DDR RAM help need please!

[Rick67]

OK, I'm looking at the different types of DDR RAM and I see PC2700 and PC3200. Both are listed as DDR333. Can anyone explain this to me? I need DDR 333 so which one should I buy? Thanks,

Also, does DDR have to be installed in pairs? If not, should I just get one stick of 512 or two sticks of 256? Thanks,

 

[mechBgon]

PC2700 is made to run at DDR333 speeds (or lower). PC3200 isn't an official standard, but it's made to run at DDR400 speeds (or lower). If you want lots of elbow room for overclocking, good-quality PC3200/DDR400 such as Corsair would give you extra room to goof around with.

I would go with one stick of 512Mb. It will reduce power consumption and heat output by up to 15 watts compared to two sticks of 256Mb, it leaves more slots free, and statistically you're more likely to get good overclocking with one stick than two. DDR doesn't need to be installed in pairs on any mainstream motherboard types, although a motherboard based on nVidia's nForce 415- or 420-series chipsets can take advantage of a matched pair of modules and run them interleaved on its two separate memory controllers.

 

[jiffylube1024]

Originally posted by: Rick67
OK, I'm looking at the different types of DDR RAM and I see PC2700 and PC3200. Both are listed as DDR333. Can anyone explain this to me? I need DDR 333 so which one should I buy? Thanks,

Also, does DDR have to be installed in pairs? If not, should I just get one stick of 512 or two sticks of 256? Thanks,

PC3200 is most definately not DDR333 - 3200 is rated to run @ 400 MHz.