RAM question....

HawgsHead · Jul 12, 2006, 01:50 AM

Would U guys rather have DDR2@8500 w/lat.5.5.5.15 or DDR2@6400 w/ lat.3.4.3.9?....Thanks!

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jul 12, 2006, 06:18 PM

For an AM2 system I'd take the DDR2@6400 w/ lat.3.4.3.9

For Intel the DDR2@8500 w/lat.5.5.5.15

Intel just likes memory bandwidth.

AM2 is more efficient with tight latencies so it makes it more or less even

HawgsHead · Jul 12, 2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

For an AM2 system I'd take the DDR2@6400 w/ lat.3.4.3.9

For Intel the DDR2@8500 w/lat.5.5.5.15

Intel just likes memory bandwidth.

AM2 is more efficient with tight latencies so it makes it more or less even

How much diff. will it really make?I really want that FAST memory?

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jul 12, 2006, 07:13 PM

Well these days memory banmdwidth isn't really the limit anymore...its proc power.

I'd personally go for the PC2-6400 because its lower latency. The crux of DDR2 these days is the high latencies so if you can get it to run at 3-4-3-9 at 200Mhz then go for it. The extra bandwidth won't make that much a difference, over PC2-6400 is just wasted bandwidth

Zardon · Jul 12, 2006, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H3X4D3C1M4L

Well these days memory banmdwidth isn't really the limit anymore...its proc power.

I'd personally go for the PC2-6400 because its lower latency. The crux of DDR2 these days is the high latencies so if you can get it to run at 3-4-3-9 at 200Mhz then go for it. The extra bandwidth won't make that much a difference, over PC2-6400 is just wasted bandwidth

Well thats not entirely true although the theory to a certain point is right. I also certainly wouldnt class anything over PC2-6400 as "wasted bandwidth" as you generally find that the really expensive 1066mhz sticks with extra voltage will hit tighter timings and higher overclocks. Memory performance does certainly have an impact on overall system performance with even gaming FPS getting a boost in most cases. This isnt even taking into consideration windows or intensive professional applications getting a kick up the ass too. As for recommending to run DDR2 at 3-4-3-9 at 200mhz, thats insane, as most DDR would hit that easily and DDR2 works in a total different ballpark. I have OCZ DDR1066mhz extreme edition running at 1150mhz at 4-4-4-9 right now and the performance is incredible. if I plonk in budget modules at 6400 speeds I lose around 5fps in some titles ! might not seem much but when you are running at 1920x1200 with eye candy maxed to the hilt, that 5 fps can make a HUGE difference to performance. This is only part of the story however as professional applications like photoshop love extreme memory performance and this translates into filters running faster / less waits.

You guys read our reviews right? if not WHY not? check this review out if you want a little education how just how decent modules can make a difference, even in the case of AMD which is still somewhat catching up with Intel in regards to DDR2 performance.

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/abit_mem/index.htm

HawgsHead · Jul 12, 2006, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardon

Well thats not entirely true although the theory to a certain point is right. I also certainly wouldnt class anything over PC2-6400 as "wasted bandwidth" as you generally find that the really expensive 1066mhz sticks with extra voltage will hit tighter timings and higher overclocks. Memory performance does certainly have an impact on overall system performance with even gaming FPS getting a boost in most cases. This isnt even taking into consideration windows or intensive professional applications getting a kick up the ass too. As for recommending to run DDR2 at 3-4-3-9 at 200mhz, thats insane, as most DDR would hit that easily and DDR2 works in a total different ballpark. I have OCZ DDR1066mhz extreme edition running at 1150mhz at 4-4-4-9 right now and the performance is incredible. if I plonk in budget modules at 6400 speeds I lose around 5fps in some titles ! might not seem much but when you are running at 1920x1200 with eye candy maxed to the hilt, that 5 fps can make a HUGE difference to performance. This is only part of the story however as professional applications like photoshop love extreme memory performance and this translates into filters running faster / less waits.

