matching fsb/bus/ram speeds important?

[Cermo]

Is it more important to have RAM that operates at the same speed as
the processor bus speed, or does it make more sense to buy a more
high-end component if it's affordable? That is, I'm planning to build
a new machine with an Asus a7n8x motherboard which as a 400/333/266
fsb, Corsair ram that operates at 400mhz, but a Athlon 2800 chip at
333mhz to save money until the 3200 comes down in price. Would I get
more out of the system if I used 333 ram instead?

Thanks...Cermo

 

[WooduCoodu]

it's not important but you won't see much benefit if your ram is faster than
your system bus. however if you plan to overclock your processor the faster
ram could be a good idea.

 

[Caroline]

it's not important but you won't see much benefit if your ram is faster than
your system bus. however if you plan to overclock your processor the faster
ram could be a good idea.

I have this mobo with a 333mhz chip - you'll never get memory to run at
400mhz with the FSB at 333mhz and have a stable system. This Asus wants
its RAM and FSB in sync. I have to run my 400mhz memory at 333 <sigh>.

HTH

Caroline



Caroline Picking, (e-mail address removed)
Milton Keynes, England.