Bus Speed and RAM

[Da Kaz]

Hello everyone. I just won an auction for a bare bones computer. Under Processors supported it says: PII, PIII, Celeron at 66 MHz or 100 MHz base frequency.

I need to buy RAM for this computer, and I know I need 168-pin SDRAM. Problem is I am unsure of whether to buy 66 bus speed or 100.

If you need more info on the system then you can find it at:
http://www.surplusauction.com/wc.dll?Lots~Info~90607A-BB174888&UID=DF1

If anyone can, please help! It would be greatly appreciated.

[balor]

it all depends on what kinda cpu you put on it pII 350 and up is on a 100mhz bus so ya need pc100 below that it's on 66

[WhoKnowsWho]

Did either of you see the page? It says, "Processor: Intel Celeron 366MHz with MMX technology" 'cause that's the one it comes with. Da Kaz... if it didn't even come with a processor, you sure did get a barebones system!

A celeron processor only "needs" 66mhz speed memory, so regular EDO ram and such would work. But if you want to try and overclock, or use the memory later on for a new computer, your best bet is to spend a little bit more to get PC100 memory... even though that will be old too soon. The motherboard is a cheap BXtoo chipset... I doubt it will overclock well, and in the future, if you do get a new system... it will probably come with it's own 133mhz memory or whatever. I hope you either have some old parts to use and you didn't pay much for this thing 'cause you still need to get a 3.5" disk drive, hard drive, video card, monitor, etc...

[Da Kaz]

Yes, I saw the page. I realize it is a bare bones system and that it only comes with a 366 MHz Celeron Processor, a case, and a motherboard. I have a CD-ROM drive, CD-R, 3.5 floppy, 3d card, 2d card, etc. waiting to go in the computer. I didn't pay much for it at all. ($200)

You said to get the 100 bus speed RAM for overclocking purposes, but you said the motherboard won't overclock well. So should I get the 66 bus speed RAM? I really do not intend to overclock. In a year (maybe less) I plan on buying a new processor but that's it. So should I just get the 66 MHz bus ram for now? Please respond. Thanks!

[WhoKnowsWho]

What type of new processor? If you get another Celeron to pop onto this motherboard you will be fine with the 66mhz memory, if you end up getting the chips that come out later this year, you might need memory faster than 100mhz...

[Rickee]

Hi Da Kaz,

Is there such a descrepancy in price for PC66 Ram and PC100 Ram in your area?

I live in Toronto and there is no difference in price for both Sdram's. In fact, some stores sell PC100 at a lower price. EDO is out of the question because it is more expensive.

So why play it safe and go for PC100? It makes CPU upgrading more safer in future (for 100 bus speeds) and it is middle of the road (remember that PC133 memory is already surfacing).

[MrEd]

You can opt for the PC100 RAM (which will work with 66mhz fsb Celeron) Then later, when you want to stick a 100mhz fsb processor in it like a PII400 or whatever, you won't have to buy new ram. Just a thought...