Difference between Corsair value and the expensive Corsair?

[Renegade23216]

I'm building a gaming machine which will NOT be overclocked. I want to have a great system but at the same time I want to keep it affordable.

Anyway, I noticed the Corsair "value" series is $170 for 1024MB (512x2). The non value series is much closer to $250.

My question is, what is the difference besides the timings and CAS latency? Is the value RAM less stable or not as good? I know it doesn't have a heat sink but that's not VERY important to me (i have a well cooled system).

Will I be able to tell the difference in speed by getting the cheaper RAM or will it make my system a crapper system? Again, I'm NOT overclocking.

Please advise. And if you'd recommend something OVER the $170 Corsair value 1024MB, please do so. (specific newegg.com links please)

Thanks!

 

[myocardia]

You didn't tell us what processor this gaming machine will be using. If it's an A64, then memory timings have no real bearing on performance, since the A64's have an on-die memory controller. If it's either an Athlon XP or a P4, then the lower timings make quite a difference.

 

[Renegade23216]

A64.

 

[ponyo]

Get the value one. Memory timings are highly overrated and not worth the massive premiums. A64 has onboard memory controller so timings matter even less.

You're not overclocking so get the value. If you want to save little more I would suggest A-Data pc3200 ram. link Decent timings at good price for ram nowdays.

If you're overclocking, get A-Data pc4000 ram. You'll have no problem doing fsb 250 1:1 and will go fsb 280+. It's also the cheapest pc4000 ram that I know of. Good stuff. link

 

[sisooktom]

Originally posted by: Naustica
Get the value one. Memory timings are highly overrated and not worth the massive premiums. A64 has onboard memory controller so timings matter even less.
[/L]

Exactly. Unless you want to pay through the nose for sub 5% performance gains, go with quality cheap memory. High quality and low price are not mutually exclusive.

 

[Renegade23216]

Thinking about getting the A-Data PC 3200. Can anyone else vouch that this is good memory? Never heard of it. If not, I'll pay a few more bucks for the Corsair value.

 

[Twsmit]

my understanding is that timings are very important for the A64, but i agree overall that spending the extra cach isnt worth it unless you are a mad overclocker or have money to burn.