do I want DDR2 1066 w/ EVGA 680i mobo?

[NateHvC]

Do I want to buy DDR2 1066 ram for use with the EVGA 680i mobo? Or should I just go with the DDR2 800?

I read this...

Unlike Nvidia's previous north bridge chips, the 680i SLI SPP has native support for DDR2-800 memory. Expect to see motherboards provide plenty of options for higher memory bus speeds, including the ability to run synchronously with the 1066MHz front-side bus. That should be a particularly fast configuration, according to Nvidia, because the 680i's Quicksync mechanism allows it to bypass traditional asynchronous mechanisms when running synchronously.

http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q4/nforce680i/index.x?pg=1

Does this mean if the ram runs at 1066mhz that it'll be particularly fast?

 

[iscsidude]

Not being an expert on the subject I've bought the Corsair XMS TWIN2X2048-8500C5

Available at:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145033

I'm looking into the C2D E6700 and my understanding is this is the memory to look for.

See the top thread in this forum for details.

 

[lopri]

Originally posted by: NateHvC
Do I want to buy DDR2 1066 ram for use with the EVGA 680i mobo? Or should I just go with the DDR2 800?

I read this...

Unlike Nvidia's previous north bridge chips, the 680i SLI SPP has native support for DDR2-800 memory. Expect to see motherboards provide plenty of options for higher memory bus speeds, including the ability to run synchronously with the 1066MHz front-side bus. That should be a particularly fast configuration, according to Nvidia, because the 680i's Quicksync mechanism allows it to bypass traditional asynchronous mechanisms when running synchronously.

http://techreport.com/reviews/2006q4/nforce680i/index.x?pg=1

Does this mean if the ram runs at 1066mhz that it'll be particularly fast?

A short answer is no. A longer answer is that it'll be slightly faster. Don't just rely on the advertised speed, though. I have 3 pairs of DDR2-667 and all of them do 1200MHz+ on 680i.

 

[NateHvC]

I'm going to get the C2D E6600 processor.

To be clear, the mobo *could* handle these crazy speeds, but you are saying I won't notice much difference? Would I notice much difference even with the 9136C5D at 1142mhz?

lopri, my problem is the ram I buy never seems to overclock like others claim. It's uncanny.

The Corsair TWIN2X2048-9136C5D is $460. The Corsair TWIN2X2048-8500C5 is about $380. I see DDR2 800 from $220 to $300+. I have read the Corsair ram below the 8500C5 is made with PROMO ICs and apparently what I want are Micron ICs. Its annoying retailers don't list this kind of spec. What DDR2 800 ram is available that has Micron ICs and has a very high chance of being a great overclocker?

Your help is very appreciated!

 

[NateHvC]

This is what I could find that are D9GMH sticks. Did I miss any?

$305 Team Xtreem 2x1gb DDR2 800 (PC26400) 4-4-4-10 TXDD2048M800HC4DC
$389 CORSAIR Dominator 2x1gb DDR2 1066 (PC28500) TWIN2X2048-8500C5D
$433 Team Xtreem 2x1gb DDR2 800 (PC26400) 3-3-3-8 TXDD2048M800HC3DC
$459 CORSAIR Dominator 2x1gb DDR2 1142 (PC29136) TWIN2X2048-9136C5D
$479 CORSAIR Dominator 2x1gb DDR2 800 (PC26400) TWIN2X2048-6400C3DF (fans included)
$610 CORSAIR Dominator 2x1gb DDR2 1111 (PC28888) TWIN2X2048-8888C4DF (fans included)
$20 CORSAIR CMXAF1 Fans

 

[lopri]

There is an excellent guide made by our own forum member. I was lucky to pick my sticks up before DDR2 caught on.

http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...atid=28&threadid=1966035&enterthread=y

But in all honesty, after all benches and testing @1000MHz+, I run my RAM @800MHz, or 1:1, for 24/7. There is absolutely no difference I can tell by my sense between 800MHz and 1000MHz, and I'd rather have less stress on my hardware. Most (I'd say ALL) D9GMH/D9GKX sticks will do 1000MHz+ on 680i. Try to look for a deal with a reputable vendor.

 

[NateHvC]

I'll check out the link, thanks! I've updated my list of supposedly great ram. Here it is...

$245 BUFFALO Firestix 2x1gb 800 PC6400 FSX800D2C-K2G
$305 Team Xtreem 800 PC6400 4-4-4-10 TXDD2048M800HC4DC
$389 CORSAIR Dominator 1066 PC8500 TWIN2X2048-8500C5D (handpicked)
$410 OCZ Platinum 1000 PC8000
$430 OCZ Titanium Alpha VX2 1000 PC8000
$433 Team Xtreem 800 PC6400) 3-3-3-8 TXDD2048M800HC3DC
$452 Patriot Extreme Performance 1000 PC8000 PDC22G8000+XBLK
$459 CORSAIR Dominator 1142 PC9136 TWIN2X2048-9136C5D (handpicked)
$470 mushkin REDLINE 1000 PC8000
$475 G.SKILL 1066 PC8500
$479 CORSAIR Dominator 800 PC6400 TWIN2X2048-6400C3DF (fans included) (handpicked)
$526 OCZ FlexXLC Edition 1150 PC9200
$610 CORSAIR Dominator 1111 PC8888 TWIN2X2048-8888C4DF (fans included) (handpicked)
$20 CORSAIR CMXAF1 Fans

I'm still a bit confused which to buy. I doubt I'll be dropping $400+ though because, as you said, it probably won't be too noticeable.

 

[TBSN]

Check out the link that Lopri posted, and you wont have to compile your own list... Also, as was stated above, good DDR2-800 will most likely go up to DDR2-1000 speeds.

 

[n7]

Team Xtreem or Buffalo or AdataDDR2-800 4-4-4 are all D9GMH & will all do very well for you.