Faster Processor Or More Memory?

[species5478]

I'm not really tech savvy, but I'm learning the intricacies of these wonderful machines and will be upgrading soon. I won't get too deep here, but basically...

 

My P.C. has 2.0GhZ Intel Dual Processor.

 

4 GIGS of memory. (total capacity)

 

Great Graphics Card, monitor, etc but I want more speed so...is a faster processor a better investment, or a more memory? I've done some research and know what my system is limited too. Because of my motherboard, I can't get more than a 3.4GHZ processor. I have four memory slots all filled with a single GIG of RAM. Not really fast RAM either, 667mhz I think. Did I bore you yet? Anyway...

 

So I guess I'd like to know if I should get a single 4gig memory stick, (maybe 2, 2GIG sticks) or just install a faster processor.

[Balagor]

You don´t mention what model of CPU you have.

Does it have 800 mhz FSB or 1066 or even 1333?

If you have only 2.0 Ghz with for example 800 mhz FSB, you can gain a lot bying another CPU.

And that of cause only if your motherboard support faster FSB.

More RAM never provide lots of speed.

Faster RAM like 800 or 1066 gives a little, again depending on your mobo.

Personally i would go for a huge CPU, but problem with Intel is, they`r pretty expensive.

[Vagrant0]

I'm not really tech savvy, but I'm learning the intricacies of these wonderful machines and will be upgrading soon. I won't get too deep here, but basically...

 

My P.C. has 2.0GhZ Intel Dual Processor.

 

4 GIGS of memory. (total capacity)

 

Great Graphics Card, monitor, etc but I want more speed so...is a faster processor a better investment, or a more memory? I've done some research and know what my system is limited too. Because of my motherboard, I can't get more than a 3.4GHZ processor. I have four memory slots all filled with a single GIG of RAM. Not really fast RAM either, 667mhz I think. Did I bore you yet? Anyway...

 

So I guess I'd like to know if I should get a single 4gig memory stick, (maybe 2, 2GIG sticks) or just install a faster processor.

It depends entirely on what you are wanting to do, how old other components are, what OS, and what your current hardware is. If you're running windows XP, even if you're wanting to use many large .esp based Oblivion mods, you probably aren't coming close to filling all 4gb of memory. If you don't have a 64 bit Operating system, you might not even be able to have it detect and use more than 4gb of memory.

 

A faster processor will probably help you more in the long run, but can often be more confusing and tricky to install if you haven't before. Although Intel processors are less of a hassle than AMD due to how the processor plugs into the motherboard, there is still a bit of a learning curve involved. You'd be surprised how many people fry things just because they put the chip in wrong or forgot to apply thermal paste between the processor and heatsink.

[species5478]

Ok...how's this for info? By the way, I'm going to have to get a laptop for college, because some of my upcoming classes demand it, so I'll eventually be getting Windows 7 and maybe something more powerful than what I have. But I don't want to let go of this particular P.C. just yet...so I've read extensively on how to change out the processor. So far, I've installed new RAM and Two separate graphics cards. (my orginal NVIDIA 8800 GTS died, and started artifacting when I tried overclocking it after a two year run...lesson learned.)

 

 

 

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 6.0.6002 (Vista RTM)

Date 2009-11-16

Time 05:35

 

 

--------[ Summary ]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Computer:

Computer Type ACPI x86-based PC

Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

OS Service Pack [ TRIAL VERSION ]

Internet Explorer 8.0.6001.18828

DirectX DirectX 11.0

Computer Name (Home PC)

User Name i

Logon Domain [ TRIAL VERSION ]

Date / Time 2009-11-16 / 05:35

 

Motherboard:

CPU Type DualCore Intel Core 2 Duo E4400, 2000 MHz (10 x 200)

Motherboard Name Asus P5LP-LE (Leonite2) (2 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-E x16, 4 DDR2 DIMM, Audio, Video, LAN, IEEE-1394)

Motherboard Chipset Intel Lakeport-G i945G

System Memory [ TRIAL VERSION ]

BIOS Type Award (10/30/07)

 

Display:

Video Adapter ATI Radeon HD 4850 (512 MB)

