So I'm here looking for parts to purchase for my new machine and I'm now stuck with a dilema I see sale on two different items of memory one is a sale on 12gb DDR3 @1333 for something like USD85 and the other is a 8gb DDR3 @2133 for around USD90. So what I want to know does mhz really make that much of a difference or it does but in this case its better to go for the extra 4gb of memory?

Faster memory is more important than more CPU speed.

Yes, megahertz does matter for memory. It is the slowest component in most systems after optical storage and HDD.

Modern standards haven't helped that much, either. SDRAM clocked at 400 mhz would make mincemeat of DDR-2 400 (which is only 200 mhz with the signalling clock doubled).

The question is though, which is better: 50% more overall memory, or about 60% more clock speed?

I'd say the 8gb would be better in this case, because odds are 8gb will be more than enough memory in most cases. Unless you do a lot of high end work, like video editing, you will probably not see the benefit of the extra overall memory since 8gb is high as it is.

If you need the quantity (photo editing with a 64-bit OS), go for the slower memory

There are CPU:RAM dividers in your MB's BIOS adjustment that will allow you to run your memory at whatever speeds you choose - up to the limitations of the RAM. Slower RAM (as long as it is DDR3) doesn't make a lot of practical difference to overall performance. In this case, CPU speed matters a lot more.

And you are tossing your money in the trash if you use a 32-Bit OS with more than about 3.5GB of system RAM
- you will not have stability issues with new HW

My rule of thumb is:
Heavy multi-tasking = more RAM
Specific memory-dependent tasks = faster RAM

Specific meaning like gaming or video editing or ultra-heavy PhotoShop work.

Get the fast 8GB. It should be enough for you and its probably twice what you have now anyway. You'll notice the difference.

Well It would be 4gb so only 500mb would be going to waste, going to 64bit is not as easy as you may think Pop because a 64bit Windows 7 Pro will run me about another 14g I really don't have that kind of money at the moment.



OMG HE LIVES. Well I currently use Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 to process my RAW file pictures which can get somewhat memory intensive usually when converting my RAWs to Jpeg my memory fluctuates from around 85-96% during the entire process while my processor barely even passed 25%. I also was thinking of getting into Audio and Video with Adobe Soundbooth and Premier.

You currently use a 32-bit OS

Isn't Adobe PS LR now 64-bit optimized? If so, there is no limit (practically) as to how much RAM that you can use that will benefit your experience.

Get *more* DDR3; forget "speed"

Yes there is a 64bit version but unfortunately I have the 32bit version the way its looking I think I may just have to get the 4gb @2133 of memory that I came across yesterday.

Bad move.
Nowadays, anything less than 6GB (triple channel systems) or 8GB (dual channel systems) is inadequate.