Difference between these two sets of RAM?

[gordanfreeman]

In my quest to put together my new computer I came accross two different entries for Corsair's XMS2 DDR2 2GB sets: First; Second

Looking at the pictures provided by newegg, one appears to be revision 1.1 and the other 1.2; rev 1.1 with 5-5-5-12 timings and 1.2 w/ 4-4-4-12 timings. From the reviews I have read I shouldn't have an issue clocking the 1.1 to 4-4-4-12 (and maybe even faster). if this is the case then is the extra $20 for the supposedly newer sticks worth the $$$? Is there any reason i should spend the extra dough other than the stock timings?

 

[Lord Evermore]

I don't think the revision is what makes them different, as they are different Corsair part numbers. One of them is specifically C4 for the better timing. More than likely they are in fact exactly the same memory modules, but one has been tested and confirmed to work with the better timings, so it gets marked with that part number and the SPD programmed to match. Pretty much the same as speed-binning for CPUs, GPUs, and plain memory chips. Lots of "performance memory" seems to be done that way these days, seeming to be nothing but regular memory that they overclocked, cut the latencies on, and then marked as requiring higher voltage.

In this case, the extra money gets you memory that's guaranteed to run at the lower timings. You can save the money and get the slower modules, and try to run it with better timings, but it's up to you whether the money saved is worth possibly ending up with one or two modules that actually can't work with better timings, or having to increase voltage to get it.

 

[ForumMaster]

the more expensive one has lower latency and is SLI certified.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: ForumMaster
the more expensive one has lower latency and is SLI certified.

SLI certified memory what a marketing gimmick.