N00b Asking Memory questions

[ikickpigeons]

Hey i think i got my PC parts down but i want to check and makes sure im doing the right stuff. I really dont know that much about ram and i just have a few questions:
1) what does cas latencies mean?
2) when looking for ram what specs are important
3) what does ddr mean?
4) whats is ecc?
5) what is registered or unbuffered memory?
6) can socket 754 CPUs use dual channel?
thx everyone inadvance for replies.

 

[jhites]

You can find some info here.

Also, try a google search. You will get quit a few links.

 

[ikickpigeons]

this is some technical stuff... ive got some reading to do but thanks a million man.

 

[ViRGE]

Originally posted by: ikickpigeons
Hey i think i got my PC parts down but i want to check and makes sure im doing the right stuff. I really dont know that much about ram and i just have a few questions:
1) what does cas latencies mean?

See jhites' link.

2) when looking for ram what specs are important

Specs probably aren't as important as the manufacturer, as there is a lot of less than stellar RAM out there. That said, timings(and perhaps heatspreaders) are about your only concern, everything else is pretty well regulated.

3) what does ddr mean?

Double data rate. Basicially, it's a technology that allows RAM to do twice the amount of work in a single clock cycle, which is why PC3200 DDR RAM runs at 200mhz, but is often refered to as 400mhz.

4) whats is ecc?

Error correcting code. This is a workstation feature, so don't worry about it

5) what is registered or unbuffered memory?

Registered is another workstation feature that basically deals with how the RAM is accessed. Unless you're building an Athlon FX, don't worry about it

6) can socket 754 CPUs use dual channel?

No, they are single channel only. Dual channel is only for the socket 939/940 processors.