667Mhz vs 800Mhz differences

N

noname_clark

New Member
Hey, I'm new to the forum, looks like a great forum! :D

I am looking at getting a new motherboard (not sure which one yet) but keeping my current CPU (AMD Phenom 9500 quadcore 2.2Ghz), and I am wondering what kind of ram to buy. I already have some 667Mhz ram, but I don't know if it's worth it to upgrade to 800Mhz with the new motherboard.

I have read two things on other forums:
1. different speeds don't really make a whole lot of difference.
2. if the CPU runs at a 667Mhz, 667 speed ram will make a more significant difference than 800 speed ram.

Which one is true? If number 2 is true, how do I find out what speed my CPU runs at?

Thanks in advance!
 
If you want to upgrade and you have 667 jump up to 1066.

And as far as the bus speed. It use to make a difference when processors used the FSB between the CPU and Memory, trying to keep it 1:1. But now AMD uses the HT bus between the CPU and Memory, the faster the memory the better.
 
Last edited:
What parts are you looking at buying? I would wait until the new AMD CPU architecture is released next year (Bulldozer)

To view your CPU and RAM speed you can use a utility like CPU-Z
 
Thank you for the quick replies. :D

I should specify that it's DDR2, I don't know if that makes a difference.

In terms of jumping to 1066 from 667, would there be a significant difference? It would be more expensive (because I don't have any of it to start with, where I have 2x1Gb of the 667Mhz ram). Is it worth spending ~$60 more for 1066?

I'm looking at buying this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131595

I have 2 options for ram:
1. 667Mhz: 2X1Gb of what's in my current computer, I know it's 667Mhz, but I'm not sure of the brand (my computer is at school right now so I can't look), but it was stock inside my Gateway GT5674. and then also 2x2Gb (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145195) But this would change depending on what's in my computer currently (to match brands).

2. 1066Mhz: 2X2Gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104098 and then later (not for another few months when I have more money): 2x1Gb http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104008 (same brand and type)
 
Well 1066 is quite a step up from 667, myself I had 800mhz and ran it at 900mhz for a little extra.

that board supports it, so grab the 2x2GB 1066mhz.

Why not grab an 8 series board and some DDR3, along with an Athlon II 640 :) Note you'll want 1600mhz (pc12800) CAS8 or CAS7 timings
 
linkin said:
Well 1066 is quite a step up from 667, myself I had 800mhz and ran it at 900mhz for a little extra.

that board supports it, so grab the 2x2GB 1066mhz.

Why not grab an 8 series board and some DDR3, along with an Athlon II 640 :) Note you'll want 1600mhz (pc12800) CAS8 or CAS7 timings
Click to expand...

Thanks for your help! I would take your second suggestion, buying a 8 series board, but as a college student, I don't have the money to afford all of that, but I will look into it before I make my purchase.
Again, thank you (and everyone else) for all the help! :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top