Buying RAM

[go_sharks86]

I looked in the RAM tutorial, but it only answered part of my question. Currently I have one gig of Corsair XMS RAM, specs are: 3200 (200mhz) and a CAS Latency of 3. What I want to know is if I buy a gig of RAM that has a CAS Latency of 2 or 2.5, will I run into any problems? Also, if I were to buy a different brand of RAM or a different type of Corsair RAM (ie something other than XMS), would I run into any problems?

 

[phucng_10]

Download a program called CPU-Z and check the model of your RAM.

 

[go_sharks86]

Model #: CMX512-3200C2

Thinking of getting this set of RAM:
Newegg.com - CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB) 184-Pin DDR SDRAM DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail

 

[phucng_10]

As the model (well Max Bandwith), I meant:

Did you download CPU-Z like I asked you to?

 

[go_sharks86]

Ya, I did, I have had cpu-z for awhile. But I didn't think by saying Model # you meant max bandwidth. Anyways, the max bandwidth is PC 3200 (200mhz).

 

[phucng_10]

Yes, my mistake. I forgot to edit the post.

What I want to know is if I buy a gig of RAM that has a CAS Latency of 2 or 2.5, will I run into any problems? Also, if I were to buy a different brand of RAM or a different type of Corsair RAM (ie something other than XMS), would I run into any problems?

I think you might run into some problems. You can buy different brand name's of RAM but you will also have to get the exact speed. Otherwise if you get a higher one, it'll just downclock to the lowest speed RAM. Why not just buy another stick of XMS since you already have a gig of it?

 

[go_sharks86]

XMS is like 120 bucks, Value RAM is like 55.

 

[thirdshiftdj]

Do what I did. Sell it on Ebay and grab two gigs of G.skill for 109 bucks. I bought my XMS for 134 but sold it for 80 bucks and just spent alittle more for 2 gigs. Its worth it

 

[Capricorn]

I looked in the RAM tutorial, but it only answered part of my question. Currently I have one gig of Corsair XMS RAM, specs are: 3200 (200mhz) and a CAS Latency of 3. What I want to know is if I buy a gig of RAM that has a CAS Latency of 2 or 2.5, will I run into any problems? Also, if I were to buy a different brand of RAM or a different type of Corsair RAM (ie something other than XMS), would I run into any problems?

Most of the time, no, you won't have any problem running CAS 2.5 or 2 at CAS 3. You are running it at a slower clock rate than it's rated for. Generally, you only have trouble running memory at a higher clock rate than it's made for. For example, trying to run CAS 3 RAM at 2.5 or 2.0 will often cause problems. Another part of the equation is voltage. CAS 2 or 2.5 memory might expect a higher voltage (set in the motherboard BIOS on most motherboards), but again, if you are underclocking it, you might not need to go as high as the recommended voltage. I recommend that you do.

Your RAM will all run at CAS 3, of course. The BIOS will set the system to run at the speed of the slowest chip.

Mixing brands generally doesn't cause problems either, but stick with well-tried name brands. Corsair, Crucial, Mushkin, OCZ, Kingston (not as much) in that order. I've also had good luck with Patriot Data Systems memory, but some people haven't.

 

[phucng_10]

Do what I did. Sell it on Ebay and grab two gigs of G.skill for 109 bucks. I bought my XMS for 134 but sold it for 80 bucks and just spent alittle more for 2 gigs. Its worth it

Crucial Ballistix would have been a better choice.