The issue of memory latency depends a bit on what processor you'll be 
running.  The newer Core 2 and subsequent processors from Intel have proven 
themselves to be fairly independent of memory bandwidth and latency issues. 
If this is the direction you're going with your new build, I wouldn't worry 
too much about getting memory that is capable of running at speeds over 
DDR2-800 or handling CAS latencies below 5.  You'll be better off putting 
the money you save (by buying more generic memory, instead of memory binned 
for higher speeds and lower latencies) into a better video card or faster 
CPU, if you are looking for improved performance from your new system.

While running your system memory at faster speeds and with lower latencies 
will yield better scores on memory benchmark tests, you'll have a very hard 
time seeing much improvement in other computing tasks, especially game 
benchmarks.  Again, this is with a Core 2 type of processor.

Pentium 4's have a reputation of being much more memory bandwidth hungry, 
which is part of the reason that Intel kept increasing the amount of onboard 
cache.  However, I haven't done much benchmarking with Pentium 4's; so, I 
can't say whether you'll see much improvement in performance with one of 
these processors once you get beyond DDR2-800 and CAS 5.  From what you've 
said your plans are, I'd not put my money into more expensive memory, but 
I'd save it for other parts and a CPU upgrade (from the P4).

In a subsequent post, you mentioned looking at 8800 and 9800 PCI-E video 
cards.  Of the 8800 series, the 8800GT 512MB card is a very gaming good card 
for the money (I'm using one myself).  The only 9800 series card card from 
Nvidia available now is the 9800 GX2, which essentially is two, 
underclocked, 8800GTS, 512mb cards put together to make one card and selling 
for $600.  You'll need to make sure that your power supply and case can 
accomodate this card before you purchase it, if you go this route.

Just my 2 cents.

John Sproule

------- Original Message Below ----------

Date:    Sat, 22 Mar 2008 01:38:31 EDT
From:    [log in to unmask]
Subject: ram cas latency / timing

I am looking at memory for my next build. My motherboard (Elitegroup 
G31T-M)
has two slots for a total of 4gig so I'm looking at dual 2gig 800 MHz,  pc
6400 sets. The prices aren't different enough to effect my choice based on 
cost
but I see cas latency ranging from 4 to 7 and a wide variety of timing
specs. I don't have much of an understanding of these ratings so I'm hoping 
to  get
some insight into what would be best for a computer running xp (I'm thinking
of using 64 bit) used for gaming, video editing and 3-D Cad. Also eventually
plan to install software for learning CGI production.
 This mobo supports a wide variety of processors and though I will  start
with a dual core P4, it will eventually upgrade to quad core.

TIA
-Phil Williams-

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