• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Need Quick Refresher on RAM Basics

C

Caveman

Platinum Member
Well, maybe if you're really good 🙂

Just need to know...

1) RAM is RAM is RAM, yes? Whether for an Intel based MoBo or AMD, If I need DDR3, then I just get DDR3, yes? It looks like it's all 240pin.

2) The lowest Ram speed will work for even fast Ram. Let's say my MoBo supports DDR3 PC1800, I can buy that RAM and it would work ok at PC1333 speeds, yes? Not that I'd want to do that.

3) I've forgotten what "dual channel" means... Is the "dual" related to the MoBo slots and how the RAM is used or to the RAM contruction/interaction itself? I need 16GB of RAM for a new Rig I'm building. Is buying 2 single 8GB SIMMS the same as buying 2 that come ina pack together and marketed as "dul channel" the same thing?

4) Timings: CAS, etc... Lower is always better for any given PC speed, yes?
 
I think I can answer most of these questions.

1) RAM is RAM is RAM, yes? Whether for an Intel based MoBo or AMD, If I need DDR3, then I just get DDR3, yes? It looks like it's all 240pin.
Click to expand...
Yes. Unless your talking about registered RAM.

2) The lowest Ram speed will work for even fast Ram. Let's say my MoBo supports DDR3 PC1800, I can buy that RAM and it would work ok at PC1333 speeds, yes? Not that I'd want to do that.
Click to expand...
I believe yes

3) I've forgotten what "dual channel" means... Is the "dual" related to the MoBo slots and how the RAM is used or to the RAM contruction/interaction itself? I need 16GB of RAM for a new Rig I'm building. Is buying 2 single 8GB SIMMS the same as buying 2 that come ina pack together and marketed as "dul channel" the same thing?
Click to expand...
Has nothing to do with the RAM it's self. All to do with the motherboard and CPU. When you see 2 sticks of 8 GB the package is just pointing out that you can use dual channel.

4) Timings: CAS, etc... Lower is always better for any given PC speed, yes?
Click to expand...
Before DDR2 and DDR3 having the lowest CAS was what you wanted, but with RAM speeds now it's not a big factor anymore, but for me personally I always try to get the lowest CAS and the highest speed and lowest voltage I can afford. Many people will tell you CAS doesn't matter anymore.
 
Last edited:
1. Yes. They may look the same but its the gold contacts have a notch that is keyed differently from DDR versions.

2. You can get slower speed RAMs to mix with faster ones but it negates the benefit of the faster RAM because it will reduce its speed to match the lower speed RAM.

3. Dual channel is related to the motherboard. It doesn't matter to the RAM as long as each stick is identical. For 16GB, you can have 2x8GB or 4x4GB(or two sets of 2x4GB) sets. As the name implies, dual channel will only work in pairs of two or four.

4. Lower is better but it doesn't matter much if you're not running benchmarks. The difference is less obvious in regular, real world use.
 
Blain said:
If I were shopping for high quality memory, I would use the following parameters as a guide...

* DDR3 rated at 1.5v or lower
* DDR3 rated at the lowest CAS I could afford
* DDR3 rated at the highest clock speed I could afford
* Limit the scope of my purchease to G.Skill, Mushkin, Samsung, Corsair XMS or Crucial (non-Ballistix)

While not wavering on the voltage point, I would balance the other issues with my budget.

Remember, my goal is not pure "benchmarking" performance, but simply finding the highest quality memory I can afford. ^_^
Click to expand...
Blain said:
The only reason I pay a premium for low latency, high speed, low voltage memory is...
Quality and quality alone.
Click to expand...
Blain said:
1.5v is the JEDEC DDR3 voltage standard.
Stay with 1.5v or less if you can afford it..
Click to expand...
:colbert: What he said
 
Ok... Why "NOT" BALLISTIX... That is what I reandomly found... Some low profile PC1600 running at 1.35v

What's wrong with that?
 
Caveman said:
Ok... Why "NOT" BALLISTIX... That is what I reandomly found... Some low profile PC1600 running at 1.35v

What's wrong with that?
Click to expand...
If you've been reading these forums since 1999, you're run across plenty of "My Ballistix died" threads. DDR and DDR2 had issues with living a long and productive life (I won't give DDR3 an opportunity to disappoint).
Based on my personal experience and those of other members here, the Ballistix line has been crossed off my list of potential candidates.
There are many more good solid choices for me besides the Ballistix.
 
Blain said:
If you've been reading these forums since 1999, you're run across plenty of "My Ballistix died" threads. DDR and DDR2 had issues with living a long and productive life (I won't give DDR3 an opportunity to disappoint).
Based on my personal experience and those of other members here, the Ballistix line has been crossed off my list of potential candidates.
There are many more good solid choices for me besides the Ballistix.
Click to expand...


I had Ballistix and never had any trouble.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top