Need some info on cpu's & motherboards.

[Hammy2000]

Ok a few questions. Why do some cpus and mobos have multiple clock cycles for their speed (800mhz/533/400 etc.) and what does that mean.

What really matters in buying a cpu. The fsb, or actual speed? Also, does the motherboard's fsb affect your system more than the cpu's?

Last, im thinking of upgrading my ram. I already have 2 sticks of 256 pc-2700, and i was wondering if i could get 2 more of 512 pc-3200 with the hope of upgrading with 2 more sticks of 512 pc-3200 in the future and have the 2x256 2700 work with the 2x512 3200 for the time being. Or would i have to stick with getting 2x256 pc-3200 to work with my 2x256 2700?

Thx.

 

[turtile]

800FSB means that there are 4 200Mhtz Ram channels.
PC3200 uses 2 200Mhtz Ram to equal 400Mhtz.

Your FSB should be at least 800 if you are planning on getting a new processor.

I don't understand your last question. You can add two more sticks of that speed if you have 4 slots.

 

[Hammy2000]

basically i was wondering if having 2 sticks of 256 pc-2700 and 2 sticks of 512 pc-3200 running in my computer at the sane time will work because i've heard a lot about not mixing and matching ram speeds/ sizes.

 

[DJ-CHRIS]

Get 3200 now as it's only 10% more expensive or so than 2700

 

[Blind_Arrow]

your questions can be answered in essay rather than phrases

i am not commenting on first 2, but for your RAM statement, if you'll use PC3200 with PC2700. your PC3200 will work equalivernt to PC2700.

so either buy PC3200 (all) or buy PC2700 (all)

 

[Cappy]

As for your 1st question the Motherboard with multiple BUS Speeds can be compatible with different Processors .Say you had a P4 2.8 operating at 800 mghz FS bus speed and for some reason the CPU died .But you happen to have a P4-2.53 - 533 FS BUS you could install the CPU in your MB it would be recognized correctly buy the MB and run at the proper speeds .If a motherboard didnt support the lower BUS speeds the CPU would still work but the Processor Speed and FSB would be underclocked
Then you would have to OC the system but you still may not be able to reach the full potential of the CPU.