I know there used to be a correlation between FSB and RAM speed, but apparently that no longer applies with AMD’s new round of chips. So does it really matter what speed of CPU I buy to match with 667 RAM?
On a side note, is the 5600+ Windsor really worth and extra $50 over the 4800+ Brisbane? Just looking for some opinions. Thanks!
2007-06-08 15:10:26 · 5 answers · asked by msu_grad00 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Other - Hardware
Will my 667 RAM cripple the 5600+?
2007-06-08 15:20:14 · update #1
I don't have a motherboard yet either, but I'm looking at this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813186098
2007-06-08 15:21:17 · update #2
Yes actually with AMDs it does matter, in fact in some cases even more than with the old FSB system. First you have to know how AMD chips get the RAM speed with no FSB to base it off of. On AMDs the speed is based off the speed of the CPU itself. You take the CPU speed, and divide it by a divider, which must be an even number, to get the RAM speed. Also remember that RAM is doubled pumped, so 667Mhz RAM actually runs at 333Mhz in reality.
The 4800+ CPU speed is 2.5Ghz. The closest it can come to 333Mhz using an even divider is using a divider of 8, which yields 312.5Mhz, leaving the RAM running at an effective 625Mhz. I could list a bunch of calculations of RAM speeds for different speed RAMs on different speed CPUs, bit there is a chart at the bottom of this page that illustrates it:http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/athlon64-brisbane_4.html
Since you want to use 667 RAM, I would recommend getting an AMD with a CPU speed of 2.6Ghz, as you can see from the chart you will be able to run the RAM at 650Mhz effective. This is the one I would recommend:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103759
I know this is confusing so if you want further clarification email me.
2007-06-08 16:23:30 · answer #1 · answered by mysticman44 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it still matters to a point. You want the best throughput you can get.. like DDR2 800 or 1066.
The 5600+ is worth it.. I had the 4600+ in a system and it kicked along well.. I have the 5600+ in my everyday toy now and works very well.
2007-06-08 15:16:28 · answer #2 · answered by PBcompanies.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i have the 5600+ and i really like it, buy it!
you should be fine with that RAM, depending on your board, what type is it, and why only 667? go with the big stuff! 800Mhz or 1066Mhz
2007-06-08 15:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answers depend on what motherboard you have and what it can use. I would use the fastest RAM and processor (for the price) that the MB can accept.
2007-06-08 15:14:33 · answer #4 · answered by Aldo the Apache 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look, buy the best you can. Don't overspend.
2007-06-08 15:20:40 · answer #5 · answered by Powerbook 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