3D Accelerator ATI Radeon HD 4850 (RV770)

Monitor HP w2207 [22" LCD] (CND71919VN)

 

Multimedia:

Audio Adapter ATI Radeon HDMI @ ATI RV770/790 - High Definition Audio Controller

Audio Adapter Realtek ALC888/1200 @ Intel 82801GB ICH7 - High Definition Audio Controller [A-1]

 

Storage:

IDE Controller Intel® 82801G (ICH7 Family) Ultra ATA Storage Controllers - 27DF

Storage Controller Intel® 82801GR/GH SATA RAID Controller

Storage Controller Microsoft iSCSI Initiator

Disk Drive Hitachi HDT725032VLA380 (320 GB, 7200 RPM, SATA-II)

Optical Drive HL-DT-ST DVDRRW GSA-H30L (DVD+R9:8x, DVD-R9:8x, DVD+RW:16x/8x, DVD-RW:16x/6x, DVD-RAM:12x, DVD-ROM:16x, CD:48x/32x/48x DVD+RW/DVD-RW/DVD-RAM)

SMART Hard Disks Status OK

 

Partitions:

C: (NTFS) [ TRIAL VERSION ]

D: (NTFS) 9044 MB (824 MB free)

Total Size [ TRIAL VERSION ]

 

Input:

Keyboard Enhanced Multimedia PS/2 Keyboard

Keyboard HID Keyboard Device

Mouse HID-compliant mouse

Mouse Saitek Cyborg Mouse (HID)

 

Network:

Primary IP Address [ TRIAL VERSION ]

Network Adapter Intel® PRO/100 VE Network Connection (192. [ TRIAL VERSION ])

Modem PCI Soft Data Fax Modem with SmartCP

 

Peripherals:

FireWire Controller AT&T/Lucent IEEE1394 FireWire Controller (PHY: Agere LFW3226/3227)

USB1 Controller Intel 82801GB ICH7 - USB Universal Host Controller [A-1]

USB1 Controller Intel 82801GB ICH7 - USB Universal Host Controller [A-1]

USB1 Controller Intel 82801GB ICH7 - USB Universal Host Controller [A-1]

USB1 Controller Intel 82801GB ICH7 - USB Universal Host Controller [A-1]

USB2 Controller Intel 82801GB ICH7 - Enhanced USB2 Controller [A-1]

USB Device Realtek USB 2.0 Card Reader

USB Device Saitek Cyborg Mouse (USB)

 

DMI:

DMI BIOS Vendor Phoenix Technologies, LTD

DMI BIOS Version 5.23

DMI System Manufacturer HP-Pavilion

DMI System Product GG789AA-ABA a6137c

DMI System Version

DMI System Serial Number [ TRIAL VERSION ]

DMI System UUID [ TRIAL VERSION ]

DMI Motherboard Manufacturer ASUSTek Computer INC.

DMI Motherboard Product Leonite2

DMI Motherboard Version 6.00

DMI Motherboard Serial Number [ TRIAL VERSION ]

DMI Chassis Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard

DMI Chassis Version 1111

DMI Chassis Serial Number [ TRIAL VERSION ]

DMI Chassis Asset Tag [ TRIAL VERSION ]

DMI Chassis Type Desktop Case

DMI Total / Free Memory Sockets 4 / 0

 

 

--------[ DMI ]---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[ BIOS ]

 

BIOS Properties:

Vendor Phoenix Technologies, LTD

Version 5.23

Release Date 10/30/2007

Size 512 KB

Boot Devices Floppy Disk, Hard Disk, CD-ROM, ATAPI ZIP, LS-120

Capabilities Flash BIOS, Shadow BIOS, Selectable Boot, EDD, BBS

Supported Standards DMI, APM, ACPI, PnP

Expansion Capabilities ISA, PCI, USB

 

[ System ]

 

System Properties:

Manufacturer HP-Pavilion

Product GG789AA-ABA a6137c

Serial Number [ TRIAL VERSION ]

SKU#

Family 103C_53316J

Universal Unique ID [ TRIAL VERSION ]

Wake-Up Type Power Switch

 

[ Motherboard ]

 

Motherboard Properties:

Manufacturer ASUSTek Computer INC.

