Does RAM speed really make a difference??

Johnnytoxic · 8 May 2007 at 18:42

I mean I can't remember seeing a benchmark that encodes video or audio and it been a lot quicker using faster ram.

Anyone got any links?

Energize · 8 May 2007 at 20:45

Encoding speed isn't affected by memory bandwidth at all.

fivefive · 8 May 2007 at 21:05

Energize said:
Encoding speed isn't affected by memory bandwidth at all.

really? then what is it depended on? :eek:

Defcon5 · 8 May 2007 at 21:21

fivefive said:
really? then what is it depended on?

I think its basically how fast the CPU can crunch

Energize · 8 May 2007 at 21:32

fivefive said:
really? then what is it depended on?

Cpu speed, when encoding a video the cpu isn't going to be processing anywhere near enough data to saturate the rams bandwidth, 1 frame of uncompressed dvd video is 9.95Mb, assuming the cpu is encoding at 25fps, thats only 249Mb/s.

doctoe2260 · 10 May 2007 at 17:19

Memory speed affects load times for games and stuff....I think....

Feel free to correct me guys.

Energize · 10 May 2007 at 17:23

doctoe2260 said:
Memory speed affects load times for games and stuff....I think....

Feel free to correct me guys.

The hard drive is what affects game loading times and it can't transfer data anywhere near fast enough to saturate even the lowest ram speeds. You know I can't think of anything that would have any real world performance improvement from increased memory bandwidth.

doctoe2260 · 10 May 2007 at 21:19

That's a good point, sorry.
As for real world advantage, how about allowing a greater overclock? I mean, the FSB could be cranked up higher without the RAM causing the system to become unstable. I've seen rigs that are on 1:1 dividers and are being limited by slow RAM, so higher speed stuff should be able to support a good overclock.

Energize · 10 May 2007 at 21:57

I suppose, but you may as well just use a divider and take the ram out of the equation.