You guys read our reviews right? if not WHY not? check this review out if you want a little education how just how decent modules can make a difference, even in the case of AMD which is still somewhat catching up with Intel in regards to DDR2 performance.

http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviews/abit_mem/index.htm

I always hear you guys raving about OCZ RAM.I just mite give it a try this time around.What do you suggest Z?

Judas · Jul 12, 2006, 11:53 PM

OCZ i've been quite impressed with performance and price wise....

Flexkill · Jul 13, 2006, 12:01 AM

OCZ is the best...and there CS is second to none!!!! You cant go wrong with OCZ.

Even more so if your are an AMD guy....you can really let that ram stretch it's legs!!!

Dyre Straits · Jul 13, 2006, 12:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

OCZ i've been quite impressed with performance and price wise....

My most recent RAM purchase is the Corsair TwinX XMS Dual Channel (2x512) PC3200 C2PT for my main system. This RAM has totally directed me away from ever trying Kingston again. And the price was excellent via Fry's.

Z, in your experience, just how much difference is there between what I have and a similar OCZ?

BTW, This RAM I got about a year ago when the Kingston failed on me. I'm running it at 2-6-3-3 and using the Street Racer setting. Haven't had a moment's problem doing so. [Knock on wood]

Tobey · Jul 13, 2006, 03:42 AM

Ok I don't want t hijack the thread but I do want to ask some questions without starting a new one... Sorry for asking I am just curious as to what you guys are talking about(I like to know about the hardware of PCs)

What is OCZ? And what is the difference between these chips? I know the timings are different I just don't know what that means... I'm going to take a stab at it and say that faster timings means how quickly the PC is allowed to access the memory?
Faster timings = lower bandwidth and slower timings = greater bandwidth?
So for FPSs and games that require to access the RAM a lot faster timings is nice and for things such as photoshop that usually access RAM every once and a while but require a lot of memory to be accessed larger timings are better?

I'll just Google it I guess.

Judas · Jul 13, 2006, 05:39 PM

I think Corsair and OCZ are very comparible dyre. Whichever fits your desires, go for it (or your wallet).

I can get both manufacturers stuff in good quantities very quickly. And atm, i currently stock for PSUs/memory nothing but OCZ except for much much cheaper PSUs used for trivial things.

ATM corsair here is a bit more expensive for marginal performance difference.

Most of my machines are built with OCZ Value ram. More enthusiastic users that order a machine usually are willing to pay no more then for the GOLD eddition of the OCZ memory.

HawgsHead · Jul 13, 2006, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

I think Corsair and OCZ are very comparible dyre. Whichever fits your desires, go for it (or your wallet).

I can get both manufacturers stuff in good quantities very quickly. And atm, i currently stock for PSUs/memory nothing but OCZ except for much much cheaper PSUs used for trivial things.

ATM corsair here is a bit more expensive for marginal performance difference.

Most of my machines are built with OCZ Value ram. More enthusiastic users that order a machine usually are willing to pay no more then for the GOLD eddition of the OCZ memory.

Judas,are U saying Corsair has a small edge on performance at presant?......If so,then thats what I will buy.Who gives a crap about paying 10% more for any componant if it's faster?

Dyre Straits · Jul 13, 2006, 07:50 PM

Fry's has some excellent deals on RAM each week. I just wish their store wasn't such a trip for me to make.

HawgsHead · Jul 13, 2006, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

Fry's has some excellent deals on RAM each week. I just wish their store wasn't such a trip for me to make.

GEEZ Dyre,I think the nearest Fry's is 2000 miles from me....Be thankfu!I live in a town of 75000 peeps.And there is NO WHERE to but ANY type of parts.The nearest Best Buy is 75 miles away.We have 2 small town computer jockeys that have NO IDEA what an AMD FX proc. is."Hmmmmmmmmmmm......Never herd of that one"

H3X4D3C1M4L · Jul 13, 2006, 08:48 PM

I love my OCZ ram. You cannot beat this stuff.... seriously.

