What ddr 2 memory to buy?

Energize · 10 Mar 2007 at 18:28

I'm looking to upgrade to AM2 but how do I decide what memory to go for? I know lower timings and higher clock speed are better as well as dual channel. But how do ht and fsb settings relate to the memory I need?

Cob · 10 Mar 2007 at 19:23

You should seriously consider a Core 2 Duo system instead dude.

Energize · 10 Mar 2007 at 19:24

If a retail £65 core 2 duo cpu can reach 5000+ speeds then I would consider it.

Cob · 10 Mar 2007 at 19:42

Fairy nuff.

Basically double your fsb to get the memory speed you need.

So if you're going to set your fsb to 250mhz, you can get away with pc4200 (533mhz) RAM.

Tho pc6400 RAM is pretty much the same price these days. So any of it will do.

geff_r · 11 Mar 2007 at 03:08

Try to get the chepeast possible guaranteed
Micron D9GMH (B6-3) chip ram it will hit 1200 mhz.

The Running Man · 11 Mar 2007 at 10:50

hmm but 1200mhz isnt always right for everyons system. running @ 800mhz or so with tight timings seems to produce great performance although not as much theoretical bandwith as @ 1000mhz+.

geff_r · 11 Mar 2007 at 15:56

True it's just a thought and gives you that added leway
just in case you upgrade a cpu and need extra from your ram one day.
out of all pc components i'd say ram and psu you can keep the longest.

Energize · 11 Mar 2007 at 17:44

Am I right in thinking that 2 sticks of dual channel ddr400 ram gives the same bandwidth as 1 stick of ddr800 ram?

If you need double the fsb of the cpu to get enough bandwidth with 1 stick then does that mean that amd cpus are 4n while ddr2 sticks are 2n?

Energize · 11 Mar 2007 at 21:17

Does the brand of the memory make any difference to performance?

Cob · 12 Mar 2007 at 16:35

Not at its stock speed (providing they have the same latencies).

However different brands use different chips and some overclock a lot better than others.