bit of a newbie question but... pls help :)

Newbie Poster

6 posts since Mar 2008

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It's best to match your RAM to your motherboard and processor. So, if you're getting a new Mobo and CPU soon you should decide on that before buying RAM.

If you've already got your sweet new mobo and CPU, then it's a fair bet some 800MHz might unleash some more overclocking power, but it depends on what you've got.

For stock standard use I think your 667MHz should be OK, but as I said, it depends on what you've got. A 'powerful gaming machine' needs 800MHz RAM, IMO.

Next step up is something like THIS which is 800MHz.

I don't know much about latency (except that less is more, or something like that)

Your motherboard manufacturer's website should list all the RAM it's tested to work in your mobo. A good place to start.

Posting Whiz in Training

280 posts since Nov 2007

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ahhh ok then cheers for the advice mate, much appreciated :)

Jfuller113

Newbie Poster

6 posts since Mar 2008

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No problems :)

I should mention that 800MHz is by no means the highest RAM goes. DDR2 comes in 1066Mhz speeds (+ overclock) while DDR3 can come in speeds of up to 1600MHz I think, at the price of higher latency.

Any other questions, feel free. When you're done you should mark the thread as solved.

;)

Posting Whiz in Training

280 posts since Nov 2007

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yehh i have been reading some of the other RAM problem threads to try and understand a little more about speed of RAM etc.. and i came across the latency/timings, i am puzzled when it comes to timings, it makes sense to me that the less the better, but im not sure, is that correct? Also i have been reading that DDR2 RAM has higher latency but higher memory speed... :S Not quite sure if im correct in saying so.

Newbie Poster

6 posts since Mar 2008

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Yeah, less latency is better (it's the time taken for a signal to go through the RAM and back, so quicker, or lower number, is better) What each of the numbers mean specifically I don't know.

The main 'buzz' topic lately is (was) that the new DDR3 has higher latency but faster speeds than DDR2 (and is freakishly expensive). However, I've heard people say that the high speeds are more than adequate compensation for the higher latency. You need a DDR3 board to run DDR3, they're not inter-changeable.

Posting Whiz in Training

280 posts since Nov 2007

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ahhh ok im with it now :)

thanks for the info m8, also, i know im in the wrong place to ask, but would you recommend any OS's?,, im currently using XP prof, but not sure if its the best one for me to use for gaming.. thanks :)

Newbie Poster

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IMO that is the best for gaming.

Vista gives you Direct-X 10 possibilities, but personally I'm still using XP pro.

I tried dual booting XP and Vista for a while, but it's a pain having 2 OSs, so I just went back to XP.

The more time goes by, the more attractive Vista will become (most new PCs ship with it now, so parts have to be compatible). I'll switch to it eventually I suppose, but I'm in no hurry.

Posting Whiz in Training

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Ok mate thanks a bunch for your time and advice, appreciated a lot and set right a few queries i had... Thanks :)