Is my CPU underutilizing my RAM???

So I am having the PC on my sig. The CPU is having a FSB of 533 MHz and 2 MB L2 Cache. It scores 4.8 on the Windows Experience Index(WEI).When I bought this notebook it had only 1GB DDR2 667 MHz RAM (2X512 MB) which I later upgraded to 2GB DDR2 667 MHz(2X1024 MB). Even though both the RAM modules were functioning in dual channel mode, my WEI for memory remained constant at 4.4 even after upgradation which I think is pretty much low.

Do you think the RAM modules are running at 533 MHz because of the FSB of the CPU ? Now if I upgrade to say a T7200(667 MHz,4 MB L2 Cache),will it improve my situation and make the memory run at normal speed?

 

The amount of ram doesn't affect the WEI score as much as the speed of the ram does. When I upgraded from 2gb(2x1gb) to 3gb(1x1gb+1x2gb) the score remained constant at 4.8. (And by the way I have a t7300). I would hope hp would be smart enough to change the cpu:ram divider such that the ram would run at 667mhz. Have you checked CPU-Z to see what it says the ram is running at? (remember to double the number)

 

WEI is generally not known as a "valid" benchmark as it posts score all over the place.

 

Use a real benchmarking software. And Google if you need more help with that..

 

It shows the maximum bandwidth as 667 MHz and running it as 266X2=532 MHz approx. So what can be the problem?

 

That is not bandwidth, that is the frequency. You can view the FSB and Memory Bandwidths in Everest Pro.

Basically the FSB of the T5300 is 533MHz (or 133MHz*4), so the RAM frequency has been reduced to 533MHz (266MHz*2).

In simple terms, the Memory frequency cannot exceed the frequency of the FSB.

If you install a CPU like the T5500 etc which has a 667Mhz Bus Speed, the memory frequency will increase to 667MHz and so will the timings to 5-5-5-15.

 

Even Everest confirms it to be 667 MHz. Oh sorry I meant frequency. So does that mean if I go for the T7200, I will get the full frequency of my RAM?

 

Check here: (In Motherboard > Motherboard. The summary only shows the type of memory installed, but not the effective/active frequency and timings of each module)



And you need any 1st gen Merom/Yonah Socket M CPU with a Bus Speed of 667MHz, to get the PC2-5300 memory running at 667MHz as well. (Even a T5500/T5600 will do)

You won't notice much of a boost with the increased frequency though.

EDIT: Naton's right. To find out the actual bandwidth, you'll have to use a benchmarking software. Everest only shows the theoretical bandwidth.

 

to see the memory bandwidth you need to run one of Sandra Sisoft benchmarks.

 

So what about the T7600? How good is it as compared to the current T5300? Will it be supported by the HP BIOS?(I have the latest F.2C BTW)