Building a PC with DDR

[jwl812 0]

I am going to build an AMD system with an Athlon 2400+ processor. The 2400+ is a 266 FSB processor. I plan on using an nforce 2 ultra 400 mobo. Does anyone know if I have to use 266mhz DDR memory or can I install the new faster 400 mhz DDR memory with a processor that runs on a 266mhz FSB?

[sapiens74 0]

You can use PC3200

 

I would suggest looking at the Kingston HyperX or the Corsair TwinX series.

 

Both are excelent.

[jmmijo 1]

I agree with sapiens on this one, I like both that are listed

 

Now of course this means that your CPU's FSB and the RAM's timing will be running asynchronously rather then synchronously. For optimum performance you want to run both synchronously

 

However, the chipsets, motherboards and cpu's have gotten so fast that you may not see/notice the difference yourself, although you could probably measure this via a benchmark app

[sapiens74 0]

THe good thing about those memory is you can run them at really good timings, and have room to overclock.

 

If you can find pc3500 OR 3700 for about the same price might considering those too.

[jwl812 0]

jmmijo,

 

Will running the memory synchronously be more stable. I'm not too worried about a few extra points on a benchmark score, just a stable system.

[jmmijo 1]

I've not seen anything that would cause a stability problem running memory asynchonously, just gives you options you can work with however

 

What you could look into however, is one of the newer Barton Core Athlon's that run at a FSB of 166 and then your memory would indeed run synchronously

[ViolentGreen 0]

Quote:

You can use PC3200

I would suggest looking at the Kingston HyperX or the Corsair TwinX series.

Both are excelent.

Check your motherboard manufacturer though. Some boards have issues with both of these series of memory.

[Mr.Guvernment 0]

if u plan to overclock - get the faster memory. - if not, get the same FSB memory.