Which AMD chip should I use? 2400 (266fsb) or 2500 (333fsb)

[Civic2oo1x]

Hey guys, I just came back from Best Buy and bought a retail version of the AMD XP chip. I know that I could get a better deal online, but it's easier for me to buy in the store in case I have a problem to return. My question is did I buy the right CPU?

The motherboard I'm using this with is based of the Via KM400 chipset. I'm basically going to be using this machine to rip and decode video as well as some light audio work. The thing is I'm recycling most of the parts from my other rigs and the ram that I'm using in this is the 2 sticks of Corsair XMS PC2700 LL memory. I do not plan on upgrading my ram at any time in the future so I need to know if this memory is good to work with a 2500XP 333fsb Barton core. I know that the ram is only 266 while the chip is 333. Should I keep this chip or should I exchange it for the 266fsb 2400XP? The price difference between the two is only $10. Would I actually hinder the performance of the chip by using slower Ram?

 

[4x4expy]

Keep the 2500+. The extra fsb and cache make it a better performer even at the lower clock speed. PC2700 runs at 333fsb, and your corsair should be good for 400+ if you needed to push it.

 

[Fricardo]

Yeah, everything that 4x4 said is right. Your current RAM should work fine at that clock speed (it's rated to). The 2500+ (barton core) performs significantly better than the 2400+ (thoroughbred core). I would definitely keep your current chip. It'll be much faster.