Insiron 531 RAM Configuration

[jnesmith]

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.

 

[bullzi]

well what are you going to be using it for? 2GB of highspeed should be plenty for just about anything...

 

[jnesmith]

Thanks for the reply.

I don't do any gaming, so nothing that demanding. The most demanding things I can think of are: heavy spreadsheet and database work; video (including HD) capturing and viewing. Some video editing.

I was seeing a tradeoff between more capacity and less speed, or more speed and less capacity. Maybe the difference would insignificant, but I wouldn't know. I'm very much a tech novice.

 

[J03]

It's the video editing that is concerning me. What application will you be using?

 

[jnesmith]

Thanks.

I'll be using Pinnacle Studio Ultimate. Just getting started messing around with editing home videos. I doubt I will do very much of it. Depends on whether the editing bug bites me or not.

I guess another option is just buying an extra 1GB @ 667Mhz. SO my options include at least the following:

2GB @ 667
3GB @ 667
2GB @ 800

I have no idea how significant the differences would be between these options. If they are significant, I don't mind spending an extra $50.

 

[bullzi]

personally i think 2GB of 800Mhz ram will suit you just fine, do you have vista?

 

[db4rt]

OS is Vista Premium 32 bit.

.