Cheap memory Vs. Expensive memory

iBSOD

iBSOD

iBSOD

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Hai thar

As some might know, I'm still having trouble maxing Crysis, or even playing it on high. Also, some other games I feel aren't running as I'd wish them too.

My specs are quite good imo, but the RAM I'm using now is really cheap.

1GB - PC2 - 5300 (X3)
1GB - PC2 - 4300

So in total I have 4GB but I think 1GB is being dedicated to GPU -.-

Back to my main question, would I see a performance in gaming if I upgraded to some high quality PC2-6400 (highest suppored) RAM? By that I mean frames per second.

Thanks in advance!


Windows 7 Ultimate x64
AMD Athlon 54 X2 5600+ 2.9 GHz
*Crap RAM*
Gainwood GTX465
*Rest is un-necessary*
 
I'm not so sure, most of the mem tests i seen, see very little gaming performance increase, from differant memory types, biggest factors are always CPU/GPU, main issue with ram is having enough of it, 4gb is the standard nowdays, so i'd say if you've got 4 gig maybe upgrade the CPU
 
No, you would not see a benefit. However, it is useful if you need to overclock.
Is your ram running in dual channel? They ideally need to be matched pairs.
 
Hi there,

As you have a dedicated GPU then your graphics won't be stealing any system RAM. However, your motherboard may not be able to see all 4GB - even though you have a 64bit OS.

Looking at your specs you have a very powerful, modern GPU and a rather old CPU - so i'm pretty sure that it is the CPU that is holding your performance back. If you can tell us the make and model number of the motherboard we may be able to recommend you a CPU upgrade that will work with the existing board.

As for the RAM, it what speed is actually it running at and is it running in dual channel mode? You can check using CPUz.
 
4GB of crap ram at 533mhz might be somehow holding the rest back a bit as well along with the CPU on top of that.

Whatever others might say, nice c4 ddr2 at 850-900mhz would definitely make some difference.

However, I wouldn't bother upgrading the RAM, if you were to, you could just as well upgrade the mobo and CPU on the way.

Shame you don't have access to MM, still you could have a look around for 2nd hand AM2+/AM3 motherboard and maybe athlon II x3 or 2nd hand phenom II x2/x3.

After selling your current stuff, this should cost you only around 50quid on top and will make a huge difference.


Have you tried OCing the CPU a bit as well ? Try bumping it up to 3.2ghz and see if that makes any difference.
 
What I forgot to say is that quite obviously the board is olds, and all I can think of is a new build.

The board doesn't support anything above a 5600+ (89w). I actually upgraded to a 5600 from a single core 3800 a while ago.

As for it running in 'dual channel', I have no clue. I have no knowledge on what dual channel is either, sorry.

*WHOOPS* - I think CPU-z does say 'Dual-channel'.

All I can think of now is a new build :/

memcpuzcap.jpg
 
As said, have a look at your FPS in games, OC it to 3.2 or 3.3 if you can and see if that helps any.

Also don't take crysis too seriously, the engine is terribly coded and it plays rubbish even on newest high end machines.


Have you got any spare bit of cash to spare for upgrade ? if so how much is it ?
 
Ah, if you are already maxing out your board (in terms of CPU support) then I tend to agree that a new core system is a good way to go.

The RAM is currently only running at 530MHz (effective) - ie PC2-4240, therefore your RAM is running at the speed of the slowest module (the PC2-4300). You could invest in a good PC2-8500 kit and you will likely see a performance boost. However, this would be a £70 investment in old DDR2 tech, when all the new stuff uses DDR3.
 
Crucial had great DDR2 sticks. I'm still using the PC2 5300 CL3 on my 4th system. I got it overclocked to 378Mhz CL3 which is amazing.
 
You have an unbalanced setup. The best systems are balanced. It's no good spending loads on a gpu if you cpu and memory cannot keep up and vice versa. Up to a certain res, games will be cpu limited, once you get to higher res with additional AA etc you will need a faster gpu and more gpu memory. The trick is to find a middle ground and to do this with your system, you need to overhaul the base (CPU/ram/motherboard).
 
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