Explanation of RAM

can someone please explain to me, or give me a link to a website that explains RAM. I want to know what RDRAM is, and the differences between RDRAM and DDRAM. Do only certain mobo's support RDRAM? Is it better than DDRAM? I know the highest DDRAM is 333 mhz, is RDRAM 800mhz?

thanks.

This could go on forever. My suggestion is to spend a few minutes on Google and search for "DDR vs. RDRAM." You'll see tons of articles, reviews, and benchmarks comparing the two.

Originally high cost was a major turn-off for people looking at RDRAM, but lately it has dropped to be fairly competitive with DDR and the like (although still slightly more expensive). What you pick really depends on what you currently have, and what you're willing to spend. If your motherboard already supports DDR, RDRAM, or SDR and you don't want to spend the money to replace it, then you'll be stuck with what it supports. There are a few boards that support more than one type of RAM, but they tend to lack in other areas. So, it's best to choose a RAM type and stick to a good board that supports that type.

Anyway, a lot of it is personal preference. I personally stick to DDR, but that's just me....

cool, thank you...

Maybe these help?

http://www.karbosguide.com/hardware/module2e5.htm (Just try to overlook the typo in the table)

http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/reviews/1787/1/

In the Pentium III days Rambus was already there but not really an option because it costed double or tripple the price of ordinary Sdram and there was no performance gain. (mostly there was even slower performance)

With the Pentium4 this has changed. Intel specifically designed the P4 to take advantage of some of the stuff rambus is capable of. Also considering that rambus prices have dropped immensely (up to the point where it is really competitive with DDR Dram) and you've got a great product.

Bottom line : if you stick to Intel chipsets (like I do), get rambus. No DDR ram will be faster. That is, if you want a really stable board.
If you're the risky kind, you can go for a VIA or SIS chipset. Those companies have succeeded in pushing DDR Dram beyond the performance level of Rambus, but (imho) at the price of less stability.
Also keep in mind that Rambus will bring out RIMM 4200 any day now, which uses 1066 MHz speed.