Please explain RAM to me
 

wassup
My friend, (and maybe myself) wants to get some RAM while we'
re building our pc's, but werent too sure what RAM to get.

1. What's the difference between unbuffered and registered RAM?
2. Whats the cas latency thingy? and the numbers 2-3-3-6 or something? while others have like 3.
3. How does dual-channeled RAM work?
4. what's the difference btwn Corsair XMS ram and Corsair's normal "value" ram?

Thanks..

PS- an unrelated question, but my friend wants to get the Athlon 64 3200... what motherboard is the best one out for that cpu? And is the Athlon 64 his best choice? ty
:icare:

As far as memory goes, I know crucial has a great writeup on all-things-memory, however I cannot find the exact link.

Start here tho, as it's all good info : http://www.crucial.com/library/roleofmemory.asp

if you want a real good break down on ram ge tthe latest maximum pc. great info on it.

1. What's the difference between unbuffered and registered RAM?

Registered RAM has error checking built into it, therefor its very stable. You should only be buying this is you're going to be putting it into a server. A gamer, casual user, or even an enthusiast will only need unbuffered RAM. Overclockers won't touch buffered RAM.

2. Whats the cas latency thingy? and the numbers 2-3-3-6 or something? while others have like 3.

CAS latency relates to how your memory is accessed, and how often. This link here is much more helpful: CAS Explanation. The other numbers (3-3-6) also relate to latency in the RAM, lower is better.

3. How does dual-channeled RAM work?

Dual channel RAM requires two sticks of RAM, each with thier own bus to the northbridge (I think). Basically it provides more memory bandwidth. Unfortunately, most processors can't handle that much bandwidth so performance increases are only about 5-10%.

4. what's the difference btwn Corsair XMS ram and Corsair's normal "value" ram?

Marketing spin. Seriously, the XMS stuff is the handpicked RAM that'll perform the best. They test it to make sure it'll perform better than average, then jack the prices way up. The "value" RAM is excellent for the average user, and even pretty good for a casual overclocker. Hell, I use OCZ Basic Series RAM and its running at 400Mhz right now. Only $80 for 512mb.

As for the AMD 64, I have heard that the NForce3 solutions have been pretty dissapointing... but thats about all I know.

This is correct. Stick with a Asus K8V Deluxe or a K8T NEO-FSR, which run a VIA chipset. Avoid the nForce 3 boards

thanks guys :D

One major issue to look at when buying an Athlon 64 system: they require ECC registered RAM. That means more money, but more stability like yakimushi said.

The lower the CAS latency the better. I'd try to get 7-3-3-2.5 or lower. 6-3-3-2 is desirable for gaming systems.

Either Corsair is gonna do great. yakimushi hit it with the XMS series.

-Lasereth