Are certain speeds ram best suited for certain processors with certain clock speeds and FSBs? For example, a 266MHz ddr ram will be utilised fullest by a 1.7GHz? If a 266MHz ddr ram chip is coupled with a 2.8GHz 533FSB processor will the ram bottleneck the processor? Once again, I hope to learn from you guys, I am not necessirily looking for buying advice. I just like to learn from you. Sarosh

We must keep types of RAM (SDRAM, DDR, DDR2) aside within this discussion because their sockets are different, hence the need to buy a particular kind. Within a type, the RAM should meet or exceed the "real" bus speed of the CPU. The Intel's do "quadpumping". a 533MHz bus CPU is really a 166 (x4). DDR doubles it = 333MHz. Therefore, you want PC333 or better for that CPU. Please help survivors of Hurricane Katrina. www.redcross.org

Hero, it's 133x4.

Whoops...did that math too fast. lol... Please help survivors of Hurricane Katrina! www.redcross.org

For Intel systems not using DDR2 RAM, these are what you'd "need": 400FSB - PC1600 or better* 533FSB - PC2100 or better* 800FSB - PC3200 or better* * theoretcially, all the above would benefit from dual channel mode. Some people get confused into thinking that better/faster RAM will make your system run faster. That's not necessarily true. If your FSB is 533MHz (4 x 133MHz) & you have no intention to overclock, all you really need is PC2100...installing PC3200 & running it at 133MHz is no different than installing PC2100 & running it at 133MHz. The only possible benefit to running the better RAM at a lower speed would be the ability to run tighter timings. That being said & considering the price difference between PC2100 & PC3200, there's really no reason to buy anything other than PC3200, regardless of what your system really "needs". This space for rent

Thanks friend. Sarosh