Hardware Used (cont'd):

SuperTalent (T800UX2GC4) DDR2 PC2-6400:
 

   Now here's some RAM I've had on hand for some time (sorry SuperTalent!), however up until now, I haven't had any hardware that could really give this memory a run for it's money. I know you're thinking it's only rated at DDR2-800, but I assure you it'll do much more than that. Therefore I needed some hardcore hardware (namely motherboard) to make this memory break a sweat. The time is now.

   SuperTalent has really shaken up the memory industry with this 2GB kit of DDR2. It's low latency of 4-4-3-8 @ 800mhz is already impressive. However it's the overclocking that has really set this memory apart from most of the memory out there currently. There is many claims of this RAM doing over 1000mhz @ 5-5-5-12 with some pretty high voltage settings, but this kit loves the juice.

Specifications:  800MHz  DDR2 Over-Clocked Memory For Gaming Enthusiasts 2GB (1GB x 2) / (2x) 128M x 64 , non-Reg., no-ECC , CL 4-4-3-8

To eliminate any confusion, here is the BIOS settings for 800mhz:

Cas - 4
TRP - 3
TRCD - 4
TRAS - 8

  Although this memory kit isn't the flashiest out there, It's still not ugly either. Blue and silver is one of my favorite color combinations. I just wish SuperTalent would've opted to put their name on both sides of the sticks. It's only on one side (pictured) and when this kit is installed in my rig, the naming is facing the cpu and all I see is two bare looking sticks.

   Good memory plays a very important role in overclocking, but more so depending on how you overclock. Settings in the BIOS can exponentially change how your hardware is affected. Overclocking AMD in general and in this case the new AM2 3500+, changes in the BIOS configuration can stress either the CPU more, or the RAM more...or BOTH more!

Rig Assembly:

   Ok it's time now to get all this new hardware assembled and see how she runs. I'm still hoping to get the socket 939 4400+ stock cooler on this new ASUS M2N32-SLI's AM2 socket, but we'll see soon enough. I really don't want to use the AM2 one.

CPU & Skt939 X2 4400+ Cooler Installation:

   Well as I suspected, after I laid down some Arctic Silver 5 (AS5), my cooler of choice (in this instance) attached just fine to the different socket bracket. The new AM2 socket bracket has 3 'tabs' on each side for cooler attachment and I used the 2 central tabs. The socket 939 only had the 2 central tabs, so luckily decided to include them along with the new tabs to the socket AM2. So I suspect a lot of old Skt939 cooler will fit AM2 just fine.

SuperTalent PC2-6400 Installation:

   Installing DDR2 is just like installing DDR or DIMM's for that matter. The only thing you need to be aware of is the configuration in which the motherboard wants it. In the old days, it didn't matter a whole lot. However modern dual channel memory, and motherboards, need to be setup a certain way. My best advice is to read your motherboard manual and figure out how much memory, how many sticks, and dual channel or not, in order to install it properly.

   In this situation I'll be installing a 2GB kit (2x1GB sticks) of SuperTalent PC2-6400 (800mhz) high-performance RAM. After checking my motherboard manual, I see they need to be installed in the yellow slots on my ASUS M2N32-SLI. Not a problem....in they go!

   As you can see, they're not the prettiest sticks on the market, but looks won't make them fast will it. I know I keep mentioning their looks, but hey, it's a diamond studded market out there. If it's shiny, people will buy it!