Memory speeds

Ok this is the scoop. Planning on going from an E5400 to an E8600 chip on my motherboard. FSB right now is 800, will be 1333 i think after upgrade. I have the advice on MOBO, chip etc from another thread so this point should be taken care of.

My real question is my memory. Should i look at upgrading it to a higher speed? I have plenty, 4 gigs. Just figure if im going this route, and memory is cheap enough, should i get the fastest memory i can use. I figure i have a new psu, vid card, and processor, would it be worth new memory too.

Side note:can only support 4 1 gig sticks

This is what Cpu-z tells me on the memory tab.

DDR2, Dual channel

DRAM Freq:399.0
FSBRAM:1:2
Cas latency:6.0 clocks
Ras to Cas delay 6 clocks
Ras precharge:6 clocks
Cycle time:18 clocks
row refresh cycle time: 52 clocks
Command rate:2T

spd tab:

ddr2, pc2-6400(400mhz)

manufacturer Elpida

JEDEC1 JEDEC2 JEDEC3
Frequencies 266 333 400
CAS latency 4.0 5.0 6.0
Ras to Cas 4 5 6
ras precharge 4 5 6
tras 12 15 18
trc 16 20 24

voltage 1.8 1.8 1.8

 

Heya Halo, thanks for such a quick response

Im pretty sure DDR 2 will be the max, i was more concerned with the clock speeds and if they are different on newer memory or if you could get faster with them. This thread

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=204197

was my original questions about the MOBO, and it wasnt pretty as its a Dell and we all know what dell does to their motherboards.

This is what DLB posted there.

Supports latest Intel® Core™2 Quad and Core™2 Duo processors up to 1333MHz FSB, along with Intel® next-generation 45nm CPUs
Multimedia enthusiasts, prepare to enthuse. Bring quad-core performance to your desktop with the Intel® Core™2 Quad processor. It's the ideal engine for highly threaded entertainment applications and highly productive multitasking.
Based on the Intel® G33 Express Chipset, combined with either the Intel® Core™2 Duo processor or Intel® Core™2 Quad processor, deliver new technologies and innovating capabilities for digital home consumers.(this was a a quote from Dells website i believe)

However, I could not find any 'solid' info as to exactly which CPUs are supported, and which are not, so you may have to contact Dell directly (YIKES!!!! ) either via email or direct 'tech' chat, but I have a feeling they'd do everything in their power to dissuade you from upgrading the CPU. Generally speaking, when you buy a PC from one of the mass-marketers (Dell, HP, Gateway, etc), the PC is not designed to be easily "pimped out" by the end user, so keep this in mind. And your warranty will be voided the moment you open the case..... So...... good luck, and let us know what you decide to do!

So given that, i may have to break down and call dell. lol (not changing motherboard, just processor)

 

To put a E8600 into a "stock" Dell mobo is pointless and a waste of time and money (arguably one of the fastest CPUs).

Get an E8400 or something less because you will get the same speed and clocks.

 

I was thinking wrong. The E8400 was the actual choice. Not the 8600. Thanks for the input