luv4skating

I've decided on the MSI K8N Neo2 Platinum mobo for my gaming rig build, so I was just wondering which Memory to get, I know that the MSI supports DDR SD memory but should I get Kingston, crucial, mushkin which one and should I get 1 each of 512 or 1 stick of 1 gig or 2 512s in a pack, just don't know.

I do know that I would like to get the best and fastest memory for a gaming rig.

Also what the differance in memory?

Sarkast

Well the board supports dual channel memory - so you want 2 identical sticks to take advantage of it. If you use 2 sticks of 512Mb or 1Gb depends on your budget - even though i think a lot of people will tell you more than 1Gb doesnt necessarily improve gaming performance that much.

Aslong as the memory is approved by MSI you can basically get whatever is the best deal. I'd look for some low latency memory - and unless you intend on overclocking you dont need anything faster than DDR400 (PC3200).

luv4skating

Can you explain low latency memory?

ebackhus

Low latency is important in all aspects of computing, from networking to displaying video. Having low latency in RAM means an overall smoother computing experience.

Sarkast

:3-laugh1:

As you've probably seen most memory comes with something like CAS3, CL2, 2-3-3-6-1T in its product description. Usually the first number is called CAS Latency (CL).
This is one of the most important factors when it comes to the speed of the memory. There is quite a bit of performance diffrence between CL2 and CL3.
So if you can afford it get some CL2-2-2-5 (best), CL2-3-3-6 or CL2.5 (usually budget). Stay away from the really cheap CL3 stuff.

waffleweed

hey luv4skating,

definitely take advantage of the dual channel option and get 2 x 512megs of ram. stick to named brands which includes some of the names you mentioned such as crucial, mushkin, kingston, corsair, ocz, and patriot ram. check out the MSI website and find the model number of the motherboard your buying and check out the memory brand compatibility issues.

one rule of thum for latency timigs is, the lower the latency timings the better the performance. so CAS2-2-2-5 is better than CAS3-3-3-4.

luv4skating

Thanks alot Sarkast, I'm almost through researching for my build, What is the differance between these two Mobo's:

http://www.shopzilla.com/12--MSI_K8N..._id--101049820

http://www.shopzilla.com/12--MSI_K8N..._id--299163958

I believe I'm going with the Neo2 platinum with a AMD 64 3500+ Venice, but I'm not sure about a harddrive I would like to use the one I have (Dell PC 8200 series) it is 768, I'm not sure about how a new HD would effect performance.

Sarkast

The first one has the NForce 3 chipset - the second NForce 4. (Which means amongst other things the first is AGP , second PCI-E). You probably want to go with the second one.

I dont know what particular HDD is in the DELL - i am sure you can use it though. Just make sure you'll get a new OS with your new PC too.

luv4skating

Is this one of the ones that I should get, what do you think?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820146890

Sarkast

If you can afford it - thats awesome RAM.