DDR2 and PCI-E

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by moatezhab, Aug 15, 2006.

  1. moatezhab

    moatezhab Member

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    Sorry for such stupid questions but I wanted to know what is the diffrence between DDR memory and DDR2 is one faster then the other, also is it faster to have 1 x 1gb memory or 2 x 512 mb memory and lastly what is the diffrence between PCI-E and DDR video cards? I've also heard of DDR, DDR2 and GDDR3 is there a diffrence in speeds for these?

    Thanks
     
  2. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    OK, beginners guide to technology in brief.

    DDR (Double data rate memory) became the standard for computer memory a few years ago, and has had a few updates.
    DDR1 is 184-pin memory that works with older AMD boards (socket A, 754, 939 and 940) and older Intel boards (370, 478, and some 775) whereas DDR2 is new 240-pin memory that only works in newer boards, most Intel 775 and all AMD AM2. Note that it does not go into a DDR1 slot. It runs at a higher clock rate but with higher latency so overall is a bit faster, but the difference isn't huge.

    As for graphics cards, PCI-E (Peripheral Component Interface Express) is the new standard of connecting graphics cards and has been since late 2004. AGP was the old standard and had narrower bandwidth to fit data down, so faster cards are only on PCI-E, and other versions available on both will be faster with PCI-E. There's no such thing as a DDR video card, only either a PCI-E, AGP or PCI graphics card that uses DDR memory. DDR2 RAM is appearing on low to mid range boards, whilst the better performers use GDDR3 (Graphics-oriented DDR3 memory). New cards due out this autumn will feature DDR4, faster and better again. DDR3 RAM for main PCs will be coming out around next year or so.
    Hope this helps
     
  3. moatezhab

    moatezhab Member

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  4. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    No probs, are you buying a Graphics card?
     
  5. s3a

    s3a Guest

    I think he's searching for one...work ur magic st-sammoris!
     
  6. moatezhab

    moatezhab Member

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    already done:D as you can see in the signature :D
     
  7. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    a 6800GS XXX? Well, all I can say is that it's not what I would have chosen. Not to make you feel bad or anything, but did you ask at aD about that too?
     
  8. moatezhab

    moatezhab Member

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    i did :D i looked at some revies on the net and it seemed to get some good FPS. I also got it for $40... cant beat that price :D
     
  9. s3a

    s3a Guest

    To me...that looks like a pretty good deal.

    P.S.
    St-Sammoris, according to this website (http://www.guru3d.com/article/content/292/), the GPU is 425 Mhz and the RAM clock speed is 1 Ghz. So...bassically it beats my X600 PRO, right?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 17, 2006
  10. moatezhab

    moatezhab Member

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    so far on my system i've been able to play any latest gen game all on full graphical settings :D so im quite happy with my first system built:D
     
  11. sammorris

    sammorris Senior member

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    $40???? well there's no arguing with THAT! Sounds a bit suspicious, but meh. Ebay?

    S3a, I tend not to look at clock and memory speed for graphics too much, it doesn't have a massive amount of relevance, there are lots of other factors that can cause something to be faster, memory bitrate and bandwidth, architecture type, pixel shaders. From knowledge of the area, a 6800GS XXX WILL beat an X600Pro, quite handsomely, but then so will lots of other cards. Typically I disrecommend XXX type cards because they carry an un-necessary price premium, but in moatezhab's case, that's not a valid argument!
    Why am I a saint again, by the way? LOLOL
     
    Last edited: Aug 18, 2006
  12. moatezhab

    moatezhab Member

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    I got it from craigslist toronto. Some guy had it for $80 with a reciept....so it wasnt stolen :D Then I put my bargaining skills into place, and got it for 40$.
     

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