(very) basic RAM question

[Doosh]

I'm going round in circles here with all the various numbers and what they relate to, can someone simplify things for a complete Joey?

Just sticking with DDR3 as that is what's current.

First of all how does the PC3-XXXXX designation relate to the RAM speed?

If for example in a mobo spec it states: "Supports two unbuffered DIMM of 1.5 Volt DDR3 800/1066/1333* (OC)"

What does the * and OC mean and what would be the default drop in RAM?

Why when RAM is listed it is listed by it's PC3 designation but the spec lists it as 800/1066/1333?

Sorry for not getting this

 

[Its_Me]

I'm going round in circles here with all the various numbers and what they relate to, can someone simplify things for a complete Joey?

Just sticking with DDR3 as that is what's current.

First of all how does the PC3-XXXXX designation relate to the RAM speed?

its double the frequency, so 800mhz memory = PC1600

If for example in a mobo spec it states: "Supports two unbuffered DIMM of 1.5 Volt DDR3 800/1066/1333* (OC)"

the official speed of the chipset or max CPU FSB would be 800/1066, the 1333*(oc) means its not officially supported (no auto 1333mhz), but you can get that frequency from manual overclock settings.

What does the * and OC mean and what would be the default drop in RAM?

As above, in auto it would set to the next available JEDEC speed available in SPD that is supported in auto. i.e 1066mhz maximum

Why when RAM is listed it is listed by it's PC3 designation but the spec lists it as 800/1066/1333?

800 = 400mhzFSB
1066 = 533
1333 = 666

Sorry for not getting this

No problem, wiki has a little more info if you fancy a read
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM

 

[Doosh]

Many thanks, so for dropping in without any overclocking I need PC3-8500 which is 1066mhz?

Am I right in thinking overclockers don't list this?

Would there be a big difference in overclocking and using 1333mhz?

 

[Its_Me]

To be honest i think you may have got mixed up between DDR2 and DDr3.

Might be better to give us your MoBo model number and we can figure it from there.

 

[Doosh]

Sure here you go

http://www.msi.com/product/mb/E350IA-E45.html#/?div=Detail

It's not arrived yet as it's only a pre-order from OC, I'm just making sure I get the right bits for it, wouldn't at all be surprised if I am confused lol.

 

[iTek]

Yeah you need DDR3, you should buy the faster memory, it will still work.

 

[Ch3m1c4L]

faster memory will downclock to the slower speed, get whichever OCZ 4gb kit is currently on offer out of the 1333Mhz(PC10666) or 1600Mhz (PC12800).

 

[Its_Me]

I can recomend these;
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-219-OC&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1516
They have a fairly good timings at a low 1.3v.



there we go