$150, what memory will u get for P4c ?

[thesix]

I am going to upgrade my Duron 800 PC.

What I do with it:

+ Video editing/rendering ( DV -> MPEG2 etc. )
+ Mediocre photo editing with PhotoshopE
+ Large text file processing ( grep/sed/awk on GB-sized files )
+ Coding

Note: I don't plan to overclock my PC.

OS: W2K + Linux

What I already have:

Cases(w/420W PS), disks, CD/DVD drivers/burners, 9500 Pro, etc.

What I need to buy:

865PE MB
One of those 800FSB CPUs, fan/cooler
Memory

One thing I can't decide is what type/brand of memory I should get.

According to this guide:
ftp://download.intel.com/design/chipsets/applnots/25303601.pdf

The best-performing setup is:
DDR Speed: 400MB
DIMMS: 2
Ranks Per DIMM: 2 (double-sided)
Mode: Dynamic
Dual Channel

However, the price difference between different speed (400/333/266)
or different brand/type for the same speed is quite large.
I'm quite a bit lost here.

I know for sure I want dual-channel and at least 512MB setup.
If the budget is $150 for memory, what will you get and why ?
(please specify the brand and model)
And shall I pay attention to the 'Latency (CL-tRCD-tRP)' ?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DaveSimmons]

Note: I don't plan to overclock my PC. Then 2 sticks of the cheapest name-brand / warrantied DDR400.

(ed) and check the motherboard manufacturer website to see which brands (if any) they have validated.

For the 865 & 875 you're wasting the motherboard if you don't get 2 sticks of DDR. For the differences between a 533 P4 (with 2 x DDR 333) and 800 FSB with 2 x DDR 400 look at the benchmarks in the 865 & 875 reviews on the main Anandtech site (as well as Toms).

 

[Corporate Thug]

you may want to get 2 X 512 sticks of GeiL pc3200 for $69 a stick at newegg, that way, you get a good price and stick keep the option open if you want to OC sometime in the future

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I'd get the OCZ ram HERE

Those are the 256mb sticks, the 512mb sticks someone mentioned earlier, are HERE, which are the GeIL brand. Since you don't overclock, any will do just make sure to get 2 of each.

Also, when you get that "C" cpu, make sure to have Hyper Threading enabled since in video editing you'll notice a larger jump in speed.

 

[thesix]

I don't know why I don't want to risk overclocking anymore, maybe I'm getting older ?
Believe it or not, my Celeron 300A overclocked at 450MHz is still being used by my younger brother.
At least 7 years now I think !!!

Thanks for your advice.
First, for media encoding, the difference between 533/DDR333 and 800/DDR400 is rather small, which is as expected.
However, if I can get a decent dual-channel DDR400 setup for under $150, I will go for it.
I just don't have any experience with 'GeIL', supposedly it's good, if it's recommended by you guys in ATF

 

[thesix]

Hmm, Mushkin has weekend sale CL2 512MB PC3200 for $85. Good deal ? ( I always end up spending more than the budget anyway.)
I hear people asking me: why do u get Mushin and P4-c if you don't overclock ? --- Did I say I won't overclock ?

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I'd reccomend not overclocking unless you really need that extra speed or you just like to overclock. Please don't flame me for this, but its the truth. Either you do it for more speed or you just like to overclock.

 

[thesix]

AgaBooga,

No one should flame you for an sincere advice.

I was just trying to justify spending $170 on 1GB high quality memory.
Since I am upgrading from 800MHz CPU to 2.4G+, I will be more than satisfied with perf improvement any way, no need for overclocking.

Thanks.

 

[thesix]

The one on sale is Mushkin's Blue line, Rated 2.5-4-4, --- is this a good value for $85 ?
How does it compare to GeIL at $69 ?

 

[DaveSimmons]

Iif not overclocking, why not buy the cheaper memory plus a 2.6C ($243 at newegg) instead of the premium sticks and a 2.4C?

 

[Murr]

Originally posted by: AgaBooga
I'd get the OCZ ram [L=HERE]

Also, when you get that "C" cpu, make sure to have Hyper Threading enabled since in video editing you'll notice a larger jump in speed.

How do you enable Hyper Threading? I assumed it was automatic....

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: thesix
The one on sale is Mushkin's Blue line, Rated 2.5-4-4, --- is this a good value for $85 ?
How does it compare to GeIL at $69 ?

the Mushkin will prolly OC a little better but if you arent gonna OC, the GeIL is your best bet. also, dont forget the GeIL is a decent OCer if you want to OC sometime in the future