Judas · Jul 13, 2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HawgsHead

Judas,are U saying Corsair has a small edge on performance at presant?......If so,then thats what I will buy.Who gives a crap about paying 10% more for any componant if it's faster?

no i'm not saying one way or another. Corsair and OCZ and some other manufacturers will always have a lead on each other. Who has the latest products out at the time and who can push it first to the end user.

Depending on what dollar value your willing to spend, look up a few TOP end benchmarks on recent ram modules lately and find out which is indeed the fastest and buy it.

Don't base it off one review though, look through many.

I'm sticking with OCZ due to reliability and overall excellent top end performance.

My problem is for a simple example using just rough numbers. If corsair vs OCZ:

2gb OCZ with 4-4-4-9 @ 1066 DDR2 for 750 bucks
vs
2gb Corsair with 4-4-4-9 A 1066 DDR2 for 800 bucks

and the end result is corsair having @ best a 2% MAYBE performance difference, or a 1% overclocking difference, that 50 bucks would not be worth it at all to me.

But if money value isn't a concern, sure i'd get the better of the 2.

HawgsHead · Jul 13, 2006, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

no i'm not saying one way or another. Corsair and OCZ and some other manufacturers will always have a lead on each other. Who has the latest products out at the time and who can push it first to the end user.

Depending on what dollar value your willing to spend, look up a few TOP end benchmarks on recent ram modules lately and find out which is indeed the fastest and buy it.

Don't base it off one review though, look through many.

I'm sticking with OCZ due to reliability and overall excellent top end performance.

My problem is for a simple example using just rough numbers. If corsair vs OCZ:

2gb OCZ with 4-4-4-9 @ 1066 DDR2 for 750 bucks
vs
2gb Corsair with 4-4-4-9 A 1066 DDR2 for 800 bucks

and the end result is corsair having @ best a 2% MAYBE performance difference, or a 1% overclocking difference, that 50 bucks would not be worth it at all to me.

But if money value isn't a concern, sure i'd get the better of the 2.

Please dont get me wrong!$$$ is a concern.I'm nowhere's near rich....Another question....I see the prices youre quoting....$750.00-$800.00....The RAM i'm looking at is Corsair DDR2{XMS}-2-1MB gigs-PC2-8500 for $453.00....Seems kinda cheep???????I dont even see any RAM on Newegg's site for that much $$$$...???????

Judas · Jul 13, 2006, 11:03 PM

i was using those dollar values as just something... they were not real life values... they were just a comparison.

HawgsHead · Jul 14, 2006, 12:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Judas

i was using those dollar values as just something... they were not real life values... they were just a comparison.

Oh!I see...thanks!U kinda shook me up there.....I'm gona go with OCZ.I checked them both out and OCZ's latency's are a tad better than Corsair's are.The OCZ is a bit more expensive though.Thanks so much for all the help guys!!!!!Next....hard drives!....decisions,decisions,decisions.......... ...................................

Dyre Straits · Jul 14, 2006, 08:12 AM

Well, my Corsair TwinX XMS C2 Dual Channel (2x512) was a total of $130 just a year ago. I've seen it for less lately --- also at Fry's. I don't think I'll ever buy another Kingston as long as I have any control over it.

BUT, I can see myself going with OCZ after reading this thread. Just not if I want to upgrade to 2 GB Dual Channel on my present system.

Neshi · Jul 16, 2006, 01:52 PM

I really dont know what to buy....
I'm looking for some good ram, 2GB.
What i understand is that lower latencies is better.
im finding:
Outpost.

