Advice needed for memory/hsf choice on an A64 Rig

[Robotsimp]

So here's the setup so far mainly going to be used for a Gaming Rig:

Processor: AMD 64 3200+ Newcastle
MotherBoard: ASUS K8V SE
Case: Antec P160
PSU: Fortron 550W EPS12V
HD1: 1 WD Raptor 36GB
HD2: 1 WD 60 GB ATA 133
Video Card: PNY Verto 6800 GT 256MB
Sound Card: Sound Blaster Audigy2 ZS
1 GB Memory (2 X 512) ???
HSF ???

I am sticking with the Asus Mobo for the moment, but plan on switching to a Nforce 3 250GB board soon . So pretty much 2 current decisions left the HSF and the Memory.

I plan on doing some mild OCing when I get the Nforce 3 mobo but not extreme.

For the memory, Id like to stay in the under 300 dollar range (actually the lower the price better) , and Ive narrowed it down to these:


Corsair XMS Extreme Memory Speed Series, (Twin Pack) 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - Retail

Cas Latency: 2-3-3-6 T1

$233 for 1 GB


OCZ Enhanced Latency Series 184 Pin 512MB PC-3200 Platinum Edition - Retail

Cas Latency: 2-3-2-5 1T

$230 for 1 GB


Mushkin 184 Pin 1GB(512MBx2) DDR PC-3500 Level One Dual Pack - Retail

Cas Latency: 2-3-3

$280 for 1 GB


Any input on a clear winner out of these 3? If not any other better suggestions for different sticks?


The HSF is of course between Zalman CNPS7000A-AlCu and the Thermalright SLK948U

Thanks for any input, and any suggestions to make the above better are also appreciated!

 

[Illissius]

Get PC3200 value RAM for $160. The difference in performance will be 1-2% at best (outside of Sandra) and it's not worth the money. As for the HSF, I'm partial to the Zalman myself but either is fine. Why not the -Cu version, though? I mean, the TR is 100% copper as well, so the weight apparently isn't an issue...

 

[Robotsimp]

Thanks for the advice on the HSF, didnt realize there was a difference in the model numbers, and pure copper is definitely the way to go

As for value ram, something like this?

Corsair Value Select (Dual Pack) 184 Pin 1G(512MBx2) DDR PC-3200 - OEM

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-440&depa=1

 

[Illissius]

Yeah, like that. Or you could get Crucial or Mushkin for $20-25 cheaper. (being in a dual pack is irrelevant, seeing as s754 is single channel)

 

[imported_nitrus]

i would also get the value ram. i have to special edition mushkin 2-2-2's and they arent too noticable. my heatsink is a hyper 6 from coolermaster and im getting 41 degrees with prime95 on for at least an hour. its not too loud.

hyper 6

 

[nycxandy]

Or you can wait for the new Thermalright XP 120.

 

[nick1985]

just get a gig of mushkin basic 3200.

as for the HSF, i recommend a TT silentboost.

 

[JBT]

You can get that gig of Corsair Value RAM select from ZipzoomFly for 4 dollars less and free 2day shipping.

 

[footbal07]

for the ram i doubt u can go wrong with any of those three. i went with the ocz since ive had good luck with them so far and at 115 for 512mb pc3200 el platinum on newegg is a pretty decent deal. ive heard good things about both the zalman and the thermalright. i originally ordered the cnps7000a-cu but they didnt have it instock or something so i went with the alcu and i dont have any complaints. its also lighter then then the all copper version i believe.