Is it better to use PC2700 or PC3200 DDR on ASUS A7N8X mobo?

[Babulmiah]

Hi,

Just wanted to know whats better to use, PC2700 (333) or PC3200 (400), to get the best 'dual line' memory performance on the NForce2-based ASUS A7N8X motherboard.

I intend to use a 333FSB AthlonXP CPU (probably the XP2600+ and overclock it) and reading on the net, people say its better to match the DDR and CPU/FSB speeds for best performance especially when using the NForce2 boards i.e. use PC2700 if the CPU is 333FSB. Also the DDR I intend to get is from Crucial and according to ASUS website(http://www.asus.com.tw/mb/socketa/a7n8x/A7N8Xqvl.htm) the PC2700 is compatible with the A7N8X but it does not state if the PC3200 is (maybe because the ASUS listing is outdated rather than the PC3200 being incompatible).

However I want to buy PC3200 (400) DDR so I can still use it in the future, as even now 333FSB is getting out dated, and also because it me give me a better overclock on 333FSB AthlonXP CPU(or even 400FSB AthlonXP CPU later on) .

The other thing stopping me is that the Crucial memory I intend to get is CL2.5 for PC2700 (333) yet CL3 for PC3200 (400). Will this latency make a substantial difference? and hence will it be another reason to use PC2700 rather than PC3200.

Any comments or feed regarding this and the A78NX (non-deluxe version motherboard) is appreciated.

Thanks

[missiveusa]

I have an A7N8X rev. 2.0 board with a T'bred B @ 166 MHz, and I use KVR400 PC 3200. I underclock the PC 3200 and use agressive timings, able to run it at 6-2-2-2. It's actually rated at CAS 2.0 up to 167 MHz, 2.5 up to 200 MHz. It doesn't cost any more than PC 2700, and as you mention, leaves room to upgrade to a 200 MHz Barton.

ZipZoomFly (aka Googlegear) has the KVR400 in 256MB sticks for under $50. Works well with this board, and I'm sure the Crucial also does. You won't be disappointed buying PC 3200.

[Strawbs]

The results from O\C'ing the FSB rather than the CPU multipier will be much more beneficial ...the extra headroom offered by the PC3200 will come in handy and could allow you to reach speeds in excess of 200MHz fsb, PC2700 will fail at lower speeds.

:t