Memory timings?

Which gives the better system performance, better memory timings or a slightly faster memory fsb??

I ask because I'm putting together a new system with Corsair XMS3500 CAS2 ram.

It will work at DDR434 CAS2, but I've heard that it will work up to DDR500 at CASS2.5

Obviously I'll try a lot of different settings, but I'd like an idea of what to try first that's likely to give optimal performance.

Thanks
Chez

The variation from the worse to best (lowest) memory timings is about 5% improvement in memory performance. Thus I would say you would need about a 5% increase in fsb to off set the worse timings. I've not tested that but should be in the ball park. Try it when you get a chance and post back.

yeah, use sandra's memory benchmarks to test them.

Crucial pc2100 @ 172 fsb 2.5-3-3-6-2T = 9020 marks
Corsair pc3200 @ 172 fsb 2-2-2-5-1T = 9742 marks