Solved WARNING: Hardware noob! What does this odd thing actually do!

[niemiro]

Unless you are a dedicated and experienced overclocker, RAM is the last thing you want to get cute with. It can be very cranky. The compatibility between a given motherboard and RAM can be very touchy. That's why motherboard manufacturers often have a certified RAM compatibility list.

I gather you have no intention of overclocking your RAM.

In that case, get the lowest priced 1.8 volt package in the size you need on the Crucial confirmed compatibility list and be done with it. That configurator is highly reliable and Crucial is a high quality brand. No need for you to get into the Ballistix product line.

The chances of you noticing any difference if you were to get RAM with faster timings is about zero.

Thank you!

Nearly done! Which one is better (I have got to choose one of them, and I would rather you rolled a die than I!)

DDR2 PC2-6400: CL=6
DDR2 PC2-5300: CL=5

The price is the same. Top one?

Thanks again, all!

 

[ignatzatsonic]

The RAMmon report you ran says you now have PC 6400 running at 1.8 volts

Get more of that.

Therefore: the first of the two on your list: DDR2 PC2-6400: CL=6

I am taking your word for it that the RAMmon test is accurate and that you have properly used the Crucial configurator.

 

[niemiro]

The RAMmon report you ran says you now have PC 6400 running at 1.8 volts

Get more of that.

Therefore: the first of the two on your list: DDR2 PC2-6400: CL=6

I am taking your word for it that the RAMmon test is accurate and that you have properly used the Crucial configurator.

Thank you so much to all of you for your patience!

Finally, the hardware noob understands, and has no more questions!

This thread is resolved, and I shall mark it as such!

Thanks again,

Richard

 

[A Guy]

Your ram will run at the speed of the slowest ram, so get at least the speed at what you have. Any faster won't matter unless you plan on changing the slower out again later. A Guy