The right speed of DDR2

[TremeX]

Hello,

I am going to buy a new computer in a month or so, and I am trying to find memory that 'fits' with the CPU & motherboard. I will probably use an Intel E6600, or E6700 (which are FSB 1066MHz) with an adequate motherboard (probably witn an nVidia chipset). I've had a lot of troubles finding information on the choice of memory, but I've read the FAQ on this forum.

The question is simple: is there any benefit from taking a memory that is faster than your FSB needs ? From what I understand, the E6600 is a quad-pumped 266MHz processor, which will use an FSB of 1066MHz. If I take DDR2-533 memory, it should "match" that speed of my FSB. From there on, is it any use of taking DDR2-800 memory ? Will it make the system speedier, or will the memory be 'bottlenecked' ? (note: I'll use the memory in dual channel mode in any case)

I might have understood some technical details wrongly, so correct me in that case
Anyway, thank you for any advice.

 

[rajesh20057]

if u r into overclockin then The extra speed of ram gives u some oc'ing potenial

 

[TremeX]

I am not overclocking, indeed.
So I take any RAM above 533 is not going to be used to its full potential by my processor ?
Thank you for your answers.

 

[Mondoman]

This article has some actual data: http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=1&artpage=1962&articID=472

 

[TremeX]

This article has some actual data: http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&number=1&artpage=1962&articID=472

Thank you for that one!

 

[qwertycopter]

I think Intel is moving towards a 1333MHz FSB, so for future 1:1 capability, you might be better going with DDR2-667. You can run it at 533 today, and if you upgrade in the future, you can run at full 667. This might automatically be set on your when you install them on a 1066 motherboard or you might have to set it in BIOS.

Another reason to do this is that you won't find a price difference between 533 and 667, might as well get the better of the two.