Question for CPU and RAM/motherboard compatibility

[rugox]

Hey guys,

I am planning to start a HTPC build using some of the old parts I have lying around as well as with a CPU from a previous computer. The CPU is a E4300 Core 2 Duo processor.

The question I have is with the CPU compatibility with the RAM. The processor has a 800MHZ FBS which means theoretically I cannot use a RAM that exceeds this FBS. Traditionally, the mobos that supported this CPU back then used DDR2 memories where the 800MHZ FBS was common. However, I'm looking at new mobos that support LGA 775 but these use DDR3 memories and I cannot find any DDR3 RAMs that have 800MHZ FBS. So my question is, will DDR3 RAMs that exceed this FBS (ie. 1066MHZ) still be compatible for use in a an automatically underclocked 800 speed? In other words, can I use a 1066MHZ DDR3 RAM when the CPU is only compatible up to 800MHZ FBS? Thanks for any help.

[zsamz_]

yes you can
but get better ram

i got a system running with a p35 n 1600mhz ram @ 1500mhz
slower ram with me slower than ddr2

[Dragonstongue]

umm the ram able to be used depends on the motherboard, this is why ram boards cpus etc are able to use dividers, so thier FSB and ram can still sequence. generally for best performance a 1:1 or 1:2 ratio is best, using ddr3 at 1066 is actually not beneficial, it would open the cpu to clocking up, however, ddr3 at 1333 is a step from ddr2 800 at tight timings i.e lower speed tight timings vs higher speed loose timings= about the same in most things. You can still buy DDR2 and P35/P45 based motherboards if you look hard enough.