Table of Contents
Should you match CPU and RAM speed?
Just like the processor, memory runs at different clock speeds, check what speed the processor supports and match that to the RAM that you buy. The OC speed that the motherboard is capable of is also listed on the motherboard spec and you should be looking to match these potential speeds when buying RAM.
What happens when RAM frequency does not match?
In general, when the speed of several memory modules do not match, they will all run at the speed of the slowest module. Unless the system doesn’t support the memory at all, the computer should function, but you may not be getting the best possible performance.
What is bus speed on a motherboard?
Bus speed usually refers to the speed of the front side bus (FSB), which connects the CPU to the northbridge. FSB speeds can range from 66 MHz to over 800 MHz. Since the CPU reaches the memory controller though the northbridge, FSB speed can dramatically affect a computer’s performance. Here are some of the other busses found on a motherboard:
Does RAM speed have to match motherboard speed?
Yes, it does and no it doesn’t have to match the motherboard. But to be on the safer side of things, both the RAM speed and the specific motherboard specs should match for optimum PC performance.
How important is the RAM speed?
In the past it was important for RAM speed to match or exceed front side bus speed in order to get the best performance out of your processor. Most modern systems use QuickPath Interconnect or HyperTransport buses to communicate and there is generally a lot more bandwidth than is currently necessary…
How do you determine the front side bus speed on a computer?
To determine the front side bus speed on your computer, there are two primary options: Locate the model number of your computer’s motherboard and search for the manufacturer and model number on the Internet. Detailed specs of the motherboard should include the front side bus speed, measured in MHz.