Adding RAM

[Dougmeister]

I have this motherboard:

Gigabyte GA-MA78GM-S2H (not sure about the rev.#...)

and this RAM:

PNY XLR8 2GB (2x1GB) Dual Channel Kit DDR2 1066 MHz PC2-8500

1) Is this the right RAM to add to my system?

Kingston HyperX T1 Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model KHX8500D2T1K2/4G

2) Is that a pretty good "bang for the buck"? $52.99 after $20 rebate?

Thanks.

 

[dma0991]

That RAM should work but do check for CPU heatsink clearance as the RAM has a pretty tall heatsink.

 

[Blain]

For DDR2 memory, stick with 1.8-1.9v rated memory.

 

[Dougmeister]

For DDR2 memory, stick with 1.8-1.9v rated memory.

Thanks, but why?

The RAM I linked is rated at 2.2V. Why is that worse?

 

[Blain]

The JEDEC DDR2 voltage standard is 1.8v
PNY and Kingston are both members of JEDEC.

 

[Dougmeister]

But why is 1.8v better than 2.2v? It uses less power, doesn't get as hot...?

 

[Blain]

Long story short...
1.8v is the standard.
Memory modules that need more voltage to maintain stability are of lesser quality.

Lower quality memory = "Help me" threads

 

[Dougmeister]

LOL. Now I get it. Thanks.

If I want to keep an eye out for deals @ NewEgg, what criteria should I use?

DDR2 (obviously)
1.8v
anything else?

Should they "match" my existing RAM at all?

>Runs at 1066 MHz CL5 with 5-5-5-15 timings at 2.2 volts

(I guess I bought some 'cheap' RAM the first time around!)