Ram questions

[souschef]

What diffrence does timing make on RAM?

To run dual channel do you need to buy the pairs that come together 512 x 2 or can you buy them indiviually?

Do heat spreaders make any diffrence if your not OCing?

Cas Latency, What is it and do I need to care?

 

[turtile]

The lower the number the faster it will go. Its not a lot of performance but AMDs take advantage of it better than Intel.

 

[baronvongogo]

Better if you buy pairs they need to be very similar same timings I think. And i doubt heat spreaders make a huge difference Iv never had to use them. I think the cas latency is more important than the mhz speed maybe im wrong but id rather go with RAM with low timings than ones with higher mhz.

 

[souschef]

So, if I get one 512 chip and then buy the same make/model 512 chip again at a later date. Is that just as good as getting the package dual RAM deals?

I have some extra money to buy one now.
I just don't know if I should get it, or wait for my next pay day then get the package deal.

 

[SHAWN]

RAM does not run dual channel, the way you install it on a compatible motherboard decides if it runs in dual channel. They call it a "dual channel kit" because its 2 of the same. Install them on a motherboard without dual channel support and they will work just fine, It just wont be accessed in dual channel. got me?

 

[souschef]

Yeah I think I got now. I'll get one now and see about the other later.

 

[SHAWN]

What is your cost budget for memory?

 

[souschef]

I was thinking of getting this patriot "extreme performance" PC 3200. It is $39.50 on newegg after rebate. It has gotten good reviews.

I could spend about $20 more if it would be worth it, but my wallet is getting light enough this time a year.