8Gig of DDR2 versus 4Gig of DDR3 system memory ?

[J421]

I may be showing my lack of recent exposure, I used to build computer systems, but the motherboard I am about to acquire, the GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R, seems to accept Either 8GigS of DDR2 or 4Gigs of DDR3 system memory ? but not both types, in the MB, at the same time.
In reviewing the Wikipedia data, the difference between DDR 2 and DDR 3 seems to be electrical usage and speed of throughput in supplying the data.
My take on it is that 8 gigs of DDR2 would be better than 4 gigs of DDR 3. I do use Photoshop and do particularly do music sequencing.

Perhaps it is an easy decision, given that I do not have great need for speed with system ram, but it seems worth it to check with the recent techies.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

The difference is very small... Go for ddr2.

 

[Denithor]

DDR3 runs faster clockspeed but that typically gives a 1-3% boost to apps in the real world. More DDR2 will actually make your stuff run faster if you do anything memory intensive (Photoshop definitely qualifies here) because it will prevent the system from having to use virtual memory (accessing the hard drive instead of available RAM) which is much much slower than "real" memory.

Using less DDR3 is like hooking a garden hose up to a fire hydrant. Yeah, the water comes through fast as hell but you won't get nearly as much through as you would with a wider firehose.

And why that board specifically? There are many better boards available these days (such as the favorite overclocker board, the Gigabyte EP45-UD3P for $116AR).

 

[taltamir]

more DDR2 will annihilate the "speed boost" of DDR3. as denithor said DDR3 will give a 1-3% boost to everything. but having double the ram will give a zero to triple digit percent speed boost depending on the apps you run. Running out of ram causes your system to grind to a screeching halt.

 

[FreshWaterFish]

Originally posted by: J421
and do particularly do music sequencing.

Look here

 

[J421]

Denithor and FreshWaterFish, those are very helpful references. I had considered that I wanted a MB that had been around for a while so that it could go through the several revisions that are often necessary. Plus I have need for original PCI slots. This GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3P seems to have 2 rather than the 3 on the GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R.

I would not have assumed that the GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R would be of concern regarding latency and music sequencing ! ? I would hope that the GA-EP45-UD3P would not have these concerns or problems.

I don't focus on Over clocking, but you seem to have lead me to a superior board and I am appreicative. If you have a URL or recommendation for a decent but not over price cutting edge CPU for this board, that would be appreciated also.
In any event, I will await further response and update. Thanks,

 

[Davegod]

bear in mind you're probably not going to be able to use DDR2 on your next build. Obviously to some people that's more/less relevant (and true...) than others. OTOH I suppose DDR3 will be cheaper then anyway, and DDR2 is very cheap indeed right now...

 

[J421]

Thanks, Davegod. Actually, my next build will be a sufficient time from now, that there will be a number of things that have changed. And a rebuild, as I am doing now, will be in order.
The more I read about the GA-EP45-UD3P board, the more impressed I am and I am going to get it. The older GIGABYTE GA-P35C-DS3R has the capacity for using either DDR2 or DDR 3, where as the newer, and apparently better GA-EP45-UD3P board only accepts DDR2. Go figure.
Thanks.

 

[Yellowbeard]

IMO, good idea on revising your MOBO choice. The boards I have seen that support both DDR2 and DDR3 on the same board have memory related issues quite frequently. Running 4 modules or 8GB would likely be problematic and slow.

 

[J421]

Yellowbeard,
Thank you. I did not know the data that you have provided regarding boards that support two memory types or speeds. Wow. I am also new to learn that running 4 modules or 8GB would likely be problematic and slow. I had thought that 16 gig, for example, was quite workable, with no problems, and quite preferable - on the basis of previous concepts of more ram is always better. The 4 gig system memory usage limit in Windows is perhaps the most that can be used comfortably and workably ?

 

[Yellowbeard]

It's actually the number of modules (2 modules vs 4 modules) that I was referring to and not specifically the amount of memory. On the boards that handle only DDR2 or only DDR3, running 4 modules is relatively easy. You simply need to tweak the memory controller voltage in most cases if it is not stable at the stock settings. However, the DDR2 + DDR3 boards are harder to tune and don't seem to handle 4 modules or higher memory speeds as well as the DDR2 only or DDR3 only boards.

 

[J421]

Yellowbeard, Whoa, Corsair specialist. Thanks. That goes a way to my illumination regarding your knowledge and experience. I will shortly get the GA-EP45-UD3P MB and use only DDR2 memory.

If you would be so kind, and I was about to post this next final posting, namely the good middle ground CPU for this board. With the previous CPU I had a site with a combo Mobo. However it would seem to make sense to get this one with the two pieces, no combo site has been found.

It is possible that this MB will be well served with a Quad core CPU. Or there is the factor of perhaps a Dual core will be more stable and dependable.

The jump in MB and CPU speed (and memory) for me is sufficiently significant that I do not need over clocking considerations (I used to do that years ago with almost immeasurably slower cpus). I just want stability, tried and true, and minimal adventure (I have plenty in other areas of life). Looking at this GA-EP45-UD3P MB, do you see an Intel CPU preference in terms of Quad or Dual and the speed that would be amply below the cutting edge over-priced realm. In other words low enough on the CPU ratings realm to not be over priced, but just a few bucks above the low priced CPU.

BTW, I am happy, in your honor, to buy Corsair memory directly from the Corsair site. Same concept of what works fine for my purposes, and no need for cutting edge ram speed. But if the mid range ram costs only a touch more than the lowest, it is good for me.

J.

 

[Denithor]

Best chips for your setup (all prices from newegg.com).

e8400 (dual, 3GHz, 6MB cache) $165
q9400 (quad, 2.66GHz, 6MB cache) $270
q9550 (quad, 2.83GHz, 12MB cache) $320

 

[J421]

Thanks, It looks like the GA-EP45-UD3P MB with either e8400 or q9400 and the EVGA 01G-P3-N945-LR GeForce 9400 GT 1GB DDR2 PCI-E 2.0 Graphics Card.
And 4 gigs of DDR 2 ram. (2x2)
Any preferences as to most practical speed of the ram and any good sources or deals ?
Thanks,
J

 

[Deadtrees]

I'm using DS3R with Q6600 @ 400mhz x 8 = 3.2 Ghz and DDR2 2x2gb + 1x2gb (4-4-4-12) setup.
Setting it up was just easy: I didn't need to up the NB/SB voltage or anything. All it required was 1.9v of DRAM voltage though the memory spec. states that I need 2.0~2.1v.

 

[J421]

Thanks, Deadtrees. I have to confess that I don't quite follow everything that you wrote, but I appreciate it.
I get the impression that my last posting would pass muster with most that view this forum. We will see.