Product Leonite2

Version 6.00

Serial Number [ TRIAL VERSION ]

 

[ Chassis ]

 

Chassis Properties:

Manufacturer Hewlett-Packard

Version 1111

Serial Number [ TRIAL VERSION ]

Asset Tag [ TRIAL VERSION ]

Chassis Type Desktop Case

Boot-Up State Safe

Power Supply State Safe

Thermal State Safe

Security Status None

 

[ Memory Controller ]

 

Memory Controller Properties:

Error Detection Method 8-bit Parity

Error Correction None

Supported Memory Interleave 1-Way

Current Memory Interleave 1-Way

Supported Memory Voltages 5V

Maximum Memory Module Size 1024 MB

Memory Slots 4

 

[ Processors / Intel® Core™2 CPU 4400 @ 2.00GHz ]

 

Processor Properties:

Manufacturer Intel

Version Intel® Core™2 CPU 4400 @ 2.00GHz

External Clock 200 MHz

Maximum Clock 3800 MHz

Current Clock 2000 MHz

Type Central Processor

Status Enabled

Upgrade ZIF

Socket Designation Socket 775

 

[ Caches / L1 Cache ]

 

Cache Properties:

Type Internal

Status Enabled

Operational Mode Write-Back

Associativity 4-way Set-Associative

Maximum Size 32 KB

Installed Size 32 KB

Supported SRAM Type Synchronous

Current SRAM Type Synchronous

Error Correction Single-bit ECC

Socket Designation L1 Cache

 

[ Caches / L2 Cache ]

 

Cache Properties:

Type Internal

Status Enabled

Operational Mode Write-Back

Associativity 4-way Set-Associative

Maximum Size 2048 KB

Installed Size 2048 KB

Supported SRAM Type Synchronous

Current SRAM Type Synchronous

Error Correction Single-bit ECC

Socket Designation L2 Cache

 

[ Caches / L3 Cache ]

 

Cache Properties:

Type Internal

Status Disabled

Operational Mode Varies with Memory Address

Maximum Size 0 KB

Installed Size 0 KB

Supported SRAM Type Synchronous

Current SRAM Type Synchronous

Socket Designation L3 Cache

 

[ Memory Modules / A0 ]

 

Memory Module Properties:

Socket Designation A0

Installed Size 1024 MB

Enabled Size 1024 MB

 

[ Memory Modules / A1 ]

 

Memory Module Properties:

Socket Designation A1

Installed Size 1024 MB

Enabled Size 1024 MB

 

[ Memory Modules / A2 ]

 

Memory Module Properties:

Socket Designation A2

Installed Size 1024 MB

Enabled Size 1024 MB

 

[ Memory Modules / A3 ]

 

Memory Module Properties:

Socket Designation A3

Installed Size 1024 MB

Enabled Size 1024 MB

 

[ Memory Devices / A0 ]

 

Memory Device Properties:

Form Factor DIMM

Type DDR2

Type Detail Synchronous

Size 1024 MB

Speed 667 MHz

Total Width 64-bit

Data Width 64-bit

Device Locator A0

Bank Locator Bank0/1

Manufacturer CE00000000000000

Serial Number None

Asset Tag None

Part Number M3 78T2953EZ3-CE6

 

[ Memory Devices / A1 ]

 

Memory Device Properties:

Form Factor DIMM

Type DDR2

Type Detail Synchronous

Size 1024 MB

Speed 667 MHz

Total Width 64-bit

Data Width 64-bit

Device Locator A1

Bank Locator Bank2/3

Manufacturer CE00000000000000

Serial Number None

Asset Tag None

Part Number M3 78T2953EZ3-CE6

 

[ Memory Devices / A2 ]

 

Memory Device Properties:

Form Factor DIMM

Type DDR2

Type Detail Synchronous

Size 1024 MB

Speed 667 MHz

Total Width 64-bit

Data Width 64-bit

Device Locator A2

Bank Locator Bank4/5

Manufacturer 7F7F7F7FB0000000

Serial Number None

Asset Tag None

Part Number OCZ2SOE6671G

 

