Anthony Moore
Supporting Actor
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2001
- Messages
- 707
Which RAM is better when looking at a P4 desktop?
RDRAM, or DDR SD RAM?
RDRAM, or DDR SD RAM?
DDR is the best. RDRAM does run faster than DDR, but benchmarks still prove DDR beats RD both in performance and price. DDR is the way to go!This blanket statement is inaccurate.
Bar none, RDRAM is the better choice for an Intel P4 system. New boards based on the Intel i850e chipset are proving to be very reliable and excellent performers.
Saying DDR beats RDRAM is misleading. For DDR to beat RDRAM, you need to use DDR400. For more details, this article at Tom's Hardware will fill you in. If you take a close look at the results, the DDR400 solution does beat RDRAM (PC1066), but only very marginally, and in some cases RDRAM comes out on top.
Anything less than DDR400, and RDRAM will win hands-down. Another article at Tom's Hardware gives you an idea how DDR333 compares to RDRAM - the result is RDRAM on top.
Of course, price is an issue to consider. Yes, RDRAM is more expensive. This may change in the near future. Right now there are quite a few boards coming out that are based on the RDRAM solution (from Intel). Also, SiS has announced a chipset for RDRAM, which should create more interest.
Generally, you really can't beat the speed and reliability that the RDRAM/P4 solution offers. If you choose to go DDR, you need to be more careful about which mobo/chipset you choose, as there are some choices which have proved to be less than stable.
My vote: if money is not a huge concern, go for RDRAM.
/Jeff