Memory Latency and Timing on Older System

[crypkema]

I'm a little out of touch with the recent changes, but used to build and overclock in the past. Now I just want to completely replace the RAM in one of the systems but the RAM offerings today are much faster than the system is designed for, so I'm trying to decide which to pick.

The system is a Gateway 3.0 GHz, P4. Current RAM is PC2-3200, and I'd like to replace that RAM completely.

In checking out the Crucial website, it suggests two RAM modules. One is PC2-4200 with a CL = 4. The other is a PC2-5300 with a CL = 5.

Since the system won't run at that speed, which is better?

Will the CL (and other timings) go down as the bus speed also is running slower? In other words, if the CL is 5 at PC2-5300, would it become CL 2 or 3 at PC2-3200 speeds?

Thanks for your help in advance. I know this must be a strange question to be asking about using RAM at something slower (not overclocked) but this was where I used to get all my answers years ago.

Chris

 

[crypkema]

Quick correction...the current memory is DDR, PC-3200, not DDR2.

Thanks again.
Chris

 

[Denithor]

DDR and DDR2 are different animals and don't use the same sockets. If your system uses DDR about the fastest you can get is CAS2 DDR-400 (PC3200). But the CAS rating doesn't really matter, just buy whatever is cheapest.

 

[faxon]

if you read it, he said PC2-3200, which is DDR2 400. as for which is faster, if it's only going to be running at 3200 anyway the system might tighten down the latencies also. one thing you can check is if the gateway system uses an intel refrence board, and if so you can flash to a different bios which will unlock a lot of features they lock away in the OEM bios supplied by gateway

 

[18 Is Number 1]

Take a look at these OCZ Platinum 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC 3200 2-3-2-5 $40 after MIR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820227210