• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

DDR2 vs DDR3 How much performance do you gain

I

ironwarrior

Member
I was just curious as to how much overall performance would I gain going from DDR2 to DDR3. An example would be in playing games or viewing HD video.

I am in a delima where I am trying to chose between (2) Gigabyte motherboards

1. EP45-UD3P (DDR2 support) 137.00
2. EP45T-UD3P (DDR3 Support) 150.00

It seems like an easy answer as there is little difference in price.
I just haven't priced the DDR3 yet and wanted to know if there were any other issues with the DDR3 boards. I just wanted to pass this off to you guys to get some feedback on what you thought.

I was going to put in the E8500 CPU .
 
Ok kewl...then I guess the choice is simple...

I will go with motherboard #1 EP45-UD3P (DDR2 support) 137.00 and use DDR2 memory.

Thanks
 
Isn't there some line of cpus out that only use ddr3? Not sure about this one but i remember reading it somewhere.
 
Originally posted by: SZLiao214
Isn't there some line of cpus out that only use ddr3? Not sure about this one but i remember reading it somewhere.
Click to expand...

yes, Core i7. But that's a completely different socket
 
No, the P35 series mobo's with DDR3 can do 1333 memory. Gigabyte for one has the P35C-DS3R which I have and am debating on going to 1333 memory on it. Prices have dropped QUJITE a bit compared to what fallengod said. When I was looking at DDR3 in Oct. 07 the prices were >$400 for 2Gb. Now you can get 2Gb for >$100 and I think 4Gb for $200 or possibly less. I don't have any prices in front of me but check out NewEgg.com for it. It has dropped a LOT in a year. If you're pairing a 1333 FSB CPU I'd consider the same speed memory for a 1:1 ratio.


 
That brings another question..

Here is the memory that I see people buying for the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P board:
The memory standard listed in the specs is: Memory Standard DDR2 1333



Both of these kits are 55.00...

* G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

or

CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184


How much more would a compatible 1333 set go for?
Would that buy worth the additional cost for performance?
Does anyone know which 1333 (2 x2gb) set would be compatible with this motherboard?
 
Originally posted by: darkenedsoul
If you're pairing a 1333 FSB CPU I'd consider the same speed memory for a 1:1 ratio.
Click to expand...

Um...you really should understand this stuff better before posting.

1:1 on a 1333 CPU implies an fsb of 333MHz (quad-pumped, remember?) which only requires DDR2-667. DDR2-800 will allow you to overclock your CPU to 400 fsb while still running 1:1 without overclocking your memory. DDR2-1000 will hit 500 fsb and DDR2-1200 will hit 600 fsb.

There is absolutely no need for DDR3 speeds on the C2D/C2Q processors. Core i7 requires DDR3 (thanks, Intel) due to architecture but honestly, the bandwidth provided by DDR2 is probably still more than adequate. As you can see in these results, there's very little real-world difference between DDR3-1066 and DDR3-1600 (1% or less in games, 4 seconds faster encoding an entire 7.5GB movie, etc).

Bandwidth simply hasn't been any issue at all on CPUs in recent memory (Athlon 64 with IMC gained absolutely nothing moving from DDR to DDR2, C2D gains no advantage from DDR2-1200 versus DDR2-800).
 
I found the recommended Corsair memory for my board on the Corsair website...

EnthusiastTWIN2X4096-6400C4DHX
OverclockerTWIN2X4096-8500C5DF
ExtremeTWIN2X4096-9136C5DF

They don't have stock on the extreme, nor does newegg carry it.
New egg does have the Overclocker Dominator series though...

109.00
* CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145197

It is like twice as much as some non qualified memory from G Skill that many have run on the bored..
55.00
G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500 http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

I personally have always felt best to go with the qualified ram though... always had less headaches.

 
Thanks to Denithor's help, this will be my new build...

