dumb memory question

[AndyJay]

I'm not a complete newbie, but rather someone who doesn't really keep up with hardware until I'm going to upgrade. I just ordered a new cpu/mobo/ram and realized I made a mistake after it shipped. The CPU I got was a Barton 2800+ with 333mhz fsb (I didn't realize this until it shipped), but I got PC3200 memory. Two questions: 1.) can I still use the PC3200 memory with a 333mhz FSB processor, and 2.) if I later get more memory, can I mix PC3200 and PC2700? I would *think* the memory will just be downclocked to 333mhz and work fine, but I'm not sure about mixing. I guess I could just get more PC3200 whenever I do get more memory.

Anyway, any help is appreciated.

 

[mechBgon]

You're fine using PC3200 at the 333MHz FSB, and you can mix it with PC2700 too. I'd use at least 2.6 volts when using PC3200 since I see people having stability issues when using it on Auto voltage (2.5 volts typically). Have fun with your new rig and make your memory run at DDR333 for sure... I did a little test running Unreal Tournament 2003 Demo and the framerate really does drop significantly if I run the RAM out-of-sync with the CPU bus... about 20% lower, on the Botmatch results.

 

[AndyJay]

Thanks, that's good to hear.