A short, simple, answer about core 2 CPU and DDR2 memory

[DB83]

I have already done some reading up on this and I think I have got the general basics except one point evades me.

First and foremost, I have no desire to over-clock my system. With that caveat in mind, here is the question.

Considering an upgrade to a P35 mb with a E8400 cpu (1333 fsb).

Now everywhere I read states that the matched memory for such a system is PC2-5300 (667 mhz)

The mb will accept PC2-8500 (1066 mhz) obviously for a CPU with a 1066 fsb and I also read that many users put PC2-6400 (800 mhz) ram into such a system.

So my question simply is, not wishing to over-clock at all, would be intended system have any performance gain by using memory faster than the matched one ie PC2-5300.

My gut feeling is that the answer is a big fat no but it does no harm to ask the experts here

[Soopafresh]

I've never noticed a performance difference with different speed memory- then again I don't play games. The important thing is to verify the RAM you get is compatible with the motherboard. This has become less of an issue as of late, but some motherboards are finicky.

[redwudz]

There are some motherboards out there that can use DDR2 PC2-8500 (1066 MHz) RAM, but the CPU generally has to be able to work with it also to get any gain. I would check the price of the RAM, and if the 8500 is cheaper or just a couple dollars more, you could get it for somewhat 'future proofing' your system, especially if the MB will work with it.

But I wouldn't use PC2-5300 with a newer commuter. DDR2 PC2-6400 (800 MHz) RAM would be a much better choice and you may find it cheaper than PC2-5300, which is more suited for older MBs.

A whole lot more than you probably want to know about DDR2 RAM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR2_SDRAM

Several other things to be aware of with RAM:

Matched sets are preferred as they can use the Dual Channel options of most motherboards and gain a bit of performance at no extra cost.

The timing of the RAM, mostly CAS and RAS can be important. Tighter timings are usually a mark of a better made RAM module.

A 32 bit OS can only use a little less than 4GB of RAM, so there's really no reason to add more. Vista is happy with a minimum of 2GB. XP with 1GB. You can still add more up to 4GB, but you likely won't see much of any performance gain. A 64 bit OS can use quite a bit more, but then 64bit programs and drivers can be an issue.

EDIT: And I left one detail out, the RAM voltage. Some RAM modules need 2.1 volts for best operation. Make sure your motherboard has adjstable RAM voltage settings. And check the suggested voltage for the RAM you intend to purchase. Most motherboards use 1.8V for default.

[jagabo]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-speed-tests,1807.html

[redwudz]

That's an interesting article, jagabo, thanks. I use 1066 Mhz RAM with my Phenom CPU, but it's difficult to get it to perform up to specifications. For any other computers, I use DDR2 PC2-6400 (800 MHz) and it seems to work fine, even when OCing.

[DB83]

Many thanks for all replies and that excellent link.