun]

SDR VS DDR .. of course DDR is faster but most people can`t tell the difference untill using some kind of a benchmark utility.

My suggestion is that you increase you SDR RAM, that way you will have more space to multi-task without a lag, and the programs that you use like PS and flash will welcome any memory increase and give you better performance when dealing with big files ..
So, forget about the DDR for now until your next major upgrade, maybe ..

you can use a PC2100 DDR stick with a PC2700 DDR Motherboard right?

Yes you can do that ..

I'm also wondering if the PC2700 will have any performance benefit over the PC2100 for mah CPU

PC2700 (DDR333) is faster than PC2100 (DDR266) but also the performance difference is not notable ...we`re talking nano-seconds and milli-seconds here ...
Speed freaks will tell .. heck yea you will see a difference .. you will gain about 10 FPS in Quake3 .. But for the things you do, increasing the memory would be the wise thing to do, IMO, since you have a limited budget.

Regards

[muno]

I'd tend to think it's wise to upgrade at the same time the following,
MOBO, CPU and memory.

It's not a good idea to invest in a mobo which properties you will not be using, just because it might come handy tomorrow. Tomorrow there'll be new technology and your mobo isn't so good anymore.

Thus, if you're low on budget and can't afford to get new stuff - get more memory.

It's no use having KT400 board with one pc2100 128mb stick running duron 1300.

That's just imo. Some might disagree.
-M

[5atanic]

Hmm actually just went browsing around and found a decent mobo I think
Abit KT7A-RAID, supports SDRAM and I since it has the new version of the KT133 (KT133A) I can finally overclock my Duron 800 a bit more than with the original KT133

That way I can keep my RAM, whilst I can overclock my CPU for extra speed and get RAID at the same time for low cost

Btw, can I run the new Durons (Morgan core) with the KT133A chipset?

[pc_dr.j]

I have a friend who's using 512MB SDRAM for his computer - a 750mHz Pentium III that's not overclocked. I tell you his computer beats the other computers running on Athlon 1600+ at 256 MB DDR DRAM.
For that you need a few things: 1) a good motherboard If you're planning on a Duron or Athlon for a CPU, I recommend MSI K7T266 SDRAM (I don't think it has RAID capabilities though) 2) the right memory My friend's computer are all latency 2 type memory which he says is faster and gives better performance.
Hope this helps

[Undeadlord]

Hehe I beleive many things Pc_dr .. However I can't and won't believe that a P3 750 with 512 SDRAM will beat a 1600XP with 256DDR ... there not even in the same class


Undeadlord

[newbie~wan]

I would just get yourself the extra SDRAM and wait a year or so for the next big thing in RAM. I wouldn't bother with the new mobo either if they only things you stand to gain are RAID and overclockability.

Dont waste your money my friend.

[capybara]

Originally posted by Undeadlord
Hehe I beleive many things Pc_dr .. However I can't and won't believe that a P3 750 with 512 SDRAM will beat a 1600XP with 256DDR ... there not even in the same class


Undeadlord

i believe it - more ram is faster - but it depends on the app

[MegalosSkylaki]

The Abit KT7A-R does have the newer version of the chipse hat was rated lousy until VIA reputedly did something with its its "memory surface" [whatever that is] and voila, the KT133A became a very popular chipset.

BUT, the Abit KT7A/R came in three versions itself--all sporting the KT133A I believe. Problem is that officially due to a "timing difference" , only the Version 3 orks with Palomino core AthlonXP's.

Now many --or some--have had luck in using an XP with a version 1 or 2, but to be on the safer side of sorry--see if your Mobo-to-buy is a version 3 in advance. Doubtlessly, they will be hard to find and more expensive when you do. Err...please do tell me if you find one

It all depends on what Dirty Harry said, "are you feeling lucky...well, are you?"

DOOOOOOG

[5atanic]

Hmm how can I check for the versions of the MB?

[KenKun]

You either open the box and look for any typing on your MoBo ..
Or use SiSoft Sandra. It most likely, will detect your MoBo and identify it for you.

Regards

[5atanic]

All three versions of the MB are still stable right?

[nukes]

Great, I was after the same question.
I want to get an XP chip, but only have 256mb PC100 ram, so If I want to upgrade, I need more RAM.
512mb PC133 costs £37
256mb DDR costs £26
I only have around £70 to play with, so which would you reccomend?
Mobo is K7S5A, so has two slots for each.

[Dputiger]

Personally, if you need a budget system I'd look at the ECS K7S5A motherboard, SiS 735 chipset. If you can find one, that is.

Moderate-performing DDR chipset, but here's the nice thing.

The motherboard has BOTH SDR and DDR slots. Good way to get a board that'll do what you need it to. Plus they carry integrated LAN and are relatively cheap.

[5atanic]

Thanks there Dputiger! I'll definitely look into it

[KenKun]

Originally posted by nukes
so which would you reccomend?
Mobo is K7S5A, so has two slots for each.

Nuke, i would go with more memory.
So get the 512MB stick, IMO.