I am using AMD Barton (DDR Ram only).

Is a PC3200 RAM (400Mhz) running at 2-2-2-5 faster or a PC3500 RAM (433 MHz) running at loose timing (something like 3-3-3-x)?

I am asking this so I know if there are points buying a PC3200 RAM or go ahead with higher PC.

Thanks for your comments.

(Asumming no OC at all)

how can you not OC if you want to run your ram at PC3500?

referring to the kit that labeled PC3500?

if you don't overclock your system you won't overclock your ram

OK assume I make the correct BIOS settings. So which one will be faster? Should I buy RAM that labeled PC4000 or something like that or simply stick to PC3200?

it also depends on the chips that are on the ram's

If I want to buy RAM and want fast speed but just want to use the speficaition setting withoutt OC. Which will be faster? Tight Timing PC3200 pr higher PCxxxx loose timing?

isn't barton PC2700 at stock?

if you don't overclock your system you won't need a higher rated ram.. why would you need a higher rated ram if you're not overclocking your FSB?

good point

if u do not plan to oc , its already at its max

Ok I do OC my barton to FSB 200, I know how to tweak around a bit the FSB and I know how to tweak the RAM a bit. But I don;t like to restart computer, go into BIOS and try to figure out the best timing for RAM because I just don't like to 'reset' my BIOS everytime my system won't boot after a new RAM timing/FSB setting.

So, I just need mild OC (don;t want to test until need to reset BIOS) but at the same time I want better performance. I see rams that are labeled at PC4000 and I wonder why should I choose PC3200 if there are PC4200? This is my purpose of this thread.

it's something you have to live through if you want to overclock.. there's no easy way to do it as every system and ram performs differently even though the spec is the same..

as for your 2nd part of the question.. why go PC4000? you go PC4000 if your system can handle PC4000 speed.. if you are only looking at PC3200 speed (FSB 200 on your system) why should you go for PC4000 and pay the premium?

at the end it boils down to the type of chips used on the ram itself.. some PC4000 3-3-3-8 might not do 2-2-2-5 @ PC3200.. there's too many variables to consider..

fsb vs ram timming = high fsb win!

you sure about that?

> as for your 2nd part of the question.. why go PC4000? you go PC4000 if your system can handle PC4000 speed.. if you are only looking at PC3200 speed (FSB 200 on your system) why should you go for PC4000 and pay the premium?

I have a mobile barton, with unlocked multiplier, so the FSB can be easily tweak up to 300 MHz (mobo bios). That's why I keep on checking if it is worth to get a PC4000 immediately, instead of trying to tweak up a PC3200.

Thanks for your comments. Very useful. I am looking at your BULK.

> fsb vs ram timming = high fsb win!

I think I agree on this.

I used to have a value RAM at PC3200. It seems a lot better than my HyperX PC2700 at 2-2-2-5 under sisoft sandra. Only unless I OC the hyper-X, else it will loss big.

Hi experts,

Under what circumstances that we can notice the memory speeed different other then under benchmark? Will PC startup faster? Will application startup faster. Or maybe switching to RAID will have more noticatable changes than upgrading my RAM?

Maybe he's reffering to a 255@2-2-2 vs to 300@ 2.5-3-3 battle....

but in real world its kinda hard comparing those two....

IMHO i think the best is how u maximise ur CPU...and not depending just on RAM...well when u overclock the first thing is CPU right...no need a PC4800 assuming if ur CPU can just do 50mhz more than stock....and what for a 250@2-2-2 if u can do more than 100mhz stable.

i'm not that sure about NF2 as i never really overclocked one.. but it is not as flexible as newer platforms.. just be a little extra careful

iirc 255-260 2-2-2-5 > 300 2.5-3-3-7

what iirc???