*Antec 1200 case
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...043&Tpk=antec%20twelve

*Corsair 750TX power supply
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...E16817139006&Tpk=750tx

* Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P motherboard
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...28358&Tpk=GA-EP45-UD3P

* Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Wolfdale 3.16GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80570E8500
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://
<b">
* 4870 1gb Saphire Radeon...x?Item=N82E16819115036</a>

* G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1000 (PC2 8000) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16814102801

* Western Digital Black Caviar 640GB (primary)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231145

* Western Digital Black Caviar 640GB (secondary)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136319

* XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16822136319

* XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233003

* LG Blu-ray/HD DVD Burner Model GGC-H20L
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835233019

* Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16835100007
 
Avoid OCZ DDR2 if you don't like headaches, most other stuff is fine.

I personally prefer G.Skill and Mushkin. Go for the G.Skill kit or even get the DDR2-800 kit for like $40 shipped.
 
Thanks Denithor,

I have re-edited my list above and went with your recommendation for the GSKILL... I will be placing my order soon through new egg...
Can't wait to dump my old dinasour and finally be able to run some current games like Call of Duty 4 and 5 and be able to take full advantage of my 1900 x 1200 resolution.
 
Ok Denithor, now look at my parts list above 🙂
I'm not a over clocker, but want to eventually. I want to play around with it and don't want to have to worry about my cpu frying like an egg.
 
:thumbsup: 🙂

Looks great, enjoy the build and then start seeing what you've been missing out with today's games at high detail.

BTW, what monitor (resolution) are you using for this system? To take advantage of that 4870 you're going to want at least a 24" 1920x1200 (or a 1080p HDTV).

Also, make sure you get a nice keyboard/mouse pair. I cannot believe the number of people who spend >$1000 on their system and then $12 on a keyboard & mouse. These are the parts you directly handle every time you use the computer, do yourself a favor and get something good.
 
I will be running 1920x1200 on a 26 inch Samsung.
Yeah you are absolutely right about the keyboard and mouse thing..
You might say that I fall suspect of that very thing. Although I've gotten used to my keyboard.
I'm just using the old standard style of Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard and a very cheap standard optical corded microsoft wheel mouse.
What would you recommend in this area?

Also I have made another tweak to my build list. I decided it was better for me to go with the Q6600 Quad and overclock to say 3.2-3.4Ghz vs getting the E8500.
What is the saying... Would you rather be a juggler having 2 arms or 4 😀 . Plus some software is written to take better advantage of the quad. I've read
some reviews and benchmarks and the majority showed the quad equal to or greater than the dual core in almost every test.

Outside of that I found another memory contender that I was considering, "Mushkin."

Which one would you say I should stick with between these (2).. I've also been told by some that memory is less forgiving with overclocking..
(wait I now realize it was you that said that 🙂 ) I read back into this thread and re-edited this message...
With this said I thought I might be better getting the 1066 ram and not overclocking than getting the 800. Just something I wanted to ask you.
here are the (2) again..

49.99
G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
New DDR2 800 CL4 @ 1.8v~1.9v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231209

73.99
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...785&Tpk=Model%20996599

Thanks


 
Originally posted by: ironwarrior
I will be running 1920x1200 on a 26 inch Samsung.
Yeah you are absolutely right about the keyboard and mouse thing..
You might say that I fall suspect of that very thing. Although I've gotten used to my keyboard.
I'm just using the old standard style of Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard and a very cheap standard optical corded microsoft wheel mouse.
What would you recommend in this area?

Also I have made another tweak to my build list. I decided it was better for me to go with the Q6600 Quad and overclock to say 3.2-3.4Ghz vs getting the E8500.
What is the saying... Would you rather be a juggler having 2 arms or 4 😀 . Plus some software is written to take better advantage of the quad. I've read
some reviews and benchmarks and the majority showed the quad equal to or greater than the dual core in almost every test.

Outside of that I found another memory contender that I was considering, "Mushkin."

