RAM Latency 25330 vs 30330

[Dale_H]

Hi there,

Have a dual 1 gig MDD G4 with 1.25 GB DDR SDRAM. Added another RAM stick of 512. All RAM is Samsung. Problem is, on system profile, RAM is PC2600U-25330, but the new ram is PC2600U-30330 (on the ram itself it states PC3200-30331). Now, in tests, with the orriginal 1.25 GB ram configuration, a clip render in Final Cut Pro takes 52 seconds. After adding the new/additional ram the same clip takes 55 seconds to render.

I read somewhere that the latency on the 25330 = faster speed. Does this slower added ram just slow the whole thing down, making it virtually useless?

Any wisdom is appreciated.

[Dale_H]

anyone?

[chris2]

Isn't the 3200 only for G5's? They have some useful technical info on ram at transintl.com. You have to dig around a bit on the site, or call them. They have a good explanation about the CL speeds with a nice diagram. But I'm wondering if you even have the correct ram for your G4.

[Dale_H]

The ram works in the G4 mdd, however, one some google searches (and I called transintl.com) the word is it's backwards compatable and will function at the 2600/2700 level as the other ram. However, I've also read that the 25330 is faster.

Done a number of render tests and without the added ram (1.2 gig of PC2700-25330 ram) a clip rendered at 3 minutes 13 seconds. With the added 512 pc3200-30330 (making it 1.75 gig ram) the same clip rendered at 3 minutes 8 seconds. Not much difference.

Any thoughts?

[chris2]

I'm not surprised at the small improvement you see, but actually I thought render speed had more to do with the processor, not ram. Transintl. told me that with the new 3200 ram the CL of 222 vs 333 etc. was no longer an issue. I specifically had asked him about CL222 as my preference when I just bought some 3200 for a G5 and the guy assured me that with the new type of ram used in G5's that's a non issue and therefore all the 3200 ram out there is CL3. Maybe it is an issue when used in a G4. Considering the video card, processor, ram, etc. I'd like to hear from someone how each effects fcp performance (not Motion, which we know is the video card).

[Dale_H]

Guess I was always under the misconception that more ram = more speed. I agree about the processor though. So whay exactly did I buy more ram?

[chris2]

The primary reason for more ram is to have open more than one app at a time. Benefits of ram vs processor vs card (and combinations thereof) have various ways of effecting performance depending on which version of OS and FCP and whether your talking about running Motion or FCP or whatever. I "think" it was someone at Apple recently told me that a better card not only improves Motion performance but also gives better RT performance in FCP when not using Motion - wish I could get some confirmation on this. Would be nice to have some guru and Apple input giving a breakdown on how all these variables effect the different aspects of performance in FCP. I'd take a "guess" that long time lines would be a bit more spiffy with more ram. Any guru's listening?

[Dale_H]

Very good points and questions, Chris2. Guess that brings me to the card I currently have in my machine, the original it came with - ATI 64mb. Any suggestions as to the most proficient for a dual 1gig G4 mdd? Been meaning to upgrade, but then some have said what I have is fine. This machine's sole purpose is to cut on FCP and perhaps some after effects and burn DVD's (I do everything else on my powerbook) so clearity on my card options would be very much appreciated.

All the best,
Dale

[Dale_H]

Anyone have feedback on Chris' comment and question?