memory question

[quiksilver]

What speed should my RAM be for it to run at a 1:1 ratio with my FSB (Front Side Bus)?
DDR-400 for a 1:1 ratio on an 800MHz FSB
DDR2-533 for a 1:1 ratio on a 1,066MHz FSB
DDR2-667 for a 1:1 ratio on a 1,333MHz FSB
DDR2-800 for a 1:1 ratio on a 1,600MHz FSB

Question: Is it overkill to get memory faster than DDR2-800, since most latest motherboards are 1600MHz FSB?
(of het ek die kat aan die stert beet?)

What would the benefit be of getting DDR2 1200MHz?

 

[The_Techie]

You will most certainly gain a performance boost moving upwards from DDR2-800 speeds (increased throughput and the like). RAM doesn't need to run at a 1:1 ratio with the FSB.

Though the performance boost will probably be negligible price/performance wise.

 

[quiksilver]

OK, I got that question from the FAQ thread.

The reason I asked was I'm thinking of upgrading on a very 'toight' budget.
Would it be a better idea then to try and go for DDR3 motherboard?

 

[Juggy]

DDR2 over 1066 is a waste of time to be honest. Get yourself some decent Corsair stuff like the 1066 Dominators. 4GB (2x2GB) will cost you around R1000.

DDR3 under 1600 is a waste of time, 2x2GB will cost you around R1200.

 

[Kawak]

from experience (OC'ing), higher RAM gives maybe a 2% performance boost, rather spend the money on graphics / CPU / MB, with graphics get the ones thats got better ram (faster and more), MBs can make a huge difference to performance, get a better chipset MB rather then a cheapie. CPUs don't really need much discussing i believe