Hello:
I just ordered a Dell Inspiron 531. It is shipping with 1 GB (2 x 512) DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz. OS is Vista Premium 32 bit.
I want to upgrade to 2 or 3GB. While poking around a popular online vendor, I noticed that I could get 2GB PC2 6400 for about the same price as 2GB PC2 5300. However, I think that if I mix 800 Mhz with 667 MHz, all the sticks will default to 667MHz.
Assuming I can get PC2 6400 for essentially the same price as PC2 5300 (all else being equal), is there any advantage or disadvantge to the 800 Mhz? Would I be better off just using the 2 1GB 800 MHz sticks without the 2 512 667 Mhz sticks? In other words, is 3GB @ 667 better than 2GB @ 800?
I really am a novice, so I apologize if I have not provided enough information, or have somehow screwed up the explanation.
I am really looking for advice on the best way to go about upgrading the RAM. Try to take advantage of the RAM coming with the machine vs. start fresh, etc..
P.S.
I don't do any gaming. I will be installing an HD video card, and do some photo and video editing. That's about as demanding as my use gets.
I really appreciate any and all help.
I just ordered a Dell Inspiron 531. It is shipping with 1 GB (2 x 512) DDR2 SDRAM @ 667MHz. OS is Vista Premium 32 bit.
I want to upgrade to 2 or 3GB. While poking around a popular online vendor, I noticed that I could get 2GB PC2 6400 for about the same price as 2GB PC2 5300. However, I think that if I mix 800 Mhz with 667 MHz, all the sticks will default to 667MHz.
Assuming I can get PC2 6400 for essentially the same price as PC2 5300 (all else being equal), is there any advantage or disadvantge to the 800 Mhz? Would I be better off just using the 2 1GB 800 MHz sticks without the 2 512 667 Mhz sticks? In other words, is 3GB @ 667 better than 2GB @ 800?
I really am a novice, so I apologize if I have not provided enough information, or have somehow screwed up the explanation.
I am really looking for advice on the best way to go about upgrading the RAM. Try to take advantage of the RAM coming with the machine vs. start fresh, etc..
P.S.
I don't do any gaming. I will be installing an HD video card, and do some photo and video editing. That's about as demanding as my use gets.
I really appreciate any and all help.