Need help finding the right memory for life.

I have read many post about Ram Timing and they seem to conflict with each other, so I need help on getting it straight.

1. If the mobo's standard ram's speed is ,say, 400/3200. Is it alright to use a higher speed such as 500/4000?

2. Is it better to have a Ram's Timing higher or Lower?

3. What do I need to look for in Ram ,for a gaming rig?

4. What is the Best Ram to buy?

I will be using a ASUS A8N-SLI Premium with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+.

Thx in advance.

Good Answers above.

Just want to add some more comments:

1. Most DDR-400 modules will not run at DDR-500, unless they are specified to run at DDR-500. Changing the bus speed on the motherboard to support DDR-500 (when you are using DDR-400) may prevent your system from booting.

2. Read above. Also, it is not recommended to change a module's latency unless the module is stated to support that latency.

3. Gaming = perfromance. However, after you pass a certain threshold, your system will become unstable. For DDR-400+ CL2 is normally the best there is.

4. Best RAM? good question. Basically, it depends what kind of chips the module uses. For gaming rigs, I see that the most popular (or "best" ) chips are Samsung (-TCCD) or Windond (BH-5, CH-5). Crucial (Micron) has good memory too.



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if you insist the Abit falatil1ty (spelling correct is needed here lol) is a mobo with lots of feature and nice OC potential and the DFI lanparty is know for having trouble with the X2s and some ram and other stuff goto www.dfi-street.com and ask if ur setup is good if ya decide to go with DFI lanparties

AMD A64 3200+Venice
DFI Lanparty UT NF4 Ultra-D
OCZ 2x512mb EL Gold VX PC3200 ram 3-3-3-8
evga eGeforce 6800GT 256mb GDDR3 ram
Enermax 485W PSU
Bios 3/10
WIndows XP SP2
No OC