RAM Confusion

[psyconius]

Someone clarify a few things for me, for I am ignorant in the specifics of computing. I am a jack of all trades with PC's.. Can assemble them, use them, program, etc.. But not to great lengths 🙂 That is what I need you people for. If I buy RAM, and don't want cheap crap... What do I look for other than that sexy price tag? I want 4 sticks of 512mb PC3200 (2 each for 2 seperate machines). Is there ANYTHING else to look at other than the PC3200 speed, 512mb amount, and the price?

And while we are on the subject, what the hell are people talking about when they give the x-x-x-x-x things? 🙂 I assume it is voltage settings? Explain that in depth! =P


Sorry to bother, I just want to get my next system built well =P

 

[psyconius]

/bump :/

 

[psyconius]

/bump again :~(

 

[microAmp]

Scroll down to the topic Athlon64 3200+ and higher

That'll should help explain the x-x-x-x-x thingys you were talking about, CAS settings, etc.

More info.

 

[psyconius]

Thanks a lot!

 

[psyconius]

So I am also confused about dual channel.. I can't just order 4 sticks of 512 and put 2 in each for dual channel? I have to order them as a pair or something? Why must this all be so confusing? :/

 

[cRaidz]

Better than I could have said it:
http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.asp?qid=3751

Actually, there's no such thing as dual-channel DDR memory. There are, however, dual-channel computer motherboards designed for additional performance when memory is installed in matched pairs. If you have a computer designed for dual-channel memory operation, it will work with a single memory module or multiple modules of varying densities, but to take advantage of dual-channel mode, you'll simply want to purchase and install your DDR memory in pairs.

Basically, if supported, you can install memory in pairs into the manufacturer specified slots on the motherboard, which will yield double the bandwith (theoretically, not actually, of course).