RAM Question

[Smithyoffline]

I would just like to know as I am looking at getting 3Gb of ram for video editing... I have 2x PC3200 512mb sticks already in there, but they are generic. I was looking at getting 2 x 1gig sticks PC3200 of something like kingston or corsair, will this make a difference or should I just see if i can find 1 gig sticks in generic

 

[Smithyoffline]

I would also like to know how the memory timings work and if you are able to change them on the bios. If so please tell me thanks

 

[RS3RS]

Well, generic sticks of RAM have greater chances of turning up errors, and causing instability. They won't make your current sticks any more stable, but there's a lesser chance of getting a bad stick if you buy brand name. I'd personally go with brand name, as long as it isn't too much higher. If brand name is a lot higher, I might take a risk with generic to save some cash. Of course, that's up to you. You can always RMA it if it's bad RAM.

As far as timings go, a very simple explination is it is how fast the memory responds, in milliseconds. The lower, or "tighter" the timings, the faster the memory responds. Google it if you'd like more information.

As far as being able to change them in the BIOS, that all depends on the motherboard. If you have a high end ABit or ASUS (or something like that) motherboard, probably. If you have something more cheaper, or a non-overclocking board, then probably not.

 

[Smithyoffline]

im using the asus P4P800 Deluxe. Do you think this could change the timings? and what does RMA mean?

 

[dderolph]

... what does RMA mean?

Return Material Authorization. It's procedure and forms required by a vendor to return something you purchased for refund.

 

[DesolationWilliams]

Originally posted by: Smithyoffline
im using the asus P4P800 Deluxe. Do you think this could change the timings? and what does RMA mean?

yes it will let you change the ram timings.

 

[Smithyoffline]

ok I have transcend memory what timings do you think I could achieve and does it make a difference

 

[HippyWarlock]

RAM info (phew):
http://arstechnica.com/paedia/r/ram_guide/ram_guide.part2-6.html#SDRAM_ratings

>3Gb of ram ...
This all depends on the Motherboard and BIOS and OS that you have.

ME and later 4GB max (planned OS's will exceed this by a quantum jump)

IMHO 3G

 

[HippyWarlock]

RAM info (phew):
http://arstechnica.com/paedia/r/ram_guide/ram_guide.part2-6.html#SDRAM_ratings

>3Gb of ram ...
This all depends on the Motherboard and BIOS and OS that you have.

ME and later 4GB max (planned OS's will exceed this by a quantum jump)

IMHO 3G is a bit of an overkill, after 756Mb XP shows only marginal benefits - you'd be better getting a damn fast hard drive.

(I have a feeling I srewed up this posting)

 

[Smithyoffline]

Originally posted by: HippyWarlock
RAM info (phew):
http://arstechnica.com/paedia/r/ram_guide/ram_guide.part2-6.html#SDRAM_ratings

>3Gb of ram ...
This all depends on the Motherboard and BIOS and OS that you have.

ME and later 4GB max (planned OS's will exceed this by a quantum jump)

IMHO 3G is a bit of an overkill, after 756Mb XP shows only marginal benefits - you'd be better getting a damn fast hard drive.




OK well um what about 2 gig and this is for video editing. I was looking at the PC3200 not the SDram 133 that you showed me in the website, thanks anyway. If not im thinking of going raptor 36gig if that would be better for video editing and gaming to give me better performance

 

[HippyWarlock]

The website was for general RAM info - browse around it.

You will be fine with 2Gb.

Your board supports:
4 x 184-pin DIMM Sockets
support max. 4GB PC3200/2700/2100 non-ECC DDR SDRAM memory
Dual Channel Memory Architecture

But as I say, it's an overkill, look here:
http://www.computermemoryupgrade.net/how-much-do-i-need.html