[ Memory Devices / A3 ]

 

Memory Device Properties:

Form Factor DIMM

Type DDR2

Type Detail Synchronous

Size 1024 MB

Speed 667 MHz

Total Width 64-bit

Data Width 64-bit

Device Locator A3

Bank Locator Bank6/7

Manufacturer 7F7F7F7FB0000000

Serial Number None

Asset Tag None

Part Number OCZ2SOE6671G

 

[ System Slots / PCI1 ]

 

System Slot Properties:

Slot Designation PCI1

Type PCI

Usage Empty

Data Bus Width 32-bit

Length Short

 

[ System Slots / PCI2 ]

 

System Slot Properties:

Slot Designation PCI2

Type PCI

Usage In Use

Data Bus Width 32-bit

Length Short

 

[ System Slots / PCI3 ]

 

System Slot Properties:

Slot Designation PCI3

Type PCI

Usage Empty

Data Bus Width 32-bit

Length Short

 

[ System Slots / PCIEX16 ]

 

System Slot Properties:

Slot Designation PCIEX16

Type PCI-E x1

Usage In Use

Data Bus Width x16

Length Short

 

[ Port Connectors / Line In ]

 

Port Connector Properties:

Port Type Audio Port

Internal Reference Designator Line In

Internal Connector Type None

External Reference Designator Line In

External Connector Type None

 

[ On-Board Devices / Intel® HD Audio ]

 

On-Board Device Properties:

Description Intel® HD Audio

Type Sound

Status Enabled

:wallbash:

HOPE THAT WASN'T TOO MUCH...I get overwhelmed just sifting through all of the info and need some help...so can I get some kind advice as to what type of upgrades should be made? If need be, I have no problem taking my rig to a professional...OH and my primary goal is to speed this up for gaming purposes. I really only use my P.C. to do classwork, and play Fallout. (which stutters whenever I'm in an outside setting. I use to play other stuff like Crysis, for example, which played smoothly on a medium setting. So I'm not even really sure if my problem is one of speed because someone mentioned that I may have "bottleneck" issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

:thanks:

[LHammonds]

As it has already been said, more memory will not speed up your PC. If you only had 256 MB, that would be a different scenario due to a starving OS and virtual swap space being over utilized. Even if you traded the slower memory in for faster memory speeds, it would be nothing that would blow your ears back. Since you said that your problem is not in your graphics card, the pretty-much leaves the CPU and hard drives. I won't go into the option of upgrading your mobo since that would likely require upgrading everything which is not what you are looking for.

 

You are the only one that can tell if the slowdown problem is related to the HD or CPU...such as the PC feeling slow all the time as opposed to just when the hard drive is working (loading levels, booting up, starting apps, etc.). But rather than going based off feelings, I tend to like using performance analysis tools (such as PerfMon that comes with the OS) that observe and record what is happening with the CPU, hard drive and memory as I use the computer. You can also use various benchmark tools that compare your computer to similar computers.

 

Another thing to consider is the OS itself. Over time, the OS can become bloated causing the system to become much less responsive than it did when it was first installed. The more demos/apps/games that you install and uninstall, the worse it gets. Maybe a simple OS re-install would perk the system up.

 

Well, that's all the time I have...gotta get back to buy the parts for my own PC!!!

 

EDIT: It is also important to note that no 32-bit OS can address memory beyond 3.5 GB. Even then, the OS can take up a good chunk and only leave 2.5 to 3.0 GB to the applications/games. You have to have a 64-bit OS to make use of more memory (or at least be able to access the entire 4 GB you have. Your hardware seems to be 64-bit capable but if you are using 32-bit right now, don't swaps your OS for 64-bit just for the 4 GB you have now. Just wanted to make you aware that throwing more RAM at a 32-bit OS would be pointless if you already have 4GB...above and beyond knowing that it would not allow for increase in speed.

 

LHammonds

[Balagor]

After checking the details on your mobo, i think there is not much you can do, besides upgrading the CPU to perhaps Intel Core 2 Duo E8400.

