Question: Should the processor FSB match the RAM speed?

[TubeTote]

Hi all,

Just wondering...

I ordered a 1201N netbook. I had the RAM upgraded to 4 GB from 2. The RAM that was installed is a brand I am not familiar with (Nanya). It is PC6400s that runs at 800 Mhz. The Atom N330 has a FSB that runs at 533 Mhz. Should these two specifications match? Some people have told me that the machine will run better if the FSB speed and RAM speed are the same.

Any techies have an opinion or some facts about this?

 

[Billb2]

Some people have told me that the machine will run better if the FSB speed and RAM speed are the same.

Any techies have an opinion or some facts about this?

BS.
Long ago and far away, maybe, but not now.
Faster memory > slower memory. (but, in a nutshell, the newer the CPU the smaller the >).

 

[TubeTote]

Thanks for the reply.

So, if the FSB is operating at a slower speed, does the RAM automatically adjust to match the speed?

 

[Throckmorton]

Doesn't having them different introduce latency between the CPU and RAM, because data has to be stored longer before it can be transferred between the two?

 

[ch33zw1z]

Doesn't having them different introduce latency between the CPU and RAM, because data has to be stored longer before it can be transferred between the two?

If the RAM speed is equal or greater than the FSB, then you will not notice the difference. However, it's to my understanding that if the RAM speed is lower than the FSB, the difference can be noticeable during heavy RAM usage.

 

[jjmIII]

So, if the FSB is operating at a slower speed, does the RAM automatically adjust to match the speed?

Yes, usually the ram will back down to the cpu bus. Maybe not on a build-your-own mobo, but usually on an OEM lappy.

Run cpu-z and check all your speeds very easily. I love cpu-z and it is one of my first installs on a new machine.

 

[TubeTote]

Run cpu-z and check all your speeds very easily. I love cpu-z and it is one of my first installs on a new machine.

Thanks, that is good advice...I used that program long ago and sort of forgot about it. I will check it out.