Difference In RAM Speed Worth The Extra Money?

Question

I'm getting a Quad Core with a 1333MHz FSB. I'm not sure whether I should use 667 MHz DDR2 or 800 MHz DDR2. Is it worth the extra money? Note: I never plan to OC the CPU.

Answer 1

You'll see a slight increase in speed for thing like switching between programs and loading new programs. As for amount, you really don't need more than 1GB of ram unless you plan on running Vista. My system with Arch Linux on it uses about 80mb of ram with Firefox running, and the Ubuntu system uses about 200mb. Anyways, if you are using XP you'll be fine with only 1GB and I'd get the faster speed for better quality. If you're going to get a quad-core, I don't see a reason why not. I bought 800MHz RAM a year ago with a dual-core PC. If I were you I would even see if faster RAM was an option.

Answer 2

DDR 2 800 PC6400 memory is at a cost sweet-spot right now and is the best bargain out there.  Shop newegg.com G.Skill memory to see what I am talking about.  

So going from 667 to 800 makes sense but jumping on up to higher than 800 speeds isn't worth the huge price increase.

Answer 3

A 133 Mhz difference in RAM will not be too obvious.

Try adding more if possible.

Answer 4

You'll see the difference for sure.  

Answer 5

not really, unless you're into benchmarking, the you'll surely see a difference.

real world, no.