Confused on choosing RAM

[Justin137]

Hello, I just ordered a new 64bit 3000+ 939pin & msi neo2 ultra and had some questions on memory. I plan on overclocking, infact, anandtech's article is the one that persuaded me to choose this setup. I don't plan on going the full 290 fsb (unless I can obtain it easily with my zalman hsf), but looking around the 275 area. Here is where I am stuck.

I have a few options for my 1gb dual-channel setup..

1) I can buy top of the line pc3200 memory and overclock it to a 1:1 ratio & slow down the timings.
2) I can buy medium pc3200 (cas 2.5/3/3/8, etc ) and hardly overclock it and set it to a ratio (4:5, 3:4, etc)
3) I can buy pc3700 and overclock it to a 1:1 or leave it at a lower ratio.
4) I can forget overclocking and just buy ddr550 or something.

This is mainly a gaming computer.. so does the 1:1 ratio really affect performance? Here is an article I read and learned a lot from. http://www.cluboverclocker.com...air/xms3200LLPRO/2.htm
So my question is, which route would you take for the best 'price to performace'?

Thank you,
Justin

 

[DoobieOnline]

If you're leaning towards the new fast (and highly OC'able) PC3200, here's a great AT article for you - RAM and A64. I think Wesley even uses the same motherboard as yours in the review.

It really depends on your budget as to which way you should go. If you have $250, get a gig of PQI Turbo PC3200 2-2-2-5 from Newegg. It uses Samsung TCCD and those chips are some of the best out right now.

If you don't want to spend that much, get a gig of Corsair Value RAM CAS 2.5 for around $150. You can get decent timing out of it running at 200MHz. The difference between running 200MHz with tight timing vs running 250MHz+ with relaxed timing is usually not that great in real-world apps. You may get a few extra frames per second in games, but you have to decide if that's worth $100 to you. Good luck!

Doobie

 

[Justin137]

Thanks a lot for your help! So in real world applications & to save money, it is recommended that I choose medium grade memory and use a ratio?

 

[Concillian]

Yes, running RAM = HTT speed will only net you a 2-5% over PC3200 speeds with decent latency given the same processor speeds. Given that, you have to determine if that is worth the extra $$$ for you between regular CAS 2.5 basic/value PC3200 and something like the TCCD Samsung that will run most speeds 1:1. It seems like there is very little reason to choose anything else at this point.

~275 is a tough spot though. You have to choose between ~225 MHz RAM speed and ~184MHz ram speed with a divider. The value RAM is not likely to quite make it to 225 MHz, and 184 MHz is a big drop down.

This is when you need a S939 board with the dividers like a DFI Lanparty S754 board. With the 3:4 RAM divider that would allow ~206 MHz RAM frequency, which most PC3200 will be able to achieve without issue.