RAM Optimization - 1GB/2700 or 256/2100 + 1GB/2700

[B D T]

I am finally upgrading the DDR RAM on my computer. I currently have
256 MB / PC2100. The RAM I'm installing is 1 GB / PC2700 [the max that
one slot on my motherboard will allow].

Is is faster to have both cards installed, which will give me more
memory but force the new card to run at 2100? Or should I just use the
new 1 GB card and allow it to run at 2700? I would think that I'd want
both cards, but I'm not sure.

I do no gaming, so these would be used just when running several
applications at once. I'm using an Anthon XP 1800+ (1.53 GHz) on a MSI
KT3 Ultra2 [KT333 chipset] motherboard.

Thanks.

 

[kony]

I am finally upgrading the DDR RAM on my computer. I currently have
256 MB / PC2100. The RAM I'm installing is 1 GB / PC2700 [the max that
one slot on my motherboard will allow].

Is is faster to have both cards installed, which will give me more
memory but force the new card to run at 2100? Or should I just use the
new 1 GB card and allow it to run at 2700? I would think that I'd want
both cards, but I'm not sure.

1) What is your peak commit charge reading in Task Manager?

I do no gaming, so these would be used just when running several
applications at once. I'm using an Anthon XP 1800+ (1.53 GHz) on a MSI
KT3 Ultra2 [KT333 chipset] motherboard.

KT333 has issues with large amounts of memory in multiple
banks. You may be ok because you're running 133MHz memory
bus instead of 166MHz though. I suggest only using the 2nd
(256MB) module if your peak commit charge reading is higher
than (roughly) 768MB, and either way, running memtest86 for
several hours after any and all memory changes.

 

[B D T]

1) What is your peak commit charge reading in Task Manager?
*I don't know where it is typically, but today (when I've done nothing
too unusual) it has been up to 423MB, and the PF usage is at 400 MB.
Of course, I only have the 256 MB card in the computer right now.

running memtest86 for several hours after any and all memory changes

*I'm not familiar with this program, but it appears to be a memory
diagnostic? Would there be any advantage to running it now, before I
put in the new memory?

Thanks,
David

 

[Sleepy]

I am finally upgrading the DDR RAM on my computer. I currently have
256 MB / PC2100. The RAM I'm installing is 1 GB / PC2700 [the max that
one slot on my motherboard will allow].

Is is faster to have both cards installed, which will give me more
memory but force the new card to run at 2100? Or should I just use the
new 1 GB card and allow it to run at 2700? I would think that I'd want
both cards, but I'm not sure.

I do no gaming, so these would be used just when running several
applications at once. I'm using an Anthon XP 1800+ (1.53 GHz) on a MSI
KT3 Ultra2 [KT333 chipset] motherboard.

Thanks.

If you're not a gamer then 1gb should do fine. Running it at the 166/333
speed
will yield a slight performance boost. If your Athlon is a Tbred rather than
a Palomino
ie - it runs cool - then try overclocking it to match the RAM. If you do run
both sticks
then search for a little program called cpu-z. It diagnoses RAM and tells
you what RAS
and CAS settings to use at differant FSB speeds.

 

[kony]

*I don't know where it is typically, but today (when I've done nothing
too unusual) it has been up to 423MB, and the PF usage is at 400 MB.
Of course, I only have the 256 MB card in the computer right now.

Based on that, you may only need 1GB total. You could
always benchmark with and without the smaller module
installed. Even memtest86 has a very brief/crude bench that
is a relative indicator if timings changed but Google for
some memory benchmark apps when the time comes to compare.

*I'm not familiar with this program, but it appears to be a memory
diagnostic? Would there be any advantage to running it now, before I
put in the new memory?

yes it's a memory diagnostic, it runs in a loop checking for
errors.

No need now unless you feel it might already be instable.
I'm just suggesting that you -not- boot the operating system
until after you're sure the added memory is stable, and/or
after any memory changes.

 

[DaveW]

You do NOT want to mix the two cards. You will get much better overall
performance by using JUST the 1 GB of PC2700.

 

[kony]

You do NOT want to mix the two cards. You will get much better overall
performance by using JUST the 1 GB of PC2700.

Do you have any theory of why?
Something even remotely scientific or demonstrative?

 

[B D T]

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to start with the 1GB only, benchmark
it, then put in the 256 MB and compare. I appreciate the advice.