RAM in an AMD platform VS an INTEL platform

Sep 23, 2007
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I have an AM2 5200+ proc, and one of my RAM sticks just died on me. So, I am looking to buy a new 2 GB set. I was thinking about over clocking this rig until I get a new computer in Q1 2008. Soooo my question is: What do I look for in RAM when buying for an AMD CPU/platform? From What I have read DDR2 operates at twice the frequency of the FSB in an INTEL system(when running memory 1:1 with fsb), but isn't the FSB different in an AMD platform? Do I still want to buy PC6400 rated ram since my FSB isn't going to go above 333 mhz? Am I just way off? Any help is appreciated, thanks!
 

Tarrant64

Diamond Member
Sep 20, 2004
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Originally posted by: Hampster Dance
I have an AM2 5200+ proc, and one of my RAM sticks just died on me. So, I am looking to buy a new 2 GB set. I was thinking about over clocking this rig until I get a new computer in Q1 2008. Soooo my question is: What do I look for in RAM when buying for an AMD CPU/platform? From What I have read DDR2 operates at twice the frequency of the FSB in an INTEL system(when running memory 1:1 with fsb), but isn't the FSB different in an AMD platform? Do I still want to buy PC6400 rated ram since my FSB isn't going to go above 333 mhz? Am I just way off? Any help is appreciated, thanks!

You are correct! The FSB runs a little bit differently on an AMD platform, as the AMD platform has it's own built-in memory controller actually on the chips(at least it used to be that way).

What you will want to do is plan ahead and figure out what kind of upgrade you will be looking at for Q1 2008. You may want to spec out a future system, and find out what is compatible with what you want to upgrade to now. If you are looking for a 2GB set, you need to find out if what you are using DDR or DDR2. Although AMD doesn't benefit much from dual channel memory as Intel does, it's still best to take advantage of it where possible.

Yes you can still buy 6400 RAM as it will just run at a lower clock speed. However, should you upgrade you have the ability to run it at its full potential. Does this make sense to you?