- OCZ 2GB PC3200 (400MHz) DDR Dual Channel (2x1gb) Platinum Edition CL 2-3-2-5 $170

400MHz DDR
CL 2-3-2-5
(CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Unbuffered
Mirrored Platinum Copper Heatspreader
Lifetime Warranty
2.6 Volts
184 Pin DIMM
Special Features
Enhanced Latency Technology
2.8V EVP
OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K

- Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, DDR 2GB(1GB x 2) , SPEED 400MHz, TWINX2048-3200C2 CL 3-3-3-8 $185

Manufacturer: Corsair
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 3-3-3-8
Support Voltage: 2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 128Mx64 -Bit
Warranty: Lifetime

- Corsair 2GB PC3200 400MHz 2-128x64 XMS Dual-Channel DDR 184-Pin, Model #TWINX2048-3200PT 200 MHz at CL 3-4-4-8 $170

ZipZoomFly

- Mushkin 991434 2GB Kit DDR400 HP3200 High Performance Memory w/Heat Spreader $205

Retail
2GB (2x1GB)
Latency: 2-3-2
Frequency: 400MHz
Parity: Unbuffered
Voltage: 2.6V-2.8V
Module Density: 128Mx64
Chip Density: 64Mx8
Pins: 184
Package: 6 Layer PCB
Heat Spreader: Yes (color may vary)

- OCZ OCZP4002GK 2GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Platinum XTC Edition Dual Channel Memory Retail CL 2-3-2-5 $197

Retail
400MHz DDR
CL 2-3-2-5 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
2GB (2x1024) Dual Channel Optimized Kit
Unbuffered
Mirrored Platinum XTC Heatspreader*
2.7 Volts
184 Pin DIMM
Enhanced Latency Technology
ULN2**
3.0V EVP***

OCZ OCZ4002048ELGEGXT-K 2GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Gold Gamer eXtreme XTC Edition Dual Channel Memory CL 2-3-3-8 $202

Retail
2GB (2x1024)
400MHz DDR
CL 2-3-3-8 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Unbuffered
Gold Layered XTC Heatspreader*
2.8 Volts
184 Pin DIMM

Which would you recomend? with all that choice i dont know whats better anymore..

Dyre Straits · Jul 16, 2006, 06:54 PM

That first one looks good to me. I'd advise, though, if they don't come with the heat spreaders, to go ahead and get some separately.

Jul 12, 2006, 01:50 AM	#1
HawgsHead Rest In Peace Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Danville Virginia.The United States of America"In the God of Abraham,Isaac and Jacob We Trust" Posts: 2,012 Rep Power: 0	RAM question.... Would U guys rather have DDR2@8500 w/lat.5.5.5.15 or DDR2@6400 w/ lat.3.4.3.9?....Thanks! __________________ Rig specs to the left in the boxes....X-Box 360 w/Hitachi 42" HDTV....If Darwins theory of evolution is true then why are monkeys still monkeys?It takes much more faith to believe in Darwin's theory over the Genesis account of creation.

Jul 13, 2006, 12:01 AM	#8
Flexkill DriverHeaven Addict Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Nashville, TN. Music City USA Posts: 285 Rep Power: 0	OCZ is the best...and there CS is second to none!!!! You cant go wrong with OCZ. Even more so if your are an AMD guy....you can really let that ram stretch it's legs!!! __________________

Jul 13, 2006, 03:42 AM	#10
Tobey DriverHeaven Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 598 Rep Power: 0	Ok I don't want t hijack the thread but I do want to ask some questions without starting a new one... Sorry for asking I am just curious as to what you guys are talking about(I like to know about the hardware of PCs) What is OCZ? And what is the difference between these chips? I know the timings are different I just don't know what that means... I'm going to take a stab at it and say that faster timings means how quickly the PC is allowed to access the memory? Faster timings = lower bandwidth and slower timings = greater bandwidth? So for FPSs and games that require to access the RAM a lot faster timings is nice and for things such as photoshop that usually access RAM every once and a while but require a lot of memory to be accessed larger timings are better? I'll just Google it I guess. __________________ [COLOR=Red][COLOR=Black][/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]Thanks Guyver2k5 for the sig![/COLOR][/COLOR] [COLOR=Red]•[/COLOR][COLOR=Black]Windows XP Professional[/COLOR][COLOR=Red]•[/COLOR] [COLOR=Black]1024MB ram[/COLOR][COLOR=Red]•[/COLOR][COLOR=Red] •[/COLOR][COLOR=Black]P4-2.8GHZ[/COLOR][COLOR=Red]•[/COLOR][COLOR=Black]Radeon X1600 PRO 512MB[/COLOR][COLOR=Red]• [/COLOR]

