DDR3200,2100,2700 FSB, RIMM, DIMM, ramalamadingdong

Ok, I've been out of the loop for a couple months (I know, eons in the computer world).
I have no idea what the difference is in DDR, RIMM, RAMBUS or how to match it with the newer processors. I read one post here that said to go above the processors FSB speed when buying RAM, but how is that calculated, i.e. 400MHz FSB = DDR3200? The last thing I actually bought was PC133 SDRAM.
I realize that this is a broad subject and more than likely goes beyond the scope of the board, so if there is no simple explanation, a link (or series of links) will suffice. After reading those, I can always post back here with questions.

 

Rambus - the company whose technology is the foundation for Rambus memory (RIMMs). A company generally considered evil incarnate based on their attempted blackmail of most other memory manufacturers. RIMMs are for Intel-chipset boards only and must be run in matched pairs (I think).

DIMM - generic term that can refer to both SDRAM and DDR memory. Technically, it's referring to the way the memory is packaged on the PCB.

DDR - one of two prevalent memory technologies available for PCs today. The other is RIMMs (Rambus). Chipsets that use DDR memory exist for both Intel and AMD though traditionally DDR is associated with AMD and Rambus memory is associated with Intel boards.

PC2100, 2700, 3200, etc. - Yes, each successive grade of DDR memory (not RIMMs) refers to an ever-increasing bus speed. PC2100= 133FSB, PC2700=166FSB, etc.

Um...the only reason you'd need anything higher than PC2700 is if you intend to run your FSB at higher than 166. I suppose if you're going to run a 200FSB AMD processor (Barton), then you'd want 200FSB memory.

As far as buying a higher FSB memory than what your cpu runs at, you only need to do that if you intend to overclock your cpu to that higher FSB.

At some point, I'm sure, Rambus will be out of the picture.

 

The difference is physical and speed. RIMM and RAMBUS is the same in my book. Going above processor speed is sound advice.

RIMM/RAMBUS is usually given in FSB x 2 . DDR is given in FSB x 8.

RAMBUS comes in 600, 800 and 1066 MHZ (fx. PC800 is for 400 MHz FSB) .

DDR comes in 1600, 2100, 2700, 3200, 3500 and 4000. fx. PC3200 ~ FSB 800 like the new P4s like it.

*edit*
OOps......sorry about that Chiles4 I didn't see your reply before I posted.