RAM question - please help

[stato]

Hi people, I'm in the market now for some new ddr400 (pc3200) but I'm unsure about what all the figures represent.

I currently have an abi nf7 v2.0 mobo and have just ordered an AMD xp3200+ processor. The bloke said that i'll also need to upgrade my ram which is currently pc2100.

Here are the sets I've been looking at as a matched pair of 512mb (1024mb).
1.
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3648564081&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=54472
2.
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3648564081&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=49296
3.
http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3648564081&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52057

The thing I'm not sure with is the cl rating. I think it stands for cas latency but is it better to have a higher or lower value?

Which of the above would you recommend or elsewhere even. I'm based in the u.k.

thanks in advance

[Neo]

Out of your selection, the 2nd corsair link is the best.

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3648564081&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52057

High latency = bad
Low = Good

[stato]

cheers for the quick response Neo. What would be your recommendation for memory other than the links above? Please bear in mind though I don't play a lot of fancy games. The only game I do play regularly is the new football manager which does do a lot of number crunching though.

[stato]

Also are these any better as there isn't much of a price difference and come installed with heat spreaders

http://www.ebuyer.com/customer/products/index.html?rb=3648993511&action=c2hvd19wcm9kdWN0X292ZXJ2aWV3&product_uid=52471

[Neo]

Well that particular model is among corsair higher quality RAM. Its the "TWINX" series which is famous for the low latency, high overclockability, and quality. Not to mention the fact that the heatsink does keep the RAM at a lower operational temp, which is nice for stability and the lifespan of it.

While the first link, belongs to the Value Series family. They might of skimped on some cornors to bring you a lower price.

So, if you prefer quality, overclocking, and latency is more important to you then price, then surely go for the TWINX RAM.

And Corsair is my most favored RAM brand based on experiences, can't honestly recomend anything better then them.


:merry:

[stato]

cheers Neo. Just slapped in an order for the twinx pair.

[Neo]

Enjoy, hope it serves you well :)