More RAM? Or Faster RAM?

[02gsxr]

I am going to be upgrading soon and I am debating what components to get since I am on a budget. The system will be used primarily for Video Editing, Graphics Editing, DVD Decoding and copying, and OCCASIONALLY gaming - but it is NOT a huge concern.

My current setup is:

Asus A7V600-x Motherboard
AMD Duron 1.2Ghz CPU
1.5GB DDR2100 3-3-3-10?
Geforce MX 440 64MB Vid Card
HP dvd640i DVD Burner w/ lightscribe
52X CD-ROM/burner
(2) WD 40GB 7200rpm 8MB buffer HD's
D-Link Wifi-g card (54MB)
Enermax 420W Noisetaker PS

I will be upgrading to either:

a) 2GB of slower DDR RAM, PC3200(400Mhz) with timings 3-3-3-12.

b) 1GB OCZ Gold PC4000(500Mhz) with timings 2-2-2-6

I currently have 1.5GB of very slow ram and my computer seems to "hang" for very long periods of time, especially if I have several programs running. I dont know if this is because of the processor or the RAM.

Is it better to have a LOT of slower RAM? Or better to have LESS extremely fast RAM?

[Rocketmech]

"Video Editing, Graphics Editing, DVD Decoding and copying, and OCCASIONALLY gaming..."

Keeping budget in mind. What you need is a faster FSB. So, upgrade the cpu to at least a Barton 2500 , then the ram to PC3200 to allow for some overhead to OC. Add 512mb for now, which is fine, then add another 512mb later as the budget allows, which is more than adequate for your needs. You don't need more than a gig unless your a professional video editor. Next, upgrade the video to a 128mb card. The ATI AIW 9600 series is best for a budget...an AIW 9800 pro or higher for a better card and performance.
Or you can opt for a non- AIW card if you already have a capture card. .

My 2 cents....but, you'll see and feelllll the difference, I guarantee.

[02gsxr]

Ok, thx for the input...

I am actually thinking of going with an Athlon 64, and (2) 512MB sticks of OCZ Gold-VX RAM (PC4000 - 533Mhz @ 2-2-2-6)

[Andrew_Carr]

You know about the voltage requirements to get the 2-2-2 timings on that ram, right? Could influence your choice of a motherboard.

[dajogejr]

Gixxer...

Take a look at the Crucial Balistics Series...I've heard good about them, too..

[Johnny Fist]

Get less ram and put the money towards a new processor and motherboard. Going up to a 64 bit processor at this point may be a bit far to jump. You'll double your power with a 2500+ and I can assure you you'll be pleased with the performance jump. I'm just saying that because you mentioned you were on a budget. If you changed your mind and money is no option, don't settle for anything less that a 3500+. Anything below it and you might as well have a 3000+ barton.

[zybch]

3000+ Barton HOT HOT HOT, be prepared to get a better cooler than the stock one.
3500+ Athlon 64, icy cool with the stock cooler and way faster.

[Johnny Fist]

I wouldn't say my 3500 is cool, but it is faster than holy hell.

[fizur2002]

how much do you have to spend on your upgrade?

What i would do is stick with your current setup, and get this:

AMD XP-mobile 2500+
1gig PC3200 (2x512)

since your doing a lot of editing with movies, graphics and such, i would grab this card, and you can play games on it to, albiet not as great as a card designed for games.
ATI FGL 9600 Video Card, 128MB DDR, 128-bit, DVI, 8X AGP, Model "FireGL T2-128"
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProduc...102-356&depa=1

that should set you up really well and be really great in the end.