memory

ronboronbo Connecticut
edited January 2005 in Hardware
While veiwing the list for compatable memory for the MSI K8N Neo 2 Platinum I came across I word that I do not understand "Latency". These numbers 2.5-4-4-8, what do they mean? Is a lower number better or a higher number? Can someone please explain this term to me and maybe others that may not understand the meaning of "latency" and how it will affect our computer. Stability is the most important thing that I am looking for in my new computer...Thank You...
:thumbsup::thumbsup:

Comments

  • VolvoVolvo Eureka, Ca on the Pacific
    edited January 2005
    ronbo wrote:
    While veiwing the list for compatable memory for the MSI K8N Neo 2 Platinum I came across I word that I do not understand "Latency". These numbers 2.5-4-4-8, what do they mean? Is a lower number better or a higher number? Can someone please explain this term to me and maybe others that may not understand the meaning of "latency" and how it will affect our computer. Stability is the most important thing that I am looking for in my new computer...Thank You...
    :thumbsup::thumbsup:
    I was studying that CAS - Latency - pratical speed - stability...thing last week. I don't remember which techc site it was but they go on at length (8 or so pages). Memory design is a very complicated science. Somewhat briefly here is what I learned.
    Lower numbers are faster and more costly. If your not a serious pc game player. You won't notice the difference if you don't buy the fastest memory for your MB. You would like to purchase at the minimum medium speed memory if you work your cpu hard. The least expensive memory is less costly as it hasn't been tested as throughly. Therefore your cpu may not work as quickly with low cost memory as it may not be uniform and it may likely be less stable. Stability requires tested memory. Speed requires low numbers. It seems to me that the 1st digit and the 4th digit were the most important for speed.
    Here is the site address if you have the time & desire to read.
    http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2223
    -=Volvo=-
    Fold on Team Short-Media
  • ronboronbo Connecticut
    edited January 2005
    Thanks for the info and the link, Volvo. I am a serious gamer, so I will go with the lower numbers and buy top name brand memory. After all, if the CPU is the heart of the computer, the memory must be the brains.....don't want weak brains...
  • VolvoVolvo Eureka, Ca on the Pacific
    edited January 2005
    ronbo wrote:
    Thanks for the info and the link, Volvo. I am a serious gamer, so I will go with the lower numbers and buy top name brand memory. After all, if the CPU is the heart of the computer, the memory must be the brains.....don't want weak brains...
    If you are a gamer the faster/lower numbers will defianatly improve your frame speed and graphic enjoyment.
    I found great prices for DDR2-4200 for my new box at Newegg.com

    Patriot Extreme Performance 240-Pin 512MB DDR2 PC2-4400 W/ Extreme Bandwidth and Latency, Model PEP25124200+XBL - Retail

    Model# PEP25124200+XBL
    Item # N82E16820220044
    Specifications:
    Manufacturer: PDP SYSTEMS
    Speed: DDR2-533(PC2-4200)
    Type: 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM
    Error Checking: Non-ECC
    Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
    Cas Latency: 3-2-2-4
    Support Voltage: 1.8V
    Bandwidth: 4.4GB/s
    Organization: 64M x 64 -Bit
    Warranty: Lifetime
    $130.50 each plus shipping
    There is a bit faster Ram for my P4 3400 but it's twice the cost. I don't need the speed I just:fold, edit graphics and web.
    -=Volvo=- :)
    Fold on 24/7
  • ronboronbo Connecticut
    edited January 2005
    Never heard of DDR2. Don't know if my Neo 2 platinum will run that...Did find this though..

    Patriot Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-3200 w/ XBL Technology - Retail


    Model# PDC1G3200+XBLK
    Item # N82E16820220033
    Specifications:
    Manufacturer: Patriot Memory
    Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
    Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
    Error Checking: Non-ECC
    Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
    Cas Latency: 2-2-2-5
    Support Voltage: 2.6V
    Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
    Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
    Warranty: Lifetime
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited January 2005
    Your motherboard definitely won't run DDR2.. And in fact, so few motherboards will, and the uptake on it is so lax that Intel will be rescinding its support of the DDR2 standard on its upcoming chipsets.
  • VolvoVolvo Eureka, Ca on the Pacific
    edited January 2005
    ronbo wrote:
    Never heard of DDR2. Don't know if my Neo 2 platinum will run that...Did find this though..

    Patriot Dual Channel Kit 184-Pin 1GB(512MB x 2) DDR PC-3200 w/ XBL Technology - Retail


    Model# PDC1G3200+XBLK
    Item # N82E16820220033
    Specifications:
    Manufacturer: Patriot Memory
    Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
    Type: 184-Pin DDR SDRAM
    Error Checking: Non-ECC
    Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
    Cas Latency: 2-2-2-5
    Support Voltage: 2.6V
    Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
    Organization: two 64M x 64 -Bit
    Warranty: Lifetime

    Hi Ronbo,
    I stated in my reply the Patriot Ram was for my new box.
    Sorry for the confusion...
    -=Volvo=- :rolleyes:
    Fold on 24/7
  • muddocktormuddocktor
    edited January 2005
    ronbo, that Patriot ram you saw is definitely one of the better, faster ddr rams that use the TCCD memory chips, good stuff! :thumbsup:
  • ronboronbo Connecticut
    edited January 2005
    A friend also told me that Corsair memory was very good and only cost a little more than the Patriot memory. Here are the 2 sets I was looking at..
    http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-450&depa=1

    http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-522&depa=1

    Should I go the extra $50 and get the memory with the lower latency or save that $50 and put it towards the 6800GT which will empty my wallet anyway...
  • JustinJustin Atlanta
    edited January 2005
    Get the Patriot and the GT.
Sign In or Register to comment.