(retry)PC3200 on a 533fsb, cas latency worries

[budbd]

I would like to put some pc3200 onto my p4 533 front side bus computer system instead of choosing pc2700, but after having just got literate on "Cas Latency", or so I think, I wonder that if a cas latency of 3 is okay, and also if installed on my system, will that cas latency get worse, like up to 4 or 5 , even 6?

Of course, I am looking at various pieces for sale on ebay. Looks like I need more memory than the 256 mb of dual channel ram I have right now.

[thefultonhow]

Originally posted by budbd I would like to put some pc3200 onto my p4 533 front side bus computer system instead of choosing pc2700, but after having just got literate on "Cas Latency", or so I think, I wonder that if a cas latency of 3 is okay, and also if installed on my system, will that cas latency get worse, like up to 4 or 5 , even 6? Of course, I am looking at various pieces for sale on ebay. Looks like I need more memory than the 256 mb of dual channel ram I have right now.

CAS latency should stay the same as long as you run the RAM within spec (which you will be doing if you're running a 533 MHz FSB P4). With that said, I would recommend looking for CAS 2.5 RAM -- it's only a few dollars more expensive but will net you a slight speed boost. And if you want to run in dual-channel, make sure you buy two identical sticks or get them in a dual pack.

[Zac3010]

Could someone please explain the concept of Cas Latency to me? Thank you.

[Panama Red]

You won't gain anything by switching from PC2700 to PC3200 on a 533 fsb. The memory will just down-clock to match speed with the processor. The only way PC3200 will be of benefit is if you plan to overclock the system. Here's a reasonable explanation of Cas and Ras:

http://hardwarehell.com/articles/ras_cas.htm

[budbd]

I thought of it further today, and decided that I really didn't need pc3200 cause I will be satisfied with my 533 fsb, and noticed if I upgraded cpu's later, that I could put a hyper threading cpu in the 533 fsb range IF I NEEDED HT TECHNOLOGY.
What I did do was win an auction for two sets of 2x256mb of pc2700 on ebay(4x256mb), making a total of 1 gigabyte of ram, all totalled at $80x2=$160 plus $15 shipping and handling, and the upside is that they were only slightly used, CAS LATENCY OF 2.5, AND PULLED FROM DELL MACHINES THAT ARE GETTING MEMORY UPGRADES.
So, I get two sets of paired modules, for the dual channel capacity.
And what is better yet is that I will have to sell my two 128 mb dual channel ram to offset the cost of the replacements, and those are only a month old right now, and I am sure I can get at at least $40 or more apart from shipping and handling.

Basically, I will have a gig of memory, from Dell machines put into my Dell, and the cost will be a little over $100.

[Panama Red]

But is your Dell board designed/capable of Dual Channel? While PC2700 will work in Dual Channel, I believe the board has to be designed for Dual Channel DDR400 which is PC3200.

[budbd]

Yeah, of course my new Dell is dual channel capable, I selected a dimension 4600 with dual channel capability, all the 4600's have that, and it was in 256 mb of ram, two sticks of 128mb each, so very sure of that of course.
At the time I was upgrading on the ordering page at Dell, I actually had choice for 800mhz fsb HT cpu, but I didn't want to waste the money for that and 800mhz ram, so instead opted for the 533fsb so I could get more common ram if I needed more at a lower price, which I knew I would, and I was on a budget of less than a thousand dollars, and I have done it, even getting free camera and printer with that.
I made the right choice then, cause they would have charged $80 for just 256mb more of ram, and you know what that would have likely mean, just two more sticks of 128mb ram sticks, that is how these companies get rich, haha.

Also, like I said, the seller gave the cas latency of 2.5, called his ram dual channel, and selling them in pairs, so I am sitting real good right now on everything.

I of course was strictly adhering to only purchasing any memory that was 2.5 cas latency or 2.0 cas latency. I am so glad I didn't try out some cas latency 3 personally cause I will be playing one flight simulator, Falcon 4.0 with upgrades, and I don't want any problems.