ram compatibility?

[rjk]

hi there
i have a question about ram
i am using my dads machine with geil 2gb pc2-5300 ram

i am in the process of building my own

i was wondering what the difference is between pc2-5300 like my dad has and the other kinds of ram like pc2-6400
and pc2-8500

are they all ok to run in ddr2 slots?
is it just the timing that is different?

sorry to ask such a stupid question - i havent built my own machine before

 

[Abz]

Yeah they are both DDR2,

The difference is speed and timing. Unless your a hardcore gamer I dont think you need PC-8500, saying that am not but still purchased the PC-8500 What a waste of cash

Anyway make sure your motherboard supports the Ram Speed also. Most motherboards support PC2-6400. To get PC2-8500 to full speed you will need to tweek you motherboard and voltage, which I dont recommend since this is your first PC.

 

[caithomas44]

pc8500 is great but not really required. i havent been able to get my memory usage above 80% while playing games with 4gb of the stuff. also pc6400 is cheaper and more overclockable than the budget pc8500 sticks