Computer Upgrade

[Alaa]

I am building a gaming machine. Budget 500-700$. I don't know which RAM should I choose!!


CPU:
Intel C2D E6550

Motherboard:
Abit IP35-E

GPU:
eVGA GeForce 8800GTS 320 (I wish I could wait for the GT )

Memory: [Undecided. Which one?]
OCZ Reaper HPC 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 - OCZ2RPR8002GK - 63$
Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 - NE2KIT12864AL804 - 64$
CORSAIR XMS2 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR2 800 - TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - 62$


Would like to have some opinions because I might get this in a week. Thanks

 

[QueBert]

I personally don't like OCZ memory, Crucial is great, Corsair XMS stuff is fantastic. I just got 2 x 1gb of crucial off the Egg today, popped it in my system and got it running 4-4-4-12 seems good to me. I am too lazy to look up the model #'s you posted, but I would say you couldn't go wrong with either the Crucial or Corsair. A lot of people would say the OCZ is also good though.

You didn't mention if you plan to OC at all, that can make a difference. As for your video card I feel you I bought a 8600 today wanted to wait for the 8800gt, but you're getting the EVGA so you can always step-up to the 8800gt I know I'll be doing that around xmas

 

[Blain]

I would, and did, buy the Corsair XMS2 DHX.
Many manufacturers ratchet up the voltage on so called "premium" memory to get it to run stable.
My view is that... The closer the memory is rated to default voltage (DDR2 @ 1.8v), the higher quality it is.


* OCZ OCZ2RPR8002GK - 2.1v = :thumbsdown::frown:
* Crucial NE2KIT12864AL804 - 2.2v = :thumbsdown::frown:
* Corsiar TWIN2X2048-6400C4 - 2.1v = :thumbsdown::frown:
* Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C5DHX - 1.8v = :thumbsup::laugh:

 

[Alaa]

I will get the Crucial one then as I don't see any problem with voltage.

@QueBert:
I might try a small overclock but I am not sure about that. What difference will it make anyway? This build will go to Egypt so I don't think there will be a step up or anything, unless I am lucky.

Edit: Blain, what about the timings?

 

[Blain]

Timing mean almost nothing these days.
Back in the old PC-133 days, maybe... but not today. :roll:

 

[Alaa]

What's the problem with the additional 0.4v in the Crucial RAM?

 

[Roguestar]

It means that it is being pushed harder just to run at the settings it is being sold at. If it can run at DDR2-800 speeds on a lower voltage it means, generally, it's a more efficient chip and will likely have more headroom than the others.

 

[Old Hippie]

If it can run at DDR2-800 speeds on a lower voltage it means, generally, it's a more efficient chip and will likely have more headroom than the others.

Soo, how many DDR2-800 rated sticks are to be found that claim to run on 1.8V?

 

[Alaa]

I found the following on newegg:

G.SKILL F2-6400CL5D-2GBNQ 1.8V-2.0V

CORSAIR TWIN2X2048-6400 1.9V

Just trying to find the best fit. Otherwise, I will probably go with the Corsair TWIN2X2048-6400C5DHX if that's considered the best option.

 

[Blain]

I love my DHX. :laugh: Back when I bought mine, memory prices were higher.