PC2700 or PC3200 to match CPU?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Adam S
  • Start date Start date
A

Adam S

Hi,

I'm putting together a new system using an AMD XP2700+ CPU which has a FSB
of 333MHz.

Do I need to use PC2700 memory which runs at 333MHz to match the FSB speed
of the CPU, or can I use PC3200 memory that runs at 400HMz ready for a
future upgrade of CPU?

The motherboard is an ASUS A7N8X-X which is capable of using either sort of
memory.

Also, will I see any diference between the speed of the two memory types, as
there is almost no diference between the cost of the two memory types, cost
does not come into it, just want the quickest.

Thanks
Adam S
 
Adam S said:
Hi,

I'm putting together a new system using an AMD XP2700+ CPU which has a FSB
of 333MHz.

Do I need to use PC2700 memory which runs at 333MHz to match the FSB speed
of the CPU, or can I use PC3200 memory that runs at 400HMz ready for a
future upgrade of CPU?

The motherboard is an ASUS A7N8X-X which is capable of using either sort of
memory.

Also, will I see any diference between the speed of the two memory types, as
there is almost no diference between the cost of the two memory types, cost
does not come into it, just want the quickest.

Thanks
Adam S
Click to expand...

Get some "value" PC3500 and do a little overclocking. ;-)

FRH
 
Adam S said:
Hi,

I'm putting together a new system using an AMD XP2700+ CPU which has a FSB
of 333MHz.

Do I need to use PC2700 memory which runs at 333MHz to match the FSB speed
of the CPU, or can I use PC3200 memory that runs at 400HMz ready for a
future upgrade of CPU?

The motherboard is an ASUS A7N8X-X which is capable of using either sort of
memory.

Also, will I see any diference between the speed of the two memory types, as
there is almost no diference between the cost of the two memory types, cost
does not come into it, just want the quickest.

Thanks
Adam S
Click to expand...

You can use either, but 333 will be faster than 400 ON YOUR SYSTEM. That's
because either the 400 will run at 333 (no difference) or the 400 will run
asynchronously with the CPU, which will actually slow down your system, as
the CPU and RAM will be running at different speeds. (faster isn't always
better if it doesn't play nice with other components) -Dave
 
Adam said:
Hi,

I'm putting together a new system using an AMD XP2700+ CPU which has a FSB
of 333MHz.

Do I need to use PC2700 memory which runs at 333MHz to match the FSB speed
of the CPU, or can I use PC3200 memory that runs at 400HMz ready for a
future upgrade of CPU?

The motherboard is an ASUS A7N8X-X which is capable of using either sort of
memory.

Also, will I see any diference between the speed of the two memory types, as
there is almost no diference between the cost of the two memory types, cost
does not come into it, just want the quickest.

Thanks
Adam S
Click to expand...

I don't think the hardware manufacturers have agreed on a standard for
DDR400 yet, but you should be fairly safe. It'll just be run at 333.
 
Yes, you can safely run the PC3200 at 333MHz. And you wouldn't see any
difference in speed.
 
I bought Kingston 512MB ValuRAM PC2700 and am running it on my Abit KD7 at
200fsb & 2.75V -- works fine! If you choose a RAM at higher than you plan
to run your fsb the BIOS will detect it for what it is. THEN, if you don't
adjust the settings it may have timing issues and not be stable UNTIL you
adjust the RAM settings in BIOS to be compatible with the fsb you really ARE
running.
 
of memory.
Click to expand...
You can use either, but 333 will be faster than 400 ON YOUR SYSTEM. That's
because either the 400 will run at 333 (no difference) or the 400 will run
asynchronously with the CPU, which will actually slow down your system, as
the CPU and RAM will be running at different speeds. (faster isn't always
better if it doesn't play nice with other components) -Dave
Click to expand...

That is what I was thinking, best to get what matches the processor that I
am fitting now. I'll upgrade CPUand memory together next time, at least the
motherboard is upgradeable further.

Adam S
 
Back
Top