Matching processor to RAM

Khannie

Is there some easy rule for this?

I'm looking at building an AM3 based box. I'm not particularly worried about having fast RAM particularly, but do I need to match the RAM to the processor? (thus potentially limiting future upgrades) or can I just throw in any old speed, once I'm happy enough that the RAM (but not the processor) is just a bit slower than the absolute max possible?

The AMD FX spec page says "Supports up to DDR3-18662" but isn't clear about what happens with lower spec'd RAM.

paulmclaughlin

With a lower speed RAM, it will still work but will run at the RAMs max speed. RAM these days is pretty generic.

Serephucus

You can throw in whatever you like, as long as it physically fits, etc. Fast RAM might still work, even if it's not listed as officially supported. If you start getting weird error or something, you can just check the highest speed the board/processor supports, then drop the timings back appropriately*

* i.e. If you have 1866MHz CL10, you'd go to 1600MHz CL9, 1333MHz CL8, etc.

All that aside, don't go spending a bunch on RAM. Unless you're planning to use the IGP heavily, fast RAM basically doesn't help anything. Even if you are going to use the IGP a lot, I wouldn't bother with anything over 1866-ish anyway, as the price tends to skyrocket around there.

Khannie

Sound. Thanks folks. That's perfect.