Best memory for A8N-SLI

[scumbies]

Ok guys, I am struggling to choose memory for my new build.
What is the absolute best memory I can get for an Athlon 64 FX-55 on an A8N-SLI Deluxe?

I know I am limited to DDR 400 (PC3200) but I have no idea about the latency thing....can this mobo support so called aggressively low latencies (like 2-2-2-5)? Does my question even make sense?

My current guess is to go for:
Corsair 1GB DDR XMS3200C2PT TwinX (2x512MB) CAS2 (MY-030-CS)

Could I do better?

Price is not a major factor - I want this system to rock!

 

[ts3433]

I'll copy another post of mine...

Overclocking and going to run 1:1? Get cheap stuff that uses TCCD (Patriot/PDP CL2 PC3200, G.skill PC4400, OCZ Platinum Rev. 2 if you want to spend a little more).
Not overclocking? Since timings (except for possibly 1T/2T command rate) mean absolutely nothing, especially on an A64, pick up some cheap, quality value RAM. Stuff like Corsair Value is often good till 215 or 220 anyway, so if it's a lighter RAM overclock like that, consider this kind of stuff.

 

[joelslaw]

not to hijak your thread, but ts3433 why did you say timings mean nothing? That intrests me greatly. Can you explain, or at least post a link to a place I can read something that would explain?

 

[scumbies]

Okay, I'm going to be honest and admit I didn't understand half of what you just said. (So assume I'm not looking for the "overclocking option" ).

People have recommended loads of different types of memory to me...and yet the Asus Memory Qualified Vendors List is really short. What does it mean to be on the QVL?

I suppose what I want to know is, if you are buying memory for this board what are the criteria?
I know DDR 400 (PC3200) is one criterion. But what of the latency? Are the CAS latency figures important, or is that just something you pay more for but doesn't affect compatibility?

 

[joelslaw]

no effect on compatability, just on speed. A lot of times mobo makers fail to update thier QVL's. I've found the best way to find out if it compatable is to e-mail the ram company, be sure to be specific.

 

[ts3433]

The Athlon 64 has an on-chip memory controller that further diminishes the already minimal effect of low timings. CL2.5 value RAM is fine. The difference, as shown by some benchies, was usually around 2.5%, which doesn't justify the increase in price, at least in my book.

Here are the benchmarks (linked to here at AnandTech) I'm going off of--the results seem about in line with what else I've heard around here, though because of cost factors I don't agree with their conclusion from the results.

 

[Keyser0804]

Search for tccd memory. Seems like these are the best ddr right now that are widely available.

 

[Keyser0804]

Search for tccd memory. Seems like these are the best ddr right now that are widely available.

 

[r00tcause]

Originally posted by: scumbies
Ok guys, I am struggling to choose memory for my new build.
What is the absolute best memory I can get for an Athlon 64 FX-55 on an A8N-SLI Deluxe?

I know I am limited to DDR 400 (PC3200) but I have no idea about the latency thing....can this mobo support so called aggressively low latencies (like 2-2-2-5)? Does my question even make sense?

My current guess is to go for:
Corsair 1GB DDR XMS3200C2PT TwinX (2x512MB) CAS2 (MY-030-CS)

Could I do better?

Price is not a major factor - I want this system to rock!

My weapon of choice:

OCZ 3200 Platinum Rev. 2

2-2-2-5 timing at 200x2FSB

Overclockable to 290x2FSB with looser timings at 1T command rate

 

[FastEddie]

Using Corsair XMS PC3500 C2 4x256mb. This memory is the whip as it'll do 433Mhz @ cas L 2. Have mine set up 2-3-3-10 1T.

 

[scumbies]

Thanks for all the advice.
I have ended up ordering Corsair Twinx1024-3200XL. According to RAM GUY (Corsair Product Guru) this memory "would have the best performance and give more options if you plan on over clocking".
Hope this helps some else.