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    GX640 with i7 - is fast(er) RAM necessary?

    Discussion in 'MSI' started by aldo_14, Apr 26, 2010.

  1. aldo_14

    aldo_14 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere... I have used search but to no avail.

    I'm looking at buying a GX640 with an i7-720QM upgrade* - it's just (barely) within my budget, but I've noted there is the option for 1333MHz speed RAM for the i7s (a bit more than I want to spend). Is there any chance sticking with the default 1066 speed will cause any problems or significant bottlenecks?

    (I don't think so, but it's been a long time since I specced a machine)

    Once again, apologies for asking if I've missed it on search. I'm unfortunately in a bit of a bind as I need to place an order ASAP if I intend to buy this laptop.



    (*quad core preferred purely for GTA4 - getting that damn game to run smoothly with decent traffic density has become my personal moby .. if the upgrade is unnecessary, let me know :) )
     
    aldo_14, Apr 26, 2010
    #1
  2. NotEnoughMinerals

    NotEnoughMinerals Notebook Deity

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    1066 ram is good enough, you probably wouldn't even notice a difference.

    I'm using 1066
     
    NotEnoughMinerals, Apr 26, 2010
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  3. lackofcheese

    lackofcheese Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hmm, we should get benchmarks with GTA 4 on the i5-430M vs NEM's i7-820QM.
     
    lackofcheese, Apr 26, 2010
    #3
  4. NotEnoughMinerals

    NotEnoughMinerals Notebook Deity

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    lol i would do it for you guys if I didn't already own gta iv on ps3

    unless someone wants to gift it to me on steam :p

    just picked off mass effect 2 CE off amazon for $30 off =D
     
    NotEnoughMinerals, Apr 26, 2010
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  5. Dead2th3world

    Dead2th3world Pure Hatred

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    Check out Rockstar steam deals ;)
     
    Dead2th3world, Apr 26, 2010
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  6. IKAS V

    IKAS V Notebook Prophet

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    Faster RAM does not give you extra FPS in games.
     
    IKAS V, Apr 26, 2010
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  7. lackofcheese

    lackofcheese Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hmm, that's a good deal they've got going for the full pack. I'm giving it some thought, even though I'm not such a big fan of Rockstar.
     
    lackofcheese, Apr 26, 2010
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  8. p51mustang23

    p51mustang23 Notebook Evangelist

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    Everyone always says the RAM bandwidth doesn't matter past 1033. 1033 probably has lower latency anyways.

    Edit: I second what guy below me says as well.
     
    p51mustang23, Apr 26, 2010
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  9. Xazur

    Xazur Notebook Consultant

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    The reason they offer 1333 MHz RAM for the i7 is because it's mostly used to process memory intensive programs such as video editing. For playing games the 1066 MHz is fine.
     
    Xazur, Apr 26, 2010
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  10. Dead2th3world

    Dead2th3world Pure Hatred

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    It's worth every penny :D they make decent games
     
    Dead2th3world, Apr 27, 2010
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  11. Molius

    Molius Notebook Consultant

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    Although in my specs 1066 RAM were mentioned, but when I opened the case I saw that 1333 RAM are installed.
    So, prolly MSI just puts 1333 RAM and makes no big deal of it? :)
     
    Molius, Apr 27, 2010
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  12. NotEnoughMinerals

    NotEnoughMinerals Notebook Deity

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    It's possible, since the i5s only support up to 1066 Mhz RAM.

    How can I check the frequency without opening it up?
     
    NotEnoughMinerals, Apr 27, 2010
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  13. Molius

    Molius Notebook Consultant

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    Use X-Ray vision or....open it up. Only 2 screws and you're in.
     
    Molius, Apr 27, 2010
    #13