Simple question about RAM, confused

A simple question that has me a bit confused:

Most processors have FSB max of 1333MHz, doesnt that mean the max. speed of RAM that can be taken advantage of is 667MHz?

In that case, and apart from Core i7, why would anyone buy DDR3 memory modules or even faster DDR2 modules unless they are planning to overclock?

Something Im missing here? :confused

 

Well, it's a bit more complicated than that. The FSB is just one factor. If you have an Intel processor, for example an E8400, you'll have an FSB of 1333 and should be using at least DDR2-667... in other words, don't go below that speed. Depending on the chipset of the motherboard, as well as the memory controller and what's in the BIOS, you should be able to install faster memory and run it at that faster speed.

 

But if the processor FSB is 1333MHz, isn't it a bottleneck and all faster memory modules will be waste of money?

 

No, and no. The FSB is only one of many factors.

 

I don't mean to sound impertinent, but being one of a number of factors is enough to make it a bottleneck.

I came across the following article: http://www.breakitdownblog.com/ddr2-800-vs-ddr3-1333-does-speed-matter/

Someone does not know what they are talking about. Either this guy, or some people in forums giving advice. There seems to be so much misunderstandings around this whole FSB and RAM thing that it's hard to tell what is true and what is a myth?

 

That you would need a Nehalem processor to get any noticeable performance increase out of DDR3 memory has been the case since DDR3 came out, and has never been a secret.

As for your original question, what you asked was if the FSB is the only deciding/limiting factor on what memory you can use in your computer. It's not. You didn't ask for specific differences in performance and if you had, "some people" would have told you that's so different between systems and users that any numbers that anyone other than you have produced are only as relevant to your own situation as you choose to believe them to be.

Follow whoever you want. It's your computer and your money. And the next time you don't like the answers people in forums give you just go ask some place else, and I promise that eventually someone is going to tell you what you want to hear.

 

Mimsy, I appreciate you trying to help, but what I don't like is people giving advice when they don't know what they are talking about.

All the "building a PC"-forums are mostly populated by 15-year-old teens who may have some experience in building a computer, but no real understanding behind the techonology and parts. Everything they know about PCs is based on what some other people have told them or they have read on forums.

I'm a novice builder myself and I find the lack of true and accurate information disturbing. I have been into other forms of electronics before and other similiar types of hobbies, and the information available is usually a lot more accurate.

Researching this particular subject by googling it, I found numerous people asking the same thing on discussion boards like this. They got very mixed responses - conclusion: nobody knows! Or someone does, but the true information is lost in the mixed answers of people who don't know what they are talking about.

You say that FSB is only one of many factors. Yes, I acknowledge that. But can you tell me more about how the whole thing works then? No you can't, you would have already done so if you knew the answer to my question.

It seems the only reliable source would be to ask from the components manufacturers directly, though Im not sure if I can get an answer. I will try and perhaps post a reply with correct information later.

 

So what has my confused here is that you dismiss people on forums, while happily believing a blogger. But like I said, you can follow whoever you want and it's up to you what you eventually decide to believe. Until you decide, have fun finding out that the only way to learn anything in this world is to be told things by others, and that the less insulting you are of forum posters answering questions you barely know enough to phrase clearly, the more likely you are to get a good answer.

:wave

 

Hey Felixmagician. There is a gentleman named ijack over at tomshardware that might have an answer for you. Something to say to you anyway. A person joins these forums to help other less knowledgeable people out,or to get serious help. What you are asking is trivial by comparison when you could Google yourself an answer. So stop being such a pain in the neck:-D

 

Thought I'd post this here as well, since I found an answer from a reliable source.

Intel technical support replied to my question, and their answer summarized was this:

• If motherboard supports higher FSB than processor, choose memory speed according to processor's FSB to avoid a bottleneck
• The system will always try to match the processor FSB, therefore if the memory speed is higher than that, the system will lower the memory speed to match the FSB

 

I still fail to see the answer to your ORIGINAL question here.

 

Original questions(s):
Most processors have FSB max of 1333MHz, doesnt that mean the max. speed of RAM that can be taken advantage of is 667MHz?

According to Intel, that is correct.

In that case, and apart from Core i7, why would anyone buy DDR3 memory modules or even faster DDR2 modules unless they are planning to overclock?

According to Intel, the max speed of the RAM should be determined by the processor/bottleneck FSB and therefore there is no point in buying faster RAM (unless overclocking).

The problem is finally solved

 

I am currently running PC3200 in a machine that calls for PC2700. I am not overclocking. I can't. BIOS of this machine doesn't permit it. Why do I have PC3200 in my machine for then. My next machine might use PC3200. No bottleneck at the moment because RAM is stepped down to run at PC2700 speed. Other people might look to the future too.

 

Now that is the most impertinent comment I've heard/read in a long time. PC3200 is DDR right? Your next machine should use PC2-6400 at least, DDR modules are basically worthless.

I'm just glad I found the answer, you should be too

 

Who are you to be telling me that my next machine should be using this or doing that. I personally don't have an ego problem that I'm trying to solve by having the fastest rig around. I don't need Quad core CPUs to get my work done. My next machine will probably use PC3200 because that would be all I need for what I do. The RAM that you said I should be using in my next machine would be a waste of resources.And for what reason?And for you,

 

lol

I think that gives a good laugh and a great ending to the thread.

 

You know something. In a perverse kind of way, I enjoyed it myself. If possible over lines, my hand would be held out to you. As is,I'll just tip my cap.

 

Can't we all just get along?


lol

 

Thought we were.:-D

 

I LOVE ram.