Memory Sticks

[pennydog]

We have two 128 MB PC-100 SDRAM memory sticks in our computer for a total of 256 MB. Can we add a 128 MB or 256 MB PC-133 SDRAM stick to the computer and will it offer any type of performance gain or loss? We have an AMDK2 400 Mhz processor if this helps.

[Train]

Maybe a loss, but the PC133 will run at PC100.
I run 128PC 133 And a Duron 800.


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[DrMDJ]

256 meg is a pretty decent amount (more than enough) for most people. You don't say what type of applications you run, but... Depending on the apps you run (or will be trying to run), the ram may or may not be needed/used. And unless it's needed (meaning you are taxing the ram you have installed now) it will be of no benefit. It might be a good idea to monitor current memory usage using something like Window's System Monitor to see if you are even using the ram you have.

As Train said, the new memory will only run at the speed of the older slower ram, so having it be PC133 won't buy anything. In addition, with a 400mhz cpu you may well be cpu constrained more than you are memory constrained. If this is the case then, again, the memory's benefit will be diminished/negated. Now you don't say what motherboard this is, but it also may be that the board can't handle the added memory (at least not 512). In addition there may well be issues with that much memory not not being cachable (L2 cache), in which case you will see a performance decrease.

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[pennydog]

Thanks to everyone for the info. We were curious since memory is so cheap right now and were not sure if it would benefit us or not.

[Shinma]

Varies on usage of your system.
Not really noticeable in Windows 98/98SE without heavy duty graphics use.
Windows2000 will easily take in the extra memory without any problems and will leave you extra breathing room for the just in case scenarios.

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Cheers.

[This message has been edited by Shinma (edited 06-26-2001).]