Which one would you say I should stick with between these (2).. I've also been told by some that memory is less forgiving with overclocking..
(wait I now realize it was you that said that 🙂 ) I read back into this thread and re-edited this message...
With this said I thought I might be better getting the 1066 ram and not overclocking than getting the 800. Just something I wanted to ask you.
here are the (2) again..

49.99
G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
New DDR2 800 CL4 @ 1.8v~1.9v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231209

73.99
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...785&Tpk=Model%20996599

Thanks
Click to expand...

Just get any 4gb of DDR2-800 or 1066 from any reputable company and you'll be good. No need to spend 100+ for ddr2
 
You should rethink the raptor drive. The 640gb Black edition you have picked for your storage drive will be 95% as fast as the raptor, while having more than double the space for less than half the cost. I'd just get two Black editions...

There are users on this board with a 640gb black edition and a velociraptor who can tell you that the raptor isnt worth it
 
Yes, I questioned whether the capacity vs performance ratio was worth the high cost. I thought that it might be, but
if what you say is correct then it most definitely would not be. Plus saving the extra hundred would just about play for the
LG blue ray burner I selected 🙂. Thanks man.. I will take your advice. You guys have all been very helpful in helping me
fine tune my build selection. I appreciate it.
 
Ok, several things to answer here.

1) Q6600 - I wouldn't suggest that move for a "gaming" build. Hot, power-hungry and no real advantages in 95% of today's games (benchmarks). Stomped flat by an e8600 in three games, manages to pull ahead in one game that is quad-capable. Granted, the differences will be smaller with overclocking, but then again you can overclock the dual-core processor too (even higher - 4GHz is fairly common on most e8400 chips). Read the rest of that article, it's quite good.

I suggest an e8400 today and an upgrade to q9550/etc in about a year (if/when games begin to need four cores).

2) G.Skill 2x2GB DDR2-1000 for $50 shipped cannot be beat. This will enable you to push your fsb to 500 without having to OC your RAM at all while maintaining 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind this means 4.5GHz on e8400 (9x500). So you're going to need great cooling & some luck in order to even fully utilize the speed this RAM provides.

3) Keyboard/mouse - You're pretty much on your own here, I don't know what you like/dislike to make any concrete recommendations. I'm personally a fan of Microsoft keyboards and their mice are decent also. I use a Logitech trackball not a regular mouse but that's entirely personal preference. If you're heavily into gaming I've heard good things about the Razor mouse but never used one myself.
 
Your build is looking very similar to the one I'm planning on ordering tonight or tomorrow. I'm also juggling between a Q6600 or an E8400 now and upgrading to a C2Q in a year.

I've never overclocked before, so while I feel like taking a Q6600 and OCing it might be my best bet I might end up going with the E8400. If its your first time OCing it, please let me know how it goes and what your able to do with whichever processor you go with!

Anyone know a good OCing guide that's specific to the E8400 or Q6600 or specific to the GIGABYTE GA-EP45-UD3R motherboard so that I can have my hand carried through my first OC attempt? 🙂
 
Thanks Denithor,

I will take your suggestion and go with the DUO Core..
The next question that I have though is whether to go with the E8400 or the E8500.
I've read where the E8500 has a 9.5x multiplier, the E8400 has a 9x. Otherwise, the chips are identical.
Therefore the E8500 will clock about 5% higher. So would you concur that this would be the better choice?
Others say in addition to this that the best C0 stepping dies go into the E8500s. Your thought?

