Higher Mhz DDR memory

[AudioVideoMaster]

Is there any real-life benefit from using PC4200 DDR 533MHZ SDRAM memory when comparing it to say PC3200 DDR 400MHZ SDRAM memory or PC2700 DDR 333MHZ SDRAM memory?

Just wondering because I'm getting ready to do a P4 3.0Ghz upgrade with an 800Mhz FSB and a new motherboard (Asus P4p800 Deluxe). As my nick suggest, I'm mostly doing audio video work with special effects work too.

(( Woo Hoo 100th post, finally! ))

[Ramirez]

2 sticks of DDR-400 memory modules is the only memory type you'd want to use with the P4C proc, (and NEVER anything lower then DDR-400)

DDR-500/533 is special made overclocker's ram (unnecessarily with your proc.)

[AudioVideoMaster]

Thanks for the advise Ramirez! That'll save me some money, not buying anything higher than 400Mhz DDR RAM.

[Solo]

As R. says it's only for overclocking.
But when you do get some DDR400 try and invest in some really good stuff. You guys have no idea how lucky you are having access to about any memory you want unlike me. If I was you I'd get some Corsair XMS3200 /TwinX3200 or some Mushkin Level II 3200 both of which can give you some serious memory performance if you use lower memory timings.

[BioZ]

DDR533 RAM can be ran with an effective 1066FSB. If you overclock a slow P4 to around 3GHz with a 1000FSB, with the faster RAM, you can gain a significant performance increase over a stock P4 machine at 3GHz with 800FBS, without the need for insane custum cooling.

[Solo]

Originally posted by BioZ
DDR533 RAM can be ran with an effective 1066FSB. If you overclock a slow P4 to around 3GHz with a 1000FSB, with the faster RAM, you can gain a significant performance increase over a stock P4 machine at 3GHz with 800FSB, without the need for insane custum cooling.

Sorry BioZ, but I cannot agree with you on this one. Under your mentioned conditions you can achieve similar results using good DDR400 (unless 0.27 fps is a significant increase). Tests have shown this:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/memory/display/p4-mem_11.html

[AudioVideoMaster]

Thanks Solo for that link. I always learn better when I see actual graphs. But I wonder what motherboard these were tested on? B/c I know that the right motherboard can make a difference as well.

[AudioVideoMaster]

Never mind about the motherboard. It says it on an earlier page in the full review; I just missed the first time. The test were done on an ASUS P4P800, which is the motherboard I was already planning to get.

[theReal]

As has been said before: get good RAM, brand name, certified for fast CAS 2 timings.
I'm very happy with Corsair XMS (Extreme Memory Speed) CAS 2 DDR333 RAM (it's certified for CAS2-2-2 1T command rate). You'll get a lot of extra speed with fast timings.

[Solo]

Yet again more proof that good DDR400 can outperform DDR500 memory in a lot of applications.
http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=873&page=1

[AudioVideoMaster]

Great info Solo. Thanks for the link.

[Kb_cruncher]

I have a p4 2.4G 800mhzfsb system.I bought Adata DDR500 ram and run the cpu @ 3G.The adata is really good ram and clocks to DDR540 @2.8v and will run @ cas2.5 at this speed.One review had the adata @ DDR560 with 3.2v stable.