Understanding RAM frequency?

[MontanaAndy]

Hello All. First post. New/old guy learning. I'm about to do my first build (with some assistance) using an Abit Fatal1ty board, AMD 64 X2, a powercolor video card (upgradable when I have more $). I have questions about memory. I'm looking at 2Gb dual channel, and wondering if I am understanding The PC3200 terminology correctly. I get that this is the bandwidth at which everything operates. There seem to be many different sticks of memory at different bandwiths out there. My question is: What would be effect be, on the system listed above, of using sticks of memory with a higher bandwidth, PC 4000 or above? From what I've read, it would be like underclocking the memory(?).
I am after reliablility more than super speed, as my primary objective is musically oriented.... Any information that might assist me on this journey would be appreciated.....

 

[peterdiva]

Memory above PC3200 is designed for overclocking, so when you overclock the CPU you can keep the memory at a 1:1 ratio. You won't get any benefit from using anything higher, as an AMD64 runs at the same speed as PC3200.

 

[MontanaAndy]

1:1 memory to CPU, huh.....

Thanks for the reply. I understand the memory and CPU I am putting together are properly matched. I was wondering if using the higher freq. memory would bring any gains in reliability, or ...... I can see where it would not under normal circumstances.... How about under a pretty good load of tasks? Thanks again for your info...

 

[peterdiva]

No, you won't get any gains from running the higher clocked memory. Reliability comes from buying a decent brand, even though compatibility is more of an issue. As for running a lot of tasks, this comes down to the amount of memory, 2GB being the right choice.