DDR2-533 vs. 667 vs. 800 memory and 680i mobo

[ghoti]

I am about to put together a new machine. I have already decided on an E6600 processor.

I have a friend who advises that since DDR3 memory will be on the scene in only a year or less, it's a waste of money to go for EXPENSIVE DDR2-800, and that the difference in performance between DDR2-533 and DDR2-800 is only ~5%, while there's a BIG difference in price (I was going to go for 4GB). I was considering a 'compromise' with DDR2-800 CL3 (as opposed to DDR2-533 CL4), but am undecided whether this is also a waste of money. How much of a difference would it really make?

Similarly, I was thinking about a 680i motherboard which would support SLI. but from what I read, they all may have (according to many contributors to this forum) problems. I think I've about concluded that it makes most sense to go with a P5B or P5B deluxe, and run a single 8800GTX. By the time I'd want to get another 8800GTX to run SLI, perhaps I'd want to go to an upgraded processor and/ or memory, as well, and would want a new mobo? Maybe I'd even want a different video card by that time.

What do you think? I appriecate your input.

 

[Preti9cboi]

I'm sure DDR3 will be expensive!!!!!! =[

 

[shroud72]

I was in the same situation myself trying to think what I wanted to do and how much I wanted to spend.
The 965 chipset supports the DDR2 800 so if you put anything less in it you won't be getting the full value of the board. If your not getting the full value of the board, then why not get an E6300 CPU? Do you see where I am getting at?
The difference between premium memory and average memory will depend on if you plan to overclock the E6600 CPU. If you have no intentions whatsoever of overclocking then you can buy standard ram, however since the videocard
that you mentioned 8800GTX is limited by the CPU, I.E. the GPU has to wait for the CPU, you might as well consider overclocking the E6600 to get the most out of your investment.
So yes, memory does make a huge difference, but it depends on how you will be using your computer. If you leave it at stock speed and aren't interested in getting the most out of your investment go with the DDR2-533, but if you want a fine tuned PC that can push your graphics card then consider premium memory.
I decided to go with 2 gigs of super premium memory instead of 4 gigs of average memory, but thats my choice.

I ultimately decided on this setup:
E6600 CPU
Asus P5B Deluxe
XFX 8800GTX
2 gigs Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2-8000 (DDR2-1000)
Arctic Cooling Freezer 7 Pro
OCZ GameXtreme 600 watt Power Supply

The ram actually cost more then the CPU but since I should be able to really overclock the CPU, to it it was worth it. Also the P5B supports Quad Core CPUs so therefore I still have an upgrade path for the future by just changing CPUs.
In the end the ram by itself would only make a small difference like your friend said, however when overclocking the CPU the ram will make a huge difference which is why I bought it.
My parts are on order and I should be building my PC by next weekend.

 

[Preti9cboi]

That's true but if you never use all that power then why do you need it? I have an overclocked E6300 but all i do is play oblivion, half life, and war3. I could have done well just getting an AMD x2 and save some money!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[zephyrprime]

You could split the difference and get ddr666. It's doesn't command a big price premium.

 

[Endlessshampoo]

Originally posted by: Preti9cboi
That's true but if you never use all that power then why do you need it? I have an overclocked E6300 but all i do is play oblivion, half life, and war3. I could have done well just getting an AMD x2 and save some money!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yeah offcause u could but when u need the better system u just can say god damn why didnt i buy that.

 

[shroud72]

In the past I've always had buyers remorse when I didn't get the best that I could afford. It all boils down to how much do you want to spend and if it fits in your budget.

 

[StrangerThanFiction]

Buying "Top-of-the line" pc equipment is always a bad investment in the sense that faster, cheaper tecnology is usually just over the horizon. What your friend advises is more or less true about processors, motherboards, video etc, as well. When new memory comes out your friend could easily say "it's a waste of money to get DDR3 now, faster, cheaper DDR3 will be on the scene soon."

The people who spend extra money on fast, low latency memory aren't being practical about long term value, they are trying to build a speedy machine with what's available right now.It depends on whether you want maximum speed in the short term or (slightly) more lasting value.

 

[BladeVenom]

I would at least get DDR2 667, since the next processors Intel puts out will have a 1333 fsb. I think it might be worth going ahead and getting DDR2-800, the price isn't that much more. I wouldn't get any of the super expensive stuff though.

At Newegg right now the cheapest pair of 1GB sticks for 533 is $164.99, for 667 it's $163.99, and for 800 it's $184.99.

 

[n7]

P5N-E SLI = cheaper motherboard that OCs very well, & supports SLI if you should ever want to go that route (you don't though; it's a poor upgrade path 98% of the time).

As for RAM, if you OC, then get some good DDR2-667, or some decent DDR2-800.

Don't worry about DDR3.

 

[Preti9cboi]

Actually 2gb of 667 can be had for $165 so that's a much better deal.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...MP=AFC-SlickDeals&Item=N82E16820134384