[Taristin]

Hi guys. I've been looking at memory and CPU upgrades recently. I've decided on the 2700+ (While it's still available, since it's been discontinued, or a 2800+ if the 2700 is done) and a gig of PC2700 ram.

But the questions I have are:

• What is the difference between buffered and unbuffered memory?
• Registered? Unregistered? Buh?

Whatever info you can give me will be much appreciated.
Please, since I know some of you will inevitably comment on my CPU choice, please don't. I've made up my mind, and I don't want to buy a 3200+ (Or buy a new MoBo for a 64-bit.)

[Stealth]

unbuffered memory = chipset deals directly with the memory. There is nothing between the chipset and the memory as they communicate.  (most memory you'll buy is this kind.  unbuffered is by far the most common)

buffered memory = a buffer is present to help the chipset cope with the large electrical load required when the system has a lot of memory.

registered memory = unbuffered modules that contain a register that delays all information transferred to the module by one clock cycle.

Buffered and registered memory's usually only found in servers and other computers where it's extremely important that data is properly handled.  DDR and SDRAM modules can be registered or unbuffered; EDO and FPM modules can be buffered or unbuffered.



and i'm not criticizing your processor choice by any means, but just remember when chosing a processor.  don't worry about the numbers (3200+, 2800+, 2500+, 2200+, etc.) look at the CORE (thoroughbred, barton, etc.).  if you're going to pay $50.00 more for the same core but clocked a little faster, then that's not worth it.

[Kosh]

You would need a special motherboard for registered memory. They are normally found in servers.

[Grey Wolf]

Or in the old Athlon FX chips (the 940 ones that were really Opterons).

BTW, get the 2800+. Far superior.

[Kosh]

Or in the old Athlon FX chips

He said he didn't want to buy a new motherboard for a 64 bit chip.

[Xelion]

I've got an Athlon XP 2800+ but just make sure its got a barton core (333MHz), anything less just isn't worth your hassle, oh and try to get a motherboard that supports up to 3200+. So later its not such a big problem upgrading

[Taristin]

Thanks, Stealth. That helped, .

And Thanks everyone else too.

I was looking at the 2700+ because it was cheaper, and still the Barton core, but it's discontinued now, so the Barton 2800+ (my second choice) is probably what I'll end up with.
And about my moBo, it's a brand new (bought it in February) A7N8X-e Deluxe, so it supports up to 3200+, and the 400FSB, but that's an extravagance I can't afford, or need at the moment.

[Xelion]

Originally posted by Raa
And about my moBo, it's a brand new (bought it in February) A7N8X-e Deluxe, so it supports up to 3200+, and the 400FSB, but that's an extravagance I can't afford, or need at the moment.

Good Choice , Trust me once you use your comp for 6 months you'll say 'I need something faster', but like you said atm thats all you need.

[Stealth]

Originally posted by Raa

I was looking at the 2700+ because it was cheaper, and still the Barton core, but it's discontinued now, so the Barton 2800+ (my second choice) is probably what I'll end up with.

the 2700+ Thoroughbred is still widely available.  but i'd recommend getting a Barton.  you don't need a high-end Barton.  you're not going to notice the difference between a 2500+ barton and a 2800+ barton to tell you the truth, since as i said it's just a faster clocked core chip