Hi,

I am completely new to PCs and building a Gaming Rig based around an Intel Q6600 and Asus mainboard.  I am looking at 4GB of Ram, 2x2GB - DDR2 800 should I be buying buffered or unbuffered ?  What is the difference ?  CL4 or CL5 ?

Im confused.

Any help would be most welcome.

thanks
raymond

Depends on the motherboard, most use unbuffered as its a cheaper option. Only reason to use buffered is a server or other application where data integrity is paramount.

For a gaming rig get unbuffered, chances are you wont be able to buy a gaming motherboard that uses buffered. Get the wrong one and it wont be compatible.

Ive never bothered with minor timing difference, the speed difference tends to be minimal compared to cost. Its not really worth getting less than 2X2GB unless you are on a very limited budget.

thanks for the advice, was looking at either kingston or Corsair.

Raymond

Corsair is widely popular and good value for money. When your building make sure the memory voltage for Corsair as most of it runs at 2.1v in 2 slots, and generally motherboards set the voltage automatically to lower.