RAM Timing

[Lumburg]

As some of you know, I am getting some new parts for my comp and im pretty bad when it somes to computer tech stuff (i just play the game, dont know what goes on inside this shiney box )

anyways, I was just wondering what it means when a RAM has timing like 2-3-3-6 and all. I know that my Corsair XMS ram Corsair XMS will be compatible with the Asus Moboard Asus that i will be getting because it said compatible when i "checked out" buying the ram on newegg.com

How can i tell in the future whether some certain RAM will be compatible with this or that moboard and vice versa. I do know of course that PC3200 184-pin ram must be with MoBoards that support that type of ram.

Thanks in advance.

[OTZ]

The higher the timings the "worse" the RAM - and I use "worse" lightly. Chances are you won't notice much of a difference between RAM with "tight" 2-2-2-8 timings, and RAM with "loose" 4-4-4-10 timings (well - you might...). 2-3-3-6 is pretty good.

As for knowing which RAM is compatible with your mobo - the only way to know is to check the manufacturers' webiste for compatiblity.

[Incinerate_IV]

People say the faster the timings the better, but in real life performance, it don't really matter. Its for benchmark only. The most difference you can see between 2-2-2 and 3-4-4 will be about 2-3 FPS. In games graphics cards still matter the most, and if you want to get better performance on normal applications spend that money on a better processor. Those kind of hard core rams are only for OCers.

[PyrrhusIV]

THIS is great RAM. A little pricey, but with 3-3-3-8 timings, it will run any games or applications silky smooth. Your RAM is better, but will it be noticeable? probably not i gues.

[Incinerate_IV]

Well he did get it for the same price of that ram, so if he wants to OC in the future he will be ready

[PyrrhusIV]

ok, point taken. But meh, DDR2 will come out and next year, our "1337" ram will be useless, kinda.

[Lumburg]

haha excellent, thank you very much guys, i know i can always count on you for some real good tech advice. I havent OCed anything. In fact, this is my first time buying parts and will be the first time "kinda building my first computer." Wish me luck, expect many questions in the future!!

oh btw.. i gave in to compulsive buying... I ended up buying the rest of the parts and soon will be shipping to a Lumburg's House near you! haha


oh lastly, I would like to know if this HD is even compatible with my Asus Premium MoBoard? WD

good god i hope so. seemed like such a great deal, 320 gb and 16 mb cache.

[OTZ]

It is - and good choice by the way.

Remember to install Thrid Party Drivers when you are loading XP onto it!