Computer Hope

Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: what_what on March 30, 2008, 08:03:53 PM

Title: RAM
Post by: what_what on March 30, 2008, 08:03:53 PM

I am trying to decide on RAM and I am confused with what RAM is compatible with what motherboard.

If the FSB on the CPU is 1066/1333MHz and the motherboard supports 800/1066/1333MHz then what is the highest memory I can go with (where the memory will be used to its fullest and not wasted even if it will be compatible, I don't want to waste money on higher end memory if it won't cause greater performance)? Is it "DDR2 1333" even though I don't believe they make that, more like DDR2 1150 (PC9200) since I know they make that? So what spec limits what type of RAM I can go with?

Title: Re: RAM
Post by: what_what on March 30, 2008, 08:17:39 PM

Oh, and also would it be better to get 2GBs of DDR2 800 (PC6400) RAM with a Cas Latency of 3 or 4 or 2GBs of DDR2 1150 (PC9200) with a Cas Latency of 5?

Also, I am most likely going with a 780i SLI or 680i SLI motherboard if that helps any.

Title: Re: RAM
Post by: dahlarbear on March 31, 2008, 06:35:40 AM

I believe the northbridge of your chipset limits what type of RAM you can go with.

If you're smart enough to ask such insightful questions, then you're smart enough to do your own research.  Translation:  I don't know.  Perhaps someone else will take a crack at it.

I recommend that you start with the "Crucial" memory and the nonauthoritative but useful "Wikipedia" websites (but hey... I'm just a mere mortal):

    Memory Upgrades FAQs (http://www.crucial.com/kb/FAQByCategory.aspx?category=Memory%20Upgrades)
    What is CAS latency and how do I determine what I have? (http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3657)
    What is the performance difference between CL2 and CL3? (http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3658)
    How do I know which memory is the best fit for my system's front-side bus (FSB) speed? (http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=4075)

    CAS latency (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAS_latency)
    Chipset (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chipset)
    Northbridge (computing) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northbridge_%28computing%29)

    Understanding RAM Timings (http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/26/1)

Title: Re: RAM
Post by: dahlarbear on April 04, 2008, 05:45:46 AM

Ran across an easy read tutorial you might be interested in:
      Understanding, Identifying and Upgrading the RAM in your PC (http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial122.html)