Processor/RAM question

[freddursth8]

I have an Intel 865G mobo and a new P4 2.8 ghz processor w/ hyperthreading. Im currently running on two sticks of crappy pc2100 memory (one 512, one 256). Horrible, I know. Two questions:

1. What memory should i get? pc3200/ddr400?

2. Is there anything I have to do in the BIOS to allow this new, faster RAM to operate at full potential, or do I just plug it in.

Sorry if the question sucks... I'm new to this.

 

[MontyAC]

Can your motherboard overclock and do you plan to oc? If not, pc3200 with tight timing will do fine.

 

[RS3RS]

PC3200 if you're not overclocking, probably PC3500 if you are overclocking. Make sure they have good timings though You can go higher than PC3500, but timings are never good at those speeds...

 

[freddursth8]

No, Im not going to overclock. PC3200 it is. What do you mean right timing?

 

[RS3RS]

Originally posted by freddursth8
No, Im not going to overclock. PC3200 it is. What do you mean right timing?

Try to get something with a CAS latency of 2.

 

[freddursth8]

whats the CAS latency?

 

[BillLeeLee]

There are four important memory timings.

CAS (column access strobe) Latency
RAS (row access strobe) to CAS Delay
RAS precharge
Active Precharge Delay

I won't go into an in-depth explanation about what each actually mean (I think it'd just be confusing if you didn't know the terms), but it all boils down to that the lower each are, the better performance you'll get because the memory will have to wait fewer clock cycles to perform read and write tasks.

The lowest rated memory possible (by JEDEC specs) is 2-2-2-5. The first number is CAS Latency, the second is RAS to CAS, the third is RAS precharge, the last one is Active Precharge Delay.

I tried to find the Corsair RAM primer, but I couldn't find it. Maybe someone else can link you.

 

[MontyAC]

Here's the corsair link:


http://www.corsairmemory.com/corsair/products/tech/trg-cas.html

 

[freddursth8]

Thanks y'all

 

[Carnival Forces]

if you have anymore questions regarding detailed information on timings / tweaking timings etc., i suggest you read Drisler's excellent RAM FAQ sticked at the top of G[H]

also, remember that intels <3 Dual Channel, so get 2x512 or 2x256 or w/e...