533 MHz vs. 667 MHz RAM

I'm configuring an Inspiron E1705, and noticed that the 667 MHz RAM is $100 more than the 533 stuff. Any idea if it's faster? I will need the best performance possible for gaming.

 

On newegg, top end 667 is about 50% more expensive than equivalent 533 (crucial to crucial brand match up). Other brands the prices are closer (15-25%).

same capacity RAM 667 will be faster (1GB 533 vs 1GB 667), but latencies/timings on 667 tend to be looser which is a performance hit (5-10%). I suppose depending on application this is somewhat made up for by the gain due to higher op freq. In practice I don't know if latencies will have a bigger impact for things like gaming relative to the faster memory.

if you are only going for 1GB then 667 of top brand is pretty affordable, if you want 2GB then the price starts matter a bit more ($50-100 difference).

 

Well capacity is the main thing. If you are a serious gamer, most max out at 2GB of RAM.

As to the 667 Vs 533Mmhz:

The difference is slight...due to mostly higher latencies in the 667mhz ram it will only provide about a 5-7% increase in performance, which in my mind is not worth the price.