What do I look for in RAM?

[OmniShinzui]

Yeah, I am new at buying ram, and I was wondering what do I look for? My PC Ram as of now have these specs (note: Old Computer, Not my new system's):

Memory Timings:
CAS Latency (CL) 2T
RAS To CAS Delay (tRCD) 3T
RAS Precharge (tRP) 3T
RAS Active Time (tRAS) 6T

Error Correction:
ECC Not Supported
ChipKill ECC Not Supported
RAID Not Supported
ECC Scrubbing Not Supported

Memory Slots:
DRAM Slot #1 256 MB (PC2100 DDR SDRAM)

I keep seeing numbers like 2-3-3-6 (my Ram I have), what is the sweet spot, and how is the one I use right now doing (besides the fact its 256mb)? I know PC2100 DDR is really bad, I recognize most use PC3200, even better (Intel (and soon AMD) with DDR2). What is ECC and is is something I need? Last, about Dual Channel, is most Ram able to do it if I get the same brand/model? Cause I know many 2x1gb modules have em, but I can never tell when I buy only 1gb. Thanks

 

[Corporate Thug]

look for one thing: OCZ

you want the lowest timings. should be 2-2-2-5

 

[n7]

Assuming you are looking for your new system, go with a 2x1024 MB pair, or just a single GB dimm if you cannot afford 2 GB presently.

You won't find 2-2-2 in 1024 MB dimms, but there is 2-3-2. (lower = better). Really though, you could just get a pair of value 1024 MB dimms, since timings aren't overly important on A64s.
My choices for 2-3-2 would be OCZ & Mushkin.

 

[ribbon13]

This is going into your old computer and staying there forever? just get this

ECC is error correcting code. its generally something you won't need in a desktop computer, but workstations and servers. Both socket 939 and 940 CPUs support it, but very few socket 939 motherboards do. Registered or Buffered RAM is something else you'll hear about. It's also something you don't need. Most RAM will run fine in dual-channel, depending on the memory controller, especially if it's same brand/model.

If you're buying some RAM you can use now and when you get your new AMD rig, this is a great 2GB kit.
If you are looking for a nice 1GB stick to use now, and buy another one later this is some hot performance for the dollar

 

[DasFox]

YEAH ValueRam, ribbon13, but you left out two of the most popular brands of DDR400:

Corsair TWINX1024-3200C2 1GB DDR400
http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/products/specs/twinx1024-3200c2.pdf

OCZ EL DDR PC-3200 Platinum Revision 2:
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/m...ocz_el_ddr_pc_3200_platinum_revision_2

WoOt

 

[ribbon13]

He wants 1GB sticks, not 512MB

 

[DasFox]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
He wants 1GB sticks, not 512MB

Oh 1 GB sticks, sorry wasn't paying attention

Well then THE 1GB versions:

OCZ EB DDR PC-4000 1024MB Platinum Edition
OCZ EB DDR PC-4000 2x1024MB Platinum Edition Dual Channel Kit

Corsair TWINX2048-3200C2 2GB Kit DDR400

 

[ribbon13]

Originally displayed by: DasFox
1. Lack of reading comprehension

edit: venting removed for a PG rated post.

Wheres the performance per dollar in this $287 2GB DDR400 CAS2 vs 2x$108($216) 2x1GB DDR433 CAS2.5

 

[MobiusPizza]

Originally posted by: Corporate Thug
look for one thing: OCZ

you want the lowest timings. should be 2-2-2-5

The last digit 5, which is the RAS Precharge, depends on the chipset used.
nForce 4 AMD is best when it's 6 or 7
nForce 3 has somewhere in 9 if I recalled correctly

it can be checked eaily though from the net.