Compatible / Best memory for Q9450?

[Skute]

Hi, it's been a while since I've built a PC from scratch and I'm now confused by all the different types of RAM. I'm looking at getting the new Yorksfield Quad-Core (http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-202-IN) with FSB of 1333MHZ.

What memory will I need for this CPU?
DDR2 / DDR3?
6400?
8500?
Higher?

(And what do those numbers mean in terms of the CPU?)

Any info much appreciated.

Skute

 

[Cob]

Unless you're silly enough to buy a DDR3 motherboard, you'll be needing DDR2.

Are you intending to overclock the CPU? If not then any of the PC2-6400 kits will do (so will PC2-5300, but PC2-6400 is about the same price). If you are overclocking then it would be wise to consider PC2-8000 or PC2-8500.

 

[dazz25]

Yeh depends on what overclock your after. PC-6400 will be just fine if leaving at stock.

 

[Skute]

Thanks for the replies, but what does the '6400' relate to? i.e. why would 8000 / 8500 be better than 6400 for overclocking? I would probably overclock slightly but wouldn't be pushing it to extremes.

Thanks,

 

[Skute]

According to the FAQ here:
"PC2-6400 = 200MHz (800MHz effective)"

The FSB on the above processor is 1333MHZ - so won't the 6400 memory be limiting the system? i.e. Wouldn't PC2-10666 (or whatever it is) be better?

 

[dazz25]

PC-6400 runs at 800MHz your processor runs at 333MHz (2660/8) so your CPU is actually running slower than you RAM.

To run your RAM at 1:1 you would need to up your CPU speed to 400MHz so your CPU will be running at 3.2GHz (400*8).

PC-8500 runs at 533MHz (1066/2) so you could up your CPU to 4.2GHz (533*8) if you want to run at 1:1.

 

[Skute]

Ah right ok, thanks, that helps a lot!