Jul 16, 2006, 01:52 PM	#21
Neshi S.N.A.F.U. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Wellington, NZ Posts: 3,377 Rep Power: 177 System Specs	I really dont know what to buy.... I'm looking for some good ram, 2GB. What i understand is that lower latencies is better. im finding: Outpost. - OCZ 2GB PC3200 (400MHz) DDR Dual Channel (2x1gb) Platinum Edition CL 2-3-2-5 $170 400MHz DDR CL 2-3-2-5 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) Unbuffered Mirrored Platinum Copper Heatspreader Lifetime Warranty 2.6 Volts 184 Pin DIMM Special Features Enhanced Latency Technology 2.8V EVP OCZ4002048ELDCPE-K - Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, DDR 2GB(1GB x 2) , SPEED 400MHz, TWINX2048-3200C2 CL 3-3-3-8 $185 Manufacturer: Corsair Speed: DDR400(PC3200) Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM Error Checking: Non-ECC Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered Cas Latency: 3-3-3-8 Support Voltage: 2.6V Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s Organization: two 128Mx64 -Bit Warranty: Lifetime - Corsair 2GB PC3200 400MHz 2-128x64 XMS Dual-Channel DDR 184-Pin, Model #TWINX2048-3200PT 200 MHz at CL 3-4-4-8 $170 ZipZoomFly - Mushkin 991434 2GB Kit DDR400 HP3200 High Performance Memory w/Heat Spreader $205 Retail 2GB (2x1GB) Latency: 2-3-2 Frequency: 400MHz Parity: Unbuffered Voltage: 2.6V-2.8V Module Density: 128Mx64 Chip Density: 64Mx8 Pins: 184 Package: 6 Layer PCB Heat Spreader: Yes (color may vary) - OCZ OCZP4002GK 2GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Platinum XTC Edition Dual Channel Memory Retail CL 2-3-2-5 $197 Retail 400MHz DDR CL 2-3-2-5 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) 2GB (2x1024) Dual Channel Optimized Kit Unbuffered Mirrored Platinum XTC Heatspreader* 2.7 Volts 184 Pin DIMM Enhanced Latency Technology ULN2 3.0V EVP* OCZ OCZ4002048ELGEGXT-K 2GB Kit DDR400 PC3200 Gold Gamer eXtreme XTC Edition Dual Channel Memory CL 2-3-3-8 $202 Retail 2GB (2x1024) 400MHz DDR CL 2-3-3-8 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS) Unbuffered Gold Layered XTC Heatspreader* 2.8 Volts 184 Pin DIMM Which would you recomend? with all that choice i dont know whats better anymore.. __________________ If one does not attach himself to people and desire, never shall his heart be broken. But then, does he ever truly live? Life is just too damn short for if's and maybe's

Jul 12, 2006, 06:18 PM	#2
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	For an AM2 system I'd take the DDR2@6400 w/ lat.3.4.3.9 For Intel the DDR2@8500 w/lat.5.5.5.15 Intel just likes memory bandwidth. AM2 is more efficient with tight latencies so it makes it more or less even

Jul 12, 2006, 07:13 PM	#4
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	Well these days memory banmdwidth isn't really the limit anymore...its proc power. I'd personally go for the PC2-6400 because its lower latency. The crux of DDR2 these days is the high latencies so if you can get it to run at 3-4-3-9 at 200Mhz then go for it. The extra bandwidth won't make that much a difference, over PC2-6400 is just wasted bandwidth

Jul 13, 2006, 08:48 PM	#15
H3X4D3C1M4L DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 6,794 Rep Power: 0	I love my OCZ ram. You cannot beat this stuff.... seriously.