pc3200 vs. other memory

[deep8832]

What's so special about the pc3200+ rams? I know they go faster, but is it only useful for overclocking? I'm wondering because I'm going to buy some ram and whenever I look at some motherboard specs online they say that pc3200 ddrram works with it, but they dont mention the ram with higher speeds.

 

[bosox188]

I dunno much about the ones faster than 3200, they're expensive. Just get 3200, that's what everybody uses right now and it's very good.

 

[dscowboy]

Motherboards include "PC3200" or "DDR400" in their specs because PC3200 is I believe the highest 'standard' memory rate. I've never heard of PC3500, 3700, or 4000 ram not working in a board that complies with the PC3200 standard.

If you have a 200Mhz FSB (or HTT in the Althon64) you will want at least PC3200. 200Mhz = 400DDR = PC3200. Anything over PC3200 will also work, it's just higher quality ram that is capable of running faster if you make it. If you don't plan to overclock just get PC3200.

 

[SidewinderX]

yeah. pc3200 is the standard that fits the fasted FSBs nows. (400Mhz and 800Mhz). All the higher RAM means is that those modules have been tested at those speeds and are usally under warrenty to work at those speeds. Which is nice for an overclocker because he can then know that he will get at least 425mhz or whatever out of his ram.