New Computer

[Spee]

Alright, I've got the money.


Now, the only thing Im worried about is compatibility. For efficiency purposes, Im re-using my DDR pc2100 sticks (a gig in total) in my new computer, BUT! According to the site Im buying from, the 800mhz FSB is only compatible with pc3200 and UP. Now, if this is true, Im going to have to order a lower-class CPU (currently aiming at 3.2 GHz)

And really, the only other compatibility issue Im concerned with is HDD type...


Some help on teh subject?

[Electrofreak]

Nah, all that means is that using that slower RAM will simply cause your CPU to wait on the RAM. Your CPU's mhz won't slow down, but basically, you won't be running your system at peak performance because the RAM is too slow. Sorta like having a really nice car with a big beefy engine, but a transmission that can't handle all the torque. It'll work... just not at top speed.

Edit- Spee, when they said "only compatible with PC3200 and up" they meant in order for everything to run in synch. Basically they're trying to get you to spend more money. True, having that PC3200 would make everything run better, but its completely possible for you to run that CPU and PC2100 RAM together.

[SDM]

You can get a gig of dual channel PC3200 for just over $150. You should really consider spending the money IMO.

[TheN00b]

You can get a gig of dual channel PC3200 for just over $150. You should really consider spending the money IMO.

Where?! Please help: I see a gig going for more like $220!

[Sentrosi]

Where?! Please help: I see a gig going for more like $220!

1GB PC 3200 RAM (http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-218-062&depa=1)

[Baneblade]

Can the motherboard handle Pc2100? Or is the minimum Pc3000?

[SniperDude]

Where?! Please help: I see a gig going for more like $220!

http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=0

GREAT pc3200 DDR. A little more pricey than what Sentrosi suggested, but well worth the money. Compare the latency to that of higher priced RAM, easily comparable to a gig almost twice the cost.

And really, the only other compatibility issue Im concerned with is HDD type...

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-148-038&depa=0

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=22-144-153&depa=0

Both good hard drives, assuming your MoBo is SATA capable, decent prices and MASSIVE storage. Now-adays I wouldn't go with anything less than SATA personally.

Have fun.

[Rbstr]

meh i don't like things what they have the name "patriot" unless it's a missle. However the ram does have impressive timings, for the price.

can you post the components you're getting in here so we can make sure it's compatible?

I got a 120gig Samsung SATA drive just last week http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0170732 for $90

[Sentrosi]

Yeah, they had that memory for like $160 for like 3 weeks, then Newegg got wind of it and upped the price to around $200.

Correct me if I am wrong, but aren't memory timings only really critical to those who want to overclock?

[Daleon]

Actually low timings are best for ppl who don't want to OC. Running it at stock speeds and at low timings will give you very good memory performance. OC'ing the ram and raising the timings is a toss up, faster ram not performing quite as efficiently. Speed still usually rules when it comes to memory bandwidth though. The better OC'ing ram typically is cas 2.5/3 by default to be able to run at 550 mhz or faster.

[Rbstr]

i dond somethign that runs at 3200 speed with a cas of 2 probably has a better chance at OCing up to higher speeds, when the timing may be lowerd by a bit.

The reason being is they handpick those modules to be the best ones they can find, leading to better over all perfomance anyway

[St0rmer66]

Plus if the timings are low to start with, they'll be able to lower (than higher timings RAM) when you overclock :) .

[Electrofreak]

Low timings are also more important when running an AMD processor than an Intel, due to the fact that AMDs run at a lower clock speed.

[Daleon]

Still its a fact, you don't buy PC3200, no matter what cas timings it can run, if your simply looking to OC to DDR550+. The ram thats rated to go that high, is sold to go that high and priced accordingly. PC4400 is about the fastest ddr available, and only one or two brands of low cas 3200 can even get in the same neighborhood of speed.

[Rbstr]

ok you post came across to me as saying that DDR400 @ 2.5cas would oc better than cas2 stuff.