256 pc2700 or 512 pc2100?

[Paully's5.0]

Hello all, I am going to be building a computer in the next couple of weeks and am wondering what would be the best memory choice. I am on a budget so if I go with the pc 2700 I am only going with the 256. Always can add more right?

My system will consist:

XP 1800
Volcano 6Cu+ cooler
MSI KT3 Ultra-ARU
Gainward GeForce 3 ti200
20 Gig ATA 100 Maxtor Drive (Already have, hence the small size)

Well if I get the pc2700 I plan on OCing the FSB to 166, otherwise if I stick with the pc2100 I will keep the FSB at 133.

Right now I am not a heavy gamer or anything, cause my old machine was a ibm PII 350 with on board video, but I do want to try things out.

I really just want a good performing machine that can run games, autocad, maybe some photoshop to. So what memory would you go with?

Thanks for the help!!

[rond36]

If you buy PC2700 DDR buy Crucial, Kingston, or Samsung. That motherboard has the VIA KT333 chipset so you should be able to clock the RAM at 166MHz DDR 333MHz without over clocking the FSB and allowing everything to run at its recommended clock rate. If you use the true PC2700 RAM mentioned above the BIOS should detect(SPD) that the installed RAM is PC2700 333MHz and set its clock rate at 166MHz DDR 333MHz

Crucial.com
512MB DDR PC2100 • CL=2.5 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 7.5ns • 2.5V • 64Meg x 64 $140.39
256MB DDR PC2700 • CL=2.5 • Unbuffered • Non-parity • 6ns • 2.5V • 32Meg x 64 $89.99 X2=$179.98

Newegg.com
Samsung Original DDR333 PC-2700 512mb CAS2.5 $149.00

KINGSTON KVR333X64C25/512 512MB 32x64 PC2700 DDR RAM $150.00

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Soyo P4S-Dragon Ultra, Intel P4 2.0GHz(northwood), 768MB Samsung PC2700 DDRSDRAM, 2 WD 100GB HDDs, ATI A-I-W 8500DV 64MB AGP video, SB Audigy MP3 PCI, Plextor 40X12X40 CD-RW, Pioneer slot load DVD-ROM, Multi-boot Win ME, XP Pro, XP Pro striped down for games.

[saphalline]

Those memory prices that rond36 posted look good! I think you might be able to go with your 512MB of DDR333 afterall http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif. Get one of the single DIMMs from Newegg.com, tho, because you don't want to run out of DIMM slots too soon. If you really can't afford 512MB of DDR333, then get 256MB; it's really not worth buying slower RAM than your mobo can handle. Otherwise, when you have the money some day, you'll have to toss the slower module to put faster ones in - not the best investment! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif

Also, 512MB would sure help Photoshop run better. Most newer games, too. So when you're online shopping, just think about it. Can you live on spaghetti for a mere few weeks if it means all-around better performance? Keep your priorities straight and I think you'll make the right decision. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif

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"No, we do not gnaw on our kitty." - Dr. Evil

[Paully's5.0]

Wow those are some high memory prices, I found them to be cheaper at newegg.com anyway I am gonna go with 256 pc2700, once college starts up agian finacial aid will pay for another 256! Thanks guys!