Which RAM is best for AMD X2 4400+?

[Benjamonous]

I'm looking at building a system with an AMD Athlon64 X2 4400+ but I'm not sure what RAM to use with it. I definitely want 2GB of RAM, but I've heard that some types of RAM don't work with AMD processors.

So, what's the best RAM to use with this processor?

Also, I've got 4 slots on my MoBo for RAM. Is it better to have 4 sticks of 512MB RAM (totalling 2GB), or just 2 sticks of 1GB each?

Thanks

 

[Herr_Fritz]

DDR, and not DDR2 for the 939 socket
other way round for the AM2 socket

Memory timings were the main concern with moving towards 1GB sticks, but this is pretty much a moot point as the 1GB sticks have gottten very fast. If you want 2GB of RAM go with 1GB sticks. If you only want 1GB you can get the 512MB, though I would not personally recommend it.

Be forwarned that populating all 4 slots will force the memory to run at a 2T command rate, which will be slightly slower than the 1T that you get with 2 slots populated, so if you think you will eventually want 2GB, just bite the bullet now and get 2 1GB sticks.

 

[Benjamonous]

Cool, thanks.

So, going with the DDR RAM, what's the fastest DDR RAM I can get, if price is no option?

Thanks

 

[Heyyou27]

The fastest sticks of 512 are DDR 600MHz(PC4800).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820178088
The fastest sticks of 1GB are DDR 550MHz (PC4400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Submit=ENE&N=2010170147+1052107965+105231450+1052407942&Subcategory=147&description=&srchInDesc=&minPrice=&maxPrice=

 

[Rall]

You need to look at what mother board you have, it will recommed what you need. Never throw anything into your computer.I would go with 1 gig slots!!! Windows VISTA will be coming out at the end of this year and it look like it can handle 4 gig of ram.

 

[sailer]

As you said price was no object, I would recommend two 1 gig sticks of Corsair XMS TwinX2048 3500LLPro, with timings of 2-3-2-6 from Newegg. The fast timing should make your computer fly. Whatever brand you decide on, remember that the faster the timings, the better. Don't fall for going to the higher DDR 500 or 550 ratings, because many motherboards won't support it to start with, but you should doublecheck your particular motherboard for what's allowed or not. Some won't take more than a PC 3200/DDR 400. If you are limited to PC 3200, two sticks of Corsair XMS CMX1024-3200C2PT have a 2-3-2-6 timing.

 

[Benjamonous]

So, am I to understand that PC3200 RAM is the fastest I could get for the Athlon64 4400+ to insure the RAM wouldn't be the bottleneck in the system? Buyng anything faster would be overkill, right?

Thanks

 

[Herr_Fritz]

It depends on whether or not you want to overclock. I think I've seen PC5000 ram out there from OCZ and Mushkin I think. PC3200 is straight up DDR400, which would be the default speed of 200MHz (doubled because of dual-channel).

 

[sailer]

Yes and no. That's why I said to check what's compatible with your motherboard. I have an A8N32-SLI Deluxe, which will support the PC 3500LLPro. I also have an AMD 4400+ CPU. Other motherboards might only support PC 3200. Some, such as from DFI, might support a higher rating; then again, maybe not. Sure, you could get PC 4000, PC 4400, or PC 5000, but would it really be any faster, even with overclocking? All depends. Of course, if your motherboard doesn't support it, you can put it in and find a dead system and a lot of money down the drain.

Keep in mind that some of these ram sticks were originally developed for use with Intel CPUs, so though they might technically fit into place, they either won't do any good, or won't work at all. Your bus is at 200 MH, doubled to 400 by the ddr speed. Getting a stick that works for 250-400 mh only works properly if the bus speed is at that level. If you want final answers as to what you can install, go back and read the manual with your motherboard or at least check the web site of whoever manufactured your motherboard for what it supports.

 

[WhatUsername]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146890


Best ram for any 939 amd motherboard in my opinion very compatible with many mobo's very fast ram at 2-2-2-5, the pictures don't do them justice this ram is beautiful, and priced to sell


works perfectly with my dfi lanparty sli-d



almost forgot theese things do not require high voltages to operate.

 

[1Tanker]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146890


Best ram for any 939 amd motherboard in my opinion very compatible with many mobo's very fast ram at 2-2-2-5, the pictures don't do them justice this ram is beautiful, and priced to sell


works perfectly with my dfi lanparty sli-d



almost forgot theese things do not require high voltages to operate.

Yes, these are awesome RAM, i use them. i have 2x512MB. You won't

get the 2-2-2-5 on 1 gig DIMMS. They are very versatile though, as i've

run them stable at 216Mhz (limit) @2-2-2-5. I've also had them up to a

stable 301MHz(limit) @3-3-3-7. All this @ only 2.75v. 😀 😀

 

[BaronMatrix]

It depends on whether or not you want to overclock. I think I've seen PC5000 ram out there from OCZ and Mushkin I think. PC3200 is straight up DDR400, which would be the default speed of 200MHz (doubled because of dual-channel).

It's not double because of dual channel it's double because that's the definition of DDR. Dual channel implies two matched chips in sequential banks.

 

[Herr_Fritz]

Heh, oops

 

[sailer]

That's good ram if you only want 1 gig of ram. The Corsair that I was referring to (PC 3500LLPro) is a 1 gig stick, and so with two of them you get a 2 gig total. The timings are 2-3-2-6, which I think are pretty fast. OCZ and others also have some good i gig ram sticks and timings, but I don't have any personal experience yet with them.