PC100 verses PC133

[wannerfool]

I currectly own an Athlon 650 system which runs fine, but I am looking to upgrade from 64 to 128 megs of ram.The motherboard has a Via chipset which will support PC133 ,and currently the 64 megs I have is PC100.Will it make much difference in performance whether I add 64 megs of PC100 or replace with 128 megs of PC133?Is it worth the price difference?

[Samantha]

Hi wannerfool,

At vendors like TCWO (http://www.tcwo.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/st_main.html?catid=18&sid=1wHCjE01Q7lP206), I'm seeing price differences of only $2-4 between PC100 and PC133. So, why not go with the PC133 if you're sure the board supports it, but as the PC Buyer's Guide notes, the amount of memory you have is much more important to performance than the type of memory. You might want to take a look at this PC133 Roundup (http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.html?i=1213) article at AnandTech. It includes comparison benchmarks with PC100, showing performance increase of 4-6% with PC133.

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[This message has been edited by Samantha (edited 09-03-2000).]

[Son of Zeus]

wannerfool,

just a short note to say that I agree with Samantha's points: 128MB PC133MHz SDRAM seems to be the "sweet spot" at the moment. Although it really depends on the OS & applications that you run.

Just remember though when DDR SDRAM hits the streets in a few months time everything prior will look a little underdone. But then again that is always the way with computers, whether it be in hardware or software.

The price difference between PC100 and PC133 is minimal & you get a small increase in performance. So if you're sure the board supports it go with PC133. Ofcourse if the board doesn’t support it then it will default to the PC100 speed.

Cheers...Son of Zeus.

[wannerfool]

Thank you both,

That's the info I was looking for.I think I'll go for the PC133.

Thanks again,
wannerfool

[ixl]

Samantha, SOZ,
Unless I'm missing something, he wants to add a second stick to his existing 64 MiB. If so, he can't run his system bus at 133 anyway. This means for him the performance difference will be 0%. The only advantage of PC133 here would be potentially for a future system, but in a year we will all be running DDR anyway I think...
Are there mobos out there that will run different banks at different speeds?

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Charles M. Kozierok ( ixlubb@PCGuide.com )
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...

[Son of Zeus]

Charles,

Oops I did it again (thanks Britney). Yep, after reviewing wannerfool's original posting I think that you're right. If he doesn't return to the site to read this u may want to email him (assuming that u have his email address from his registration). Would hate to be one of the ones that inadvertently may have lead him astray in any way.

"but in a year we will all be running DDR anyway I think...". Doubt that it will take a year (at least I hope not). I was expecting that DDR SDRAM & the chipsets, mobos etc etc required to support it would start appearing in the States before Christmas, or Jan, Feb 2001 at the latest. Maybe I was a little optimistic.

However whether most people are inclined to upgrade to DDR SDRAM immediately should be based on their needs, & the price, rather than just plain availability. I think that too many people jump onto the new technology bandwagon prematurely. U first need to determine whether YOUR SYSTEM will benefit greatly from the upgrade. Not just the benchmarks posted both online & offline that show theoretical improvements in sometimes non-real world theoretical benchmarking setups.

Anyway that's my 2c worth.

Cheers.......Son of Zeus.

[wannerfool]

Thanks guys,

I'm still here.
I was planning to replace the 64 meg stick with a new 128 meg stick
so that I could use PC133.I have another use for the 64 meg stick of PC100.

Any brand recommendations?

wannerfool

[Son of Zeus]

wannerfool,

"Any brand recommendations?"

Sorry not that brave...to post such recommendations in a Public Forum. If I missed one they might sue me! :-)

Seriously though. There is only one US producer of SDRAM that I know of & perhaps another 3 or 4 outside the US. Don't know if you want to support US producers or not. But there is one thing that I would go on the record as saying. And that is never, never, never buy el cheapo generic type RAM as I have read many respected reviewers who report only horror stories from generics.

Best of luck......Son of Zeus.

[ixl]

For memory, I think a safe and good way to go is Micron modules, sold direct by Crucial. They are high-quality modules from a major maker, and have a lifetime warranty. Might cost you a buck or two more but will give you some peace of mind.
Of course, Crucial is a sponsor of The PC Guide, so don't think I am trying to hide that fact. But I use their memory in my own machines, and I think their company is a good one to support.
If you do decide to buy from them, you can find a nice convenient button linking to their site, right on my front page. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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Charles M. Kozierok ( ixlubb@PCGuide.com )
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...

[Samantha]

wannerfool,

That PC133 Roundup at AnandTech tests modules from different companies. It can give you some suggestions for vendors. I agree with the Chief, though, that you can't go wrong with Micron RAM.

Hint to Chief: read his first message again. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif


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[ixl]

Oops! Mea culpa. (Hey, there's a reason that in such cases I preface with "Unless I'm missing something..." http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif

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Charles M. Kozierok ( ixlubb@PCGuide.com )
Webslave, The PC Guide (http://www.PCGuide.com)
Comprehensive PC Reference, Troubleshooting, Optimization and Buyer's Guides...

[JonYoung]

Sorry to but in guys, but do I gather from this strand that I can put my nice new 256mb pc133 onto my shoddy old 100mhz mobo to try it out before I get the cash to upgrade said mobo? I was a little wary of trying it out in case the speeds needed to match up, but if the ram clocks down safely, I'll be able to wring some more speed out of my baby...

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Percussive maintenance, it may not work but it sure feels good...

[Paleo Pete]

Jon Young: Usually, yes, PC 133 will work in a 100MHz board. The 133MHz speed is the maximum, not a limitation. It will perform best at 133MHz, but will still work, or should, at 100MHz. Provided it's compatible with your machine.

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If you had everything...Where would you put it?

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[zomster]

I would keep your original 64mb and just add the 128mb PC133 and run them together at PC100 you will see more performace from the more ram then the 128 running at 133 most machines will work fine combineing them I am running them combined for some time now.. I have 2 133 Dimms in there now 1 more ram upgrade and I can repalce the other 100 with a 133 and give the slower ram to my womans machine =)to upgrade hers.

Thats the way I am going and of course later on the DDR ram will be more common.

Of course double check to make sure you will have no problems running the type of PC133 ram you have in mind at PC100 in your system