Whats wrong with my new PIV 2.4 Ghz

[vsenapati]

I recently upgraded my PIII to PIV 2.4 Ghz with D875 PBZ, 256 MB DDRSDRAM 400 Mhz. I have installed only single memory chip (256 MB). I am using 5400 rpm IDE Harddisk. But, I am not happy with the speed of my new PC. Whats wrong ?

[g_shocker182]

Probably compatability issues with that stick of memory you added.

[bluntman72]

I believe if you're using an 875 chipset motherboard you should/must use a dual channel memory setup (two sticks).

[bugster]

Moved to the computer Forum

[pixel]

You MUST have two sticks of the exact same brand and exact same size memory for it to work properly.

I have a 2.4GHz P4 and only 1 stick of 512MB RAM, but my P4 is 533MHz, so it isn't being affected too much. You are effectively choking your P4 800MHz by only giving 400MHz of memory power. You really need 2 sticks to give 800MHz of memory power.

It should not be compatibility issues which are causing your problem.

[--juggernaut--]

You MUST have two sticks of the exact same brand and exact same size memory for it to work properly.

For dual channel mode to work, not only do the sticks have to be the same size, they must also have the same specs., i.e. CL must be the same. Just because they are the same brand (from the same manufacturer/reseller) and are the same size, doesn't necessarily mean they have the same CL.

[gmatov]

How unhappy are you with the speed of your new machine?

To get the most, as they are saying, you need matched RAM in both slots.

But, still, your 2400 should be much faster than your old 800. Not 3 times as fast, that is too much to ask of any CPU upgrade, more on the order of twice as fast.

Have you runany benchmarks, even the artificial ones? None are true to your use, but SiSoft Sandra is one the labs use, and I think they give it good marks.

Give it a try, you may be happier than you are now.

Cheers,

George

[vsenapati]

I shall give the specifications in detail:
Intel Pentium IV 2.4 Ghz 800 Mhz FSB
Intel Mainboard D875 PBZ(without audio onboard)
Corsair 256 MB 400 Mhz one stick
Seagate 40GB 5400 rpm
RivaTNT64M 32 MB AGP
Creative SB Live 5.1
Samsumg Combo

Earlier, I used to have a Pentium III 800 Mhz with Mercury 810e FSFX mainboard, 512 MB SDRAM and same harddisk, Soundcard etc. Now I feel I have not got any advantage while using PIV when opening new applications. Its true I have a faster processor when it comes to video encoding while using P1V. For example, when using PIII 800 I used to complete 1 hour DV into VCD/SVCD in 3 1/2 hours. Now, in PIV, it takes exactly 1 hour to convert 1 hour of DV. There's no doubt that I have gained in speed while video encoding. But what about opening of different applications ? I don't feel any difference when it comes to hyper-threading. It behaves the same as my earlier PIII.
Its true I have only one memory stick. As I need exactly same size and brand, I have to wait to get it from USA when one of my friends comes visiting in Dec 2003. I had got the present one from googlegear.com and this brand is not available in India.
Kingston brand is available. Will it be compatible with Corsair ?

[flaninacupboard]

3 things:

Did you do a clean install of windows when you upgraded the machine? this will improve things a lot.

That harddrive is quite slow, getting the data off the disc to load an app would take less time with a faster drive.

If you're doing a lot of multi tasking 256megs of RAM is -not- enough. to get the best from your system whil multitasking i'd reccomend two matched 512Meg sticks, giving you 1gig of dual channel RAM.

[vsenapati]

I had formated my Harddisk before fresh installation of Win Xp Pro. I have a 256 MB 400 Mhz Corsair memory stick. I am planning to get another 256 MB 400 Mhz Corsair memory stick soon. I may also go for a new 40/80 GB 7200 rpm harddisk soon. I shall check the speed again with additional memory and faster harddisk.

[RabidDog]

I have similar experience gone from p3 866 to amd 2700 with 256 ddr ram. I dont know if its just my expectations but I thought everything would fly. Instead I get slow windows updating on screen. I suppose i do multitask much more now 4 x explorer 1 x outlook 1 x active smart, digiguide,zone alarm avg and irc all going at the same time (with a tmpeng encode running in the background.
more memory needed I suppose?.
mutiol indeed!!