Memory timings

[beck]

What do the memory timings really mean to me? Such as 2,2,2,6, 1T? If I have an board that says DDR400 dual channel and have an AMD 2500 Barton, what memory should I get and what timings? Why do I keep seeing complaints that the memory won't run at the specified timings? Is it the memory that is at fault or the motherboard?

If this has already been answered, or there is a url you can point me to with the info I'm looking for, please let me know. Thank you for your help.

[Metal_militia01]

the lower your timeings, the faster your system will be(dont get hopeful, it wont be a big diffrence at all).

Get some good ddr400, such as corsair, kingston hyper X, or mushkin, and you should( more like guarenteed-unless ur mobo is super picky) and you should be able to run at lower timings in u dont oc far.
Id say the memory would be at fault, or ur mobo could b picky about timings(correct me if im wrong)

The only time say,ddr400 didnt run at its specified timings would be u just got a junky stick of ram or the system was oc'ed a bit.

[Rocketmech]

You haven't really said what memory or mobo you have. DDR400 just means the memory clock is set at 200(x2) . If you have PC3200 then you have DDR400 . Depending on the make and model , your timings could vary slightly. Crucial's PC3200 is cas3 . Another make may be cas2 . Some memory do not agree with aggressive timings and changing to these timings the system doesn't like will likely give an error or instablity or lockup.
Its best to run at the stock settings , or SPD setting, which will load the memory's stock timings.
If you'll list your mobo and memory spec's , someone here is likely to help with the optimum settings and coach you to an O/C if your interested.

[beck]

I have a new Soltek SL-75MRN-L, Barton 2500. Didn't get the memory yet, although I have some DDR266 that I can use to start with. I would like to get good ram that won't break the bank to go with the motherboard and processor. Since this is the first board I've ever had that I can overclock with, I would like to try it, so I'd like memory that would let do something. :)

[Rocketmech]

You should do fine with Kingston's Hyper-X PC3200 or the faster PC3500. Be sure to run the mem clock in sync.