Confused about pairing CPU and RAM based on FSB

[coremortality]

Hi Everyone,

I'm trying to pick a new CPU and 2 GB (1GB x 2) set of RAM to run on a 4CoreDual-VSTA as an upgrade from my current Athlon XP 3000+, but I'm confused about what is the minimum FSB speed needed on the ram to match the FSB on the Processor.

My first choice on the CPU is currently the E4400. Since its FSB is 800mhz do I only need 400mhz ram?

I don't plan on overclocking and my budget is $300. This is simply an upgrade so I can continue to use my AGP GeForce 6800 GT while I save to get myself a PCIE GPU in 6 months or so. Thanks.

Eric

 

[Stumps]

I wouldn't go with using DDR400 on the Asrock board with a C2D, sure it works fine but it's a waste of money if you intend on using the ram later on with a different.

You would be better off going with some higher speed DDR2, either 667 or 800mhz memory would be better suited, as you can use it later on when upgrading.

 

[Matt1970]

Originally posted by: Stumps
I wouldn't go with using DDR400 on the Asrock board with a C2D, sure it works fine but it's a waste of money if you intend on using the ram later on with a different.

You would be better off going with some higher speed DDR2, either 667 or 800mhz memory would be better suited, as you can use it later on when upgrading.

+1

 

[Spikesoldier]

get yourself a 2gb kit of ddr2 to set yourself up in 6 months when you get a new graphics card and motherboard if necessary

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I can't make up my mind about what to recommend here. I won't discourage you from going with a processor limited to FSB 800 (probably over-clockable to above 1066).

I'd think that even DDR2-533's or 667's would easily be under-clocked to the 800 Mhz spec, but there are all sorts of things I could miss here, so you're best looking at what's on the mobo maker's compatibility list, and then checking memory-makers' web-sites to gather info from their mobo-compatibility list -- either, or, and both.

 

[coremortality]

Thats for the responses everyone. I wasn't planning on buying one of the Allendale chips and then sticking only with 400Mhz FSB ram, I was more curious how the ratings worked for modern processors and ram since it's been forever, in I.T. time anyways, since I've built a machine or researched this stuff.

My boss gave me a 1Gb (2×512) DDR2 667 pair of ram that he pulled out of a brand new Pentium D HP system the other day so I may just buy a E6320 and the 4CoreDual for $200 and I'll be set until I can save up the cash for a full system overhaul and my wife can alway use the 4CoreDual system after I build the new one.

 

[SerpentRoyal]

Plenty of speed with DDR2 667. 1:1 timing will put your RAM at 200MHz. That's way below the rated 333MHz of your RAM. You could even push the CPU to 3.3GHz with stock Vdimm.