512 SDRAM vs. 256 DDR RAM 2

[SpecSys]

I am looking at purchasing a new machine, but I am really on a budget. I can find tons of new machines with DDR, but not many with SDRAM. I have a bunch of good parts to add into my new machine including a 512 stick of SDRAM. So do I try and find a computer which I can stick my SDRAM into, or opt for the DDR of which I can only afford about 256.?

How do speed and performance compare between 512 SDRAM and 256 DDR?

 

[mikecx]

This is a somewhat difficult question. The 256 of DDR and the 512 of SDRAM should run close to the same. If you can find one, what I would do is find a motherboard that supports either/or. Use the 512 of SDRAM untill you can afford the 512 of DDR. If you cant then I sugest still going with the DDR because it is basically the standard now. If you aregoing to upgrade a system built now in the future, you will more than likely run into the same troubles as getting EDO RAM now.

 

[cdogg]

I agree. If you're concerned with budget over performance, then it might be in your best interest to get a motherboard that supports both DDR & SDRAM. That way you can upgrade later.

However, 512MB SDRAM will not perform up to par as 256MB of DDR. The only time I would go with 512MB is in a server/network environment. Otherwise, go with the 256MB of DDR. It also depends on the version of Windows.

If the system you are building is running on a FSB of 266MHz or greater, you'll benefit extremely by going with DDR. SDRAM is limited to 133MHz (I never trusted PC150 SDRAM) and will be a bigger bottleneck for your CPU than DDR. ~cdogg
"We park in driveways but drive in parkways?"

 

[SpecSys]

Thanks guys. I just went with a DDR setup with 256 initial purchase. I plan to upgrade that within a month to 512.