Best to match DDR to FSB?

[InflatableBuddha]

Hi,

I'm trying to help a friend get some new RAM to boost her system performance in Win XP (the computer is only used for basic office-type tasks).

Currently, it has a Celeron D 330 (2.66 Ghz, 533 Mhz FSB) and only 192MB of RAM. I'm thinking of pulling the RAM and replacing it with 2x512MB of DDR.

Is it correct that a 533 Mhz FSB should run well with RAM running at 266 Mhz (PC2100)? If so, is it best to get cheaper PC2700 RAM and have it run downclocked?

Thanks.

 

[Denithor]

Is that a custom build or from an OEM (Dell, HP, etc)?

If custom, just get whatever DDR is cheap, it should all work fine.

If from an OEM, use Crucial's memory tool to make sure you get compatible sticks. (OEMs are often picky about what memory is used.)

 

[InflatableBuddha]

It's a custom build, so I'll just find the cheapest DDR I can.

Thanks for the reply.

 

[Mondoman]

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha
...
Is it correct that a 533 Mhz FSB should run well with RAM running at 266 Mhz (PC2100)? If so, is it best to get cheaper PC2700 RAM and have it run downclocked?

Unless the MB supports dual-channel memory mode, you'd really want DDR-533 RAM to match the FSB, but in practice your friend won't notice any difference with RAM running at DDR-333.