This has a FSB at 1066, wich is max, for this mobo. Also there is no need for 64-bit OS, since the MAX of RAM recogniced will be 4 GB, at 667 mhz.

 

My opinion is it will be a little waste of good money.

 

Go for AMD.

 

AMD is doubble power at half the price.

You can get AMD Phenom II X2 545 AND a new mobo for the same price.

It will be compatible with everything else you got.

You can get a 64-bit OS Win7 or XP. Thus more RAM (Forget about Vista.)

[species5478]

Thanks LHammonds, for taking the time to respond because I think you've confirmed some things that I was wondering...

 

And to Balagor, I assume mobo means motherboard, which I hear are pretty cheap to buy. I hate Vista, and can't wait to get rid of it, so I'll be upgrading to Win 7 at the end of next month. If 64bit is the better choice for gaming, then I'll go with that version. And if I get that AMD Phenom II X2 545, I shouldn't need to get a new case or anything, right? You said it should be compatible with most of my components so I think that would make it worth while. I have a less expensive P.C. that has similar, but lesser specs than this one so I have no problem with trying a new kind of processor. But is AMD stable? I never had a P.C. that had that type of processor before...and would switching the motherboard be something I should try? I have wrist-straps, and the patience to learn how to use them but if the overall process is too tricky, I wouldn't mind paying someone to do it either.

[Balagor]

Yes, mobo is motherboard

Until 2000 i had Intel, but got a little tired of their prices. Since then i have had AMD´s, and have been very satisfied.

My first AMD was a Dualcore 6000+ 3.0 ghz. I went to that from a Intel Pentium 4 3.0 ghz, and i could realy feel a big difference.

I actully got my hair blown back.

Now i went to the AMD Phenom II X2 545 which was a minor improvement, but since it can be OC stable to at least 3.5 ghz,

it has at then been a major improvment.

I am from DK, and here the prices for a AMD Phenom II X2 545 + a Asus M4A78- PRO mobo is exactly the same as

for the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400.

I can see you´r from US. The prices are lower there, but i think you still have a big difference between Intel & AMD.

I have never regret swapping for AMD, all games during the last 8 years, has just been running smooth.

[LHammonds]

When changing the mobo, you typically are looking at costs for the mobo, cpu + heatsink/fan and RAM. Sometimes this includes the video card as well if there are significant differences between your current video card and the new mobo (like going from PCI video card to a mobo with PCI Express).

 

As for AMD vs Intel, I have typically gone with the best bang for the buck. Sometimes that was Intel, once it was Cyrix and then it was the AMD Athlon XP in my last PC. I went with the Intel CPU (just now) simply because it is the fastest chip at the moment and I have the means in my budget to afford it. I was seriously looking at the Phenom II but when I found out that my budget was much bigger than I expected, I ended up going with most of my "dream pc" components.

 

Just as Balagor said, your current hardware will not really benefit from a 64-bit OS...especially if your mobo can never exceed 4 GB. I also agree that Vista is something that should be shunned and avoided if at all possible. Either WinXP or Win7 or a combination of both. I evaluated Vista way back when it released and knew to avoid it in the workplace and at home. ;)

 

If anyone is buying a new PC, I almost always recommend going 64-bit OS now that Win7 has released. WinXP 64-bit was painful, Vista 64-bit was marginally better in that respect but the entire OS felt like a rushed ALPHA / BETA version. :sick:

 

LHammonds

[Balagor]

Your current mobo has PCI-E, allowing you to use your existing grafic card.

You have 240 pinn DDR2 SDRAM, wich you can use again or upgrade now or later.

 

On the other hand it will not be future proof.

Actually no computers are future proof, but some more than others.

When it comes to pay around 1000 dollar for the "top gun" Intel CPU, and DDR3 RAM,

you would need your computer for more than just gaming.

 

The game industry are well aware that if they ever release a game demanding the most expensive CPU, 16 GB RAM

and 3 x Nvidia GTX 295 2GB in triple SLI, their sale would drop by 80 %

And exactly that, is a good reason to go for a good medium computer, unless you need a workstation

and allways work with several applications spontainously.