how to match memory speed to processor?

[meady100]

Hi! I'm well out of the whole build your own pC loop. Would someone kindly explain to me if there is still a need (and if so how is it calculated?) to match CPU and memory speeds? I'm looking at getting a C2D E6600, so what speed ram would I match to that; 6400, 8000, 8500+ or is it solely up to my budget constraints?

Cheers!

 

[J50N_Clio]

Thers no real need, id just go with DDR2 667, Its at a good price and will work. Personally, if i am honest, i would stick to AMD rather that intel anyway...

 

[Munson]

Just get the fastest memory you can afford. If you want to oveclock the bus then you'll want plenty of memory headroom. But you can lock the memory anyway on any half decent mobo. AFAIK as long as the memory is ok for your motherboard then there's no 'matching' that needs doing.

 

[meady100]

aha! thanks guys - not really bothered about oc'ing, as long as its pretty fast and stable

 

[Munson]

TBH if you're getting a Conroe then you should seriously consider getting into the OC scene, as it clocks to stupid speeds. I would get DDR2 800 as a minimum for that setup, just to keep your bases covered.

 

[G_F]

This matching speeds you are on about was mainly to do with old AMD chips, better performance was had out of them, not the case any more with either chip.

 

[meady100]

Cheers Roy - I'll bear that in mind! Of course I want it to at least play Crysis in low detail, come 2010...

S.

 

[Munson]

Cheers Roy - I'll bear that in mind! Of course I want it to at least play Crysis in low detail, come 2010...

S.

Crysis is the holy grail. The only game I can remember that made so many people want to upgrade just for one game was Half-Life 2. Crysis is going to be amazing (IMO) and worth a complete rebuild.