Legit Reviews

Ok, I managed to snag a used 1Gb set of OCZ Platinum PC-4800 for SUPER cheap so now I bring to you an answer to (at least my) longing question:
"How much of an improvement will I see by upgrading to 1Gb memory?"

The Setup:

I used 2x256mb matched set of Kingston HyperX and a 2x512mb matched set of OCZ's Platinum PC-4800.
Both dual channel sets of memory were run at 220mhz with 7-2-3-2 timings on 2.7v.
CPU: AMD Athlon64 3200 Venice core at 220HTT for a final CPU speed of 2200mhz (10x220) running on default 1.4v.
Motherboard: Chaintech VNF4 Ultra with V5.0 BIOS
Graphics: eVGA 6600GT 128mb PCI-Express at default speeds
PSU: Fortron "Blue Storm" 500w

The Test:
I set the graphics quality of nVidia's driver to "default" values which were determined by the application (which ended up being AA and 4xAF). All tests were run at 1024x768 resolution. Benchmarks included 3DMark2001, 3DMark2003, and Aquamark 3.

The Results:
3DMark2001 Overall Score:


3DMark2003 Overall Score:


3DMark2003 CPU Score:


Aquamark 3 GFX Score:


Aquamark 3 CPU Score:


Aquamark 3 Overall Score:


Aquamark 3 Average FPS:


My Thoughts:
Well, I was expecting a little more, but the results still show what I was hoping to see: and improvement. What suprised me the most was how much the CPU score increased in all benchmarks! But I was also suprised to see that the GFX score in Aquamark 3 actually went down a little.
Although I didn't test for it, I imagine I would probably see a slightly larger gap by running these same benchmarks with higher image quality applied (2xAA and 6xAA for example).

Needless to say, I think I'll be sticking with my new 2x512mb set of OCZ PC-4800

Let the overclocking begin!!!!!

i'm surprised that it's such a slight improvement. it's within a margin of a puny 50 point difference.

But still this is a very good indication of what people can expect from their $$ when upgrading. Nice work man!!

Yeah I'm trying to convince my mom that its time to upgrade everything and get out of Rambus instead of dropping $300 on memory for an outdated system. I definitely need more because I only have a single 512 stick right now

1 gig is nice. I don't see the reason for 2.

Very nice work gvblake22

It should also be mentioned thats XP LOVES 1GB of ram!!! Even for general desktop use...

blake, another great thread, just like your mod!!!!

do I see it right that you are running the mem. in single channel instead of dual?

kenc51 wrote:Very nice work gvblake22

It should also be mentioned thats XP LOVES 1GB of ram!!! Even for general desktop use...

blake, another great thread, just like your mod!!!!

hehe, thanks. Just trying to give something back to the forum and community that has given to me

sbohdan wrote:do I see it right that you are running the mem. in single channel instead of dual?

I believe they both should have been in dual channel. If they weren't, then I was not aware of it. What is the best way to find out if your two sticks of RAM are infact running in full dual channel operation?

run cpuz -> goto memory tab --> channels # should say Dual !!!

kenc51 wrote:run cpuz -> goto memory tab --> channels # should say Dual !!!

I knew it was too easy. But no worries, it's all dual channel baby!!

gvblake22 wrote:Ok, I managed to snag a used 1Gb set of OCZ Platinum PC-4800 for SUPER cheap so now I bring to you an answer to (at least my) longing question:

How cheap??

kenc51 wrote:

gvblake22 wrote:Ok, I managed to snag a used 1Gb set of OCZ Platinum PC-4800 for SUPER cheap so now I bring to you an answer to (at least my) longing question:

How cheap??

$210
I just couldn't resist it!

I just got my new ddr booster today ;) Waiting for mt new vx ram to arrive!! then I can start "playing" too....

gvblake22 wrote:

kenc51 wrote:

gvblake22 wrote:Ok, I managed to snag a used 1Gb set of OCZ Platinum PC-4800 for SUPER cheap so now I bring to you an answer to (at least my) longing question:

How cheap??

$210
I just couldn't resist it!

Thats 70 less than my source... which I tought was normally cheap... That's new?

To quote The Life of Brian... "You lucky, lucky bas**rd" lol

kenc51 wrote:

gvblake22 wrote:

kenc51 wrote: How cheap??

$210
I just couldn't resist it!

Thats 70 less than my source... which I tought was normally cheap... That's new?

To quote The Life of Brian... "You lucky, lucky bas**rd" lol

It was only used by one other person just to test to make sure it was good. Runs 2-2-2-X just fine. Haven't been able to test at 300mhz yet though

I don't know too much about AMD OC'ing YET... But what's stopping you?

Drop the multi, and away you go?

kenc51 wrote:I don't know too much about AMD OC'ing YET... But what's stopping you?

Drop the multi, and away you go?

My mobo is limiting me. Doesn't want to cooperate much over 240mhz HTT. I tried lowering CPU multi, changing the RAM divider, as well as making sure the LDT multi is not too high and shooting the HTT outta spec.

My goal is to get a DFI NF4 Ultra-D next year when they are hopefully at or under $100. But right now I have to focus on being able to buy groceries
This computer stuff is an expensive addiction! I suppose it's better than being addicted to drugs or something though!!!

gvblake22 wrote: This computer stuff is an expensive addiction! I suppose it's better than being addicted to drugs or something though!!!

way better...