I greatly appreciate your suggestion for memory, but I have to say that you are talking a bit over my head in this area. As much as the overclocking
interests me I still am green at this point. So when you recommend the DDR2-1000 to help to allow me to set the fsb to 500... I am totally lost.
I trust your judgment, but still like to understand why I am buying a certain choice of ram. After you provide a recommendation I try to compare
it to others choices based on my board. This way I can check reviews from all the others. This helps give me the pros and cons from a wide range of people.
The only chips that I see others purchasing from newegg for the board that I am purchasing are:

109.00
* CORSAIR DOMINATOR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145197

55.00
* G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 PC2 8500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231166

73.99
mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...785&Tpk=Model%20996599


The Mushkins seemed to be very compatible as I know they have a solid reputation. I know you suggested them in a previous post.
I had liked the 1066 G-skill since again I wouldn't have to worry about knowing how to overclock them. It was weird though after looking at the specs for these that it didn't list the Intel P45 chipset. ????
I know... I am a newbie in this department and I have a headache now thinking about this lol.
 
Hi Jamie,

I'm thinking that based on Denithor and others opinions that it is in our best interest to go with the E8XXX series DUO Core.
What they say makes much sense. The Q6600 runs much more hotter and why spend more on quad when few games make use of it. You can overclock it, but you can do the
same with the DUO and get much higher rates up to like 4Ghz. My question to Denithor though is I believe we are better going with the E8500.. It is almost identical yet allows greater overclocking.
For the 20.00 more or such I think that is best. Oh and one more recommendation Jamie... I would go with the GA-EP45-UD3P vs the UD3R. It is the identical same board that offers a few more features like CrossfireX, has 2 lan ports and a few other things with less than 20.00 more.
 
DDR2 at a 1:1 ratio with fsb runs twice as fast as the fsb. At 333 fsb [stock for 45nm chips] your memory will run at DDR2-667, at 400 fsb your memory will run DDR2-800 speed and so on. Meaning that DDR2-1000 will allow you to run up to 500 fsb before you have to push the memory beyond its rated speed. DDR2-1066 simply raises this max to 533 fsb.

Intel talks about their processor interface as "quad-pumped" which is just marketing for four times the motherboard fsb. So a CPU like the e8400 is listed as using an fsb of 1333 which actually means 1333/4=333 fsb.

When you overclock, you simply increase the fsb above its rated spec (ie set it to 400 or 450 or whatever). Your processor speeds up based on its multiplier at this new fsb (e8400 stock is 9x333=3GHz, a small OC is 9x400=3.6GHz, heavy OC would be 9x500=4.5GHz). The only impact your memory has is whether or not it will run stable at the new fsb. If you buy DDR2-800 and want to run your e8400 at 4GHz (9x445=4GHz) you are going to have to push your memory past its rated speed (at 445 fsb it will be running DDR2-890). Now, most DDR2-800 memory can handle DDR2-900 easily but it's not guaranteed. DDR2-1000 is guaranteed to work at 500 fsb and doesn't cost much more so it's an obvious buy if you plan to overclock beyond 400 fsb.

e8400 vs e8500 is a toss-up. Both are going to be the latest die revision by this time (the older stock has all been run through at any major retailer you chose) so that's not an issue.

jamie8dc, here's what you're looking for: AT forums C2D OC guide.

You should read the benchmark article I referenced above, it compares several quads to the e8600 in a variety of applications. Look through for examples of the kind of stuff you do and see if a quad will actually help or not (much of today's software simply isn't multithreaded enough to gain any benefit from four cores versus two). Keep in mind that not only do quads cost more up front they also use more energy so your power bill is going to be higher (direct & indirect - they also generate more heat your AC has to deal with).
 
Wow!!! I just wanted to thank you Denithor for taking the time to provide such a thorough and detailed explanation.
Do you get paid to do this? Are you a moderator here? If not, you should be.. Great job!!!
You information really sparks my interest and makes me want to learn more. I appreciate your reference to the OC guide too.
I am finalizing my order to include the G skill DDR2-1000 and will just go with the E8500 since it is just a couple bucks more.

And if you don't mind.. you mentioned in your last paragraph about energy consumption and your power bill.
I was just curious for one like myself who usually leaves their computer on 24 hours a day (power saving mode on only monitor)
how much average cost this incurs monthly?

Lastly, do you take donations or do have a membership program here?

Thanks again man... Your awesome.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top