Upgrade from DDR2 400 to 533?

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cliffhucker

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I am working on a friends Dell Dimension 8400 and need to add some memory.

Is there any reason not to go from the 400 to the 533 MHz? (If I was not going to use the existing 400MHz modules?)

Right now it has 2 x 256MB DDR2 400 (PC2 3200)
and I was thinking of getting rid of these and going with 2 sets of 2x512 DDR2 533 (PC2 4200)

So I would have 4 512 modules.

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Your idea on the upgrade seems correct.

Is it better to have 4x512MB modules or 2x1GB ?
I am not overclocking this system. But I always thought 4x512 is better than 2x1gb even if not OC'ing.

I can save $10 going the 2x1gb route. But I would rather spend $10 for better performance/stability.

And If I do go with the 2x1GB then should I go with the 533MHz or the 667MHz RAM? they are both the same price.
If I am not overclocking the processor is it senseless to go with the faster ram? Would the faster be any less stable or have worse latencies? (they give no latency for the 667)


Choice:
1) 4x512MB 533MHz ($50)
2) 2X1GB 533MHz ($39)
3) 2x1GB 667MHz ($39)


TIA
 
I'd prefer 2x1GB.

Agreed, if you want to upgrade more later you'd have to pull the 512mb sticks if you use all 4 slots.

As far as 400 vs 533 or 667, what does your mobo support? usually go to the highest it can support but even if it maxes at 400 it will just downclock 667 to 400 so if prices are the same 667...why not?
 
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