memory: DDR2 vs. DDR3?

TheFlyingGerbil

I've been looking for a new laptop (for longer than I care to admit!) and am getting slightly confused. When looking at the new centrino 2 laptops which support DDR3 memory some still have the older DDR2 memory fitted. I assume this is just because it is cheaper? Would I notice much difference between the two types? I am wondering especially as I would be using it for photo editing - my current laptop is so bad I've given up even trying to open my files ( - or is just the amount of memory more important.

My big problem is I can't bring myself to splash my cash on someting I know is already out of date, even if there isn't any difference in performance.

Joe

aliEnRIK

DDR3 memory is quicker. But unless your running top of the range games (Highly unlikely with a laptop), I certainly wouldnt worry about it (I recommened 2 gig or more though)

Id be more interested in the CPU speed personally

TheFlyingGerbil

Does any one know of any websites that have real world comparisons of the two technologies (not just reams of numbers and tables!)?

aliEnRIK

This was done when it first came out ~
http://www.legitreviews.com/article/511/5/
if you compare the speed of the RAM ~ 1067 Mhz, theres VERY little between DDR2 and DDR3 (In fact SOME of the test put DDR2 in front of DDR3)

As I suggested earlier, theres REALLY no need to dwell on them.
Even the 800 Mhz v 1480 Mhz only made a 3 frame per second difference in the STALKER game (which will be barely noticeable, if its noticeable at all)

rancid-a

Hi FlyingGerbil.
The new computer I've just started to use has DDR3 in it (8gb) Where as the one I'm using at the moment has 2gb of DDR2. I was advised to choose DDR3 in the new one because it would help with overclocking, I'm not sure yet what the ingame benefits are (Call of Duty:WaW). Hopefully when I get around to using photoshop, applying complex filters will happen quickly

So, maybe stick with DDR2 for now - and 4gb worth, for your photo editing