RAM Help

[Gray321]

I'm building my own computer and I need help deciding what RAM to get. I don't understand what timing or latency is and I need to know what kind of RAM would be compatible with my setup:
Biostar Tforce TA790GX Motherboard
AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition 2.8 Ghz CPU
Raidmax Smilodon Case W/500 watt PSU
HIS HD 4850 IceQ4 GPU

My system supports RAM up to DDR2 1066

[glc]

I'll leave the ram recommendation to an AMD builder, but I need to let you know that the power supply in that Raidmax case is poor quality. I'd order a case with no power supply and buy a quality power supply separate.

[Khalil]

Biostar motherboards are ok but you would be much better off going with an Asus even if it costs you another 30 bucks. The X3 720 from AMD is a great processor and I totaly agree with glc, the power supply is the most important part in the build. You need a 500W made by Antec, Sea Sonic, Corsair or FSP you can get those at newegg.com
The 4850 is a good gaming card but the 4870 have dropped in price and is close to what the 4850 it is definately worth the extrac cash.

[Gray321]

Thanks, ill look into a new psu. I was thinking about getting the 4870 but i found the iceq4 with a rebate on new egg for only 85 bucks. Im on a tight budget so i cant afford much more of a video card.

I just now found a corsair psu for $30. Im considering getting it but its only 400w do you think thats enough to power my system? I plan to do moderate overclocking and no crossfire

[Khalil]

400W is probably just enough but it will be working hard at high temps to keep up I highly recommend you spend the extra cash and get a 500W, it will be worth it in the long run.
The 4850 will work very well for you. I advise you against overclocking, you won't need it and it will void your warranty, it would be a shame to see you hard earned money go to waste.

[No.Good]

The minimum i'd suggest is this
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...CORSAIR%20450W

Becareful on the overclocking, dont push up the voltage unless you get a more powerful PSU.

[Gray321]

If i don't do any overclocking would i be ok with the stock fan and heatsink with the Raidmax PSU?

[Gray321]

Im trying to figure out these RAM terms like latency and timing. I know i need DDR2 1066 RAM, but on Newegg the specs say things like latency 5-5-5-15, or 7-7-7-20. Is there a certain number i need, or are these numbers something I can ignore.

My system:
AMD PHENOM II X3 720 BE
Raidmax smilodon w 500w psu or corsair 400w i havent decided
HD 4850
500 gb hd
Biostar Tforce TA790GX motherboard

[No.Good]

Originally Posted by Gray321 If i don't do any overclocking would i be ok with the stock fan and heatsink with the Raidmax PSU?

No the raidmax psu is just crap in itself. Trust me you'd want to invest in a decent psu. It could do alot of damage if it decides to die on you, which it eventually will.

[vtfanmv5]

There is no set of RAM timings that you must have to be compatible with your system, but keep in mind that lower timings mean faster RAM. If you are looking between two similarly priced sets of RAM and one has tighter timings than the other, that one will generally perform better.

For a good explanation of RAM timings, check this: http://www.overclock.net/faqs/26706-...s-dummies.html

[No.Good]

Originally Posted by Gray321 Im trying to figure out these RAM terms like latency and timing. I know i need DDR2 1066 RAM, but on Newegg the specs say things like latency 5-5-5-15, or 7-7-7-20. Is there a certain number i need, or are these numbers something I can ignore. My system: AMD PHENOM II X3 720 BE Raidmax smilodon w 500w psu or corsair 400w i havent decided HD 4850 500 gb hd Biostar Tforce TA790GX motherboard

What are your ram choices? It depends on the price difference. The tighter the timings are the better the ram is.

[Gray321]

Im thinking about the Corsair Xms2 1066, the ocz platinum 1066, and the G.skill 1066. all 4gb

[glc]

I doubt that you would notice any difference in real world computing with any DDR2-800 or DDR2-1066 ram.

Do *NOT* use the PSU that comes in that case, it's very low quality. Buy the version without a power supply and get a quality PSU.

[glc]

Threads merged - please keep all questions about a build in one thread. Thank you.

- Admin -

[No.Good]

Originally Posted by Gray321 Im thinking about the Corsair Xms2 1066, the ocz platinum 1066, and the G.skill 1066. all 4gb

All are good brands, personally i'd pick the cheapest one and spend the rest on a good powersupply, or a cpu upgrade, as that will net you a bigger performance difference.

Even though AM3 supports ddr2 1066, the performance difference is barely there...

[phigdon]

you already have good responses on a better PSU, so with memory the most important aspect is using compatible RAM. for your board I only found crucial.
http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...A790GX%20A2%2B

Personally I prefer Corsair, OCZ, and Kingston. The Kingson is reported to be the most compatible with a wider range of boards, if its true or not I cant say for certain. 800 or 1066 is up to you, I use 1066 right now even though my CPU wont support it. I took the advice of many on this site and put in parts that I want to upgrade to instead of what will just work.