RAM Purchase Pre Mobo

[SBGTF]

I'm getting ready to build an A64 system for gaming. I've decided on the CPU (A64 3000+) and the case (NXZT Guardian). I'm waiting on the nForce3 250gb boards to come to retail to buy all my parts.

I don't know as of yet which Motherboard I'm going to buy MSI K8N Neo, Epox 8KDA3+, Gigabyte K8NSNXP,or ASUS K8N-E Deluxe.

My first plan was to buy 1GB of PC3200 RAM, but with the prices they way they are that's looking like it will kill my budget ($700 for cpu, hsf, mobo, case, psu, hdd, windows xp and RAM). So its gonna have to be a single stick 512MB.

Can I buy the RAM before I know the motherboard?

Also, would you be able to point me to a FAQ on what CAS means.

 

[Addikt]

Well, I took a while to find but there is a really good primer on RAM here. I think that everyone should read it. As far as RAM that you should buy for an Athlon 64 system the best ones would probably be,

Kingston HyperX PC3500 DDR433 CAS2 512 MB
Mishkin Level1 PC3200 DDR400 CAS2 512 MB
Corsair XMS TWINX1024-3200C2 2x512MB PC3200 (if you ever get the money for 2 sticks)

I have heard really good things about these chips, and a lot of people recommend them and those would be in the order of recommendation too.

 

[MTAX]

Ram prices are so high now, but seems to be dropping. Why don't you wait a few weeks, prices should be better.

 

[SBGTF]

Thanks Addikit, that's just what I was looking for.

MTAX, I'm going to take your suggestion, but it sounds like I'll be okay pulling the trigger on the RAM even if I haven't decided on the MOBO.

Thanks!

 

[Addikt]

Glad to help, just wanted to spare you the trouble that it took me to find that...heh. Spread the word friend!

Cheers.