PC 3200 DDR 400 ram running at 200 mhz (2.8 GHZ CPU, 800 mhz FSB)

[Pavel]

I was looking for some memory to upgrade my Asus P5PE-VM and I noticed my PC 3200 DDR ram which is 3-4-4-8 is running at 200 mhz not 400 mhz. My CPU is a 2.8 GHZ Pentium D. Why is the ram/bus not running at 400 mhz? I see nowhere in the bios where you can change the FSB.

Also, is it advisable to run different specs of ram in the same board/slots? Or since my board supports dual channels, maybe I should just buy dual channel ram?

[champ91]

it's DDR (double data rate) ram
so it's double that which is 400mhz (2 x 200mhz) which means it's fine

[Pavel]

Thanks,
What about mixing different specs within the PC3200 line? Me thinks this could be a problem and that it's probably safe to get one with the same specs?

[champ91]

as long as it's pc 3200 it's fine. of course lower speed would work too. but if u are going dual channel it, the pair has to be of same specs.

[Cyrus the Great]

as long as it's pc 3200 it's fine. of course lower speed would work too. but if u are going dual channel it, the pair has to be of same specs.

Yea, specs must be the same. specially, their CL.

[Pavel]

Sorry, still a bit confused here since opinions seem to vary. I dont think I will go dual channel, not at this time. Maybe if and when RAM prices drop.

Just so I am clear: getting a stick of PC3200 1GB ram that is 3-3-3-8 and adding it to a board that has PC 3200 512MB and 3-4-4-8 will work fine without any issues?

[champ91]

Sorry, still a bit confused here since opinions seem to vary. I dont think I will go dual channel, not at this time. Maybe if and when RAM prices drop.

Just so I am clear: getting a stick of PC3200 1GB ram that is 3-3-3-8 and adding it to a board that has PC 3200 512MB and 3-4-4-8 will work fine without any issues?

yes

[Pavel]

Gracias :)