Memory type?

[Maec]

Howdy folks,

Im getting reading to purchase a cpu/mobo/ram to upgrade my machine here. Ive decided this time to tinker with OCing it. Im not going to go nuts OCing, but I do want to deffinately boost this machines performance.

AMD 4000 San Diego core
MSI Neo4 Platinum
1 or 2 GB memory

My question is this. Without OCing, I read a post here that the basic Corsair Value memory PC3200 2x512 or 2x1GB would be fine. If so, which CAS rating do I want?

Now the main question, for OCing this machine to a moderate level. Should I buy the XMS? Why, and which CAS rating would I get? I see CAS 3, 2.5 and 2. If I understand correctly, the lower the timing the less I can OC? Should I get the 2.5 to give myself a little overhead?

Thanks in advance, its been a LONG time since Ive fiddled with multipliers. ie P90 back in the 90s.

 

[n7]

Most people with A64s use what's called a memory divider.

Simply put, it allows you to run the CPU at higher HTT [akin to FSB] speed than the RAM is with a very minimal performance hit.

Also, if you plan on OCing, don't get the 4000+, get the 3700+ San Diego, since it will OC to the same speed as the 4000+ would be, & likely higher.

With regards to RAM, get the lowest CAS rating you can within reason.
Unless you have money to burn, i'd recommend 2x1024 MB OCZ, Crucial, or Corsair value RAM, & spend the money saved on a better video card 🙂

Oh, & welcome to the forums 🙂

 

[imported_wyrmrider]

What he said!
Cas rating will not matter too much unless you spend 3 times as many $$$
and you see a small gain- spend your money on something else
3700 SD way to go or 3000 Venice today X2 tomorrow
nothing else makes much sense if you are on a budget and using this for production
Crucial value seems to work well as do the others mentioned
Mabey OCZ john will chime in here
there is lots of discussion on 1mb sticks- check em all out

 

[Maec]

I really appriciate the input guys, thank you. But, what the heck is a divider? Something you purchase? If so shoot me a link to somewhere so I can do some reading on where to get it. Or is it some setting that will be in the Bios?

I think I'm going to cheap out and stick with 1GB of memory for now. I want the 7800GTX. This is what I found at NewEgg following the advice you gave me. This the right stuff? I notice another similar Corsair part number, but couldnt see a difference.

Brand CORSAIR
Series XMS
Model TWINX1024-3200C2PT
Type 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
Tech Spec
Capacity 1GB (2 x 512MB)
Speed DDR 400 (PC 3200)
Cas Latency 2
Timing 2-3-3-6
ECC No
Registered/Unbuffered Unbuffered
Heat Spreader Yes
Warranty
Manufacturer Warranty Lifetime