Do memory timings really make a difference?

[LongCoolMother]

So I'm building a new e8400 gaming rig with a gtx 260, and I'm looking to pick up some RAM. Traditionally, I've always shelled out a little more $$$ for lower DDR timings, but I'm looking to cut some corners on this build. Especially with unbelievably cheap modules these days:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145184

It seems I've seen very very little in the way of benchmarks showing lower timing memory to really be worth it. The differences show up in benchmarks, but they are extremely minute. In real-life use, is there really any perceivable difference-- especially in gaming?

 

[disports]

Not really, you won't really notice much. Besides for good ram that low? How can you not buy it!

 

[n7]

The difference is minor.

If you are planning to OC your E8400 a decent bit, it wouldn't be bad to ensure you can do 9x450 (4 GHz DDR2-900).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231145

I don't really count rebates, so without, it's $10 less

If you assume you're getting the rebate back, then sure, it's a bit more.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

no, you cannot tell the difference in timing changed of ram

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
no, you cannot tell the difference in timing changed of ram

But Everest sure can

 

[Gillbot]

I'm glad i'm not the only one that didn't notice squat from fiddling with timings.

 

[brencat]

Originally posted by: Gillbot
I'm glad i'm not the only one that didn't notice squat from fiddling with timings.

Nope, definitely not the only one. Gave up on the tight timings a while ago -- now I'm all about having RAM that doesn't die inside of 1 year. Low vDIMM FTW.

 

[18 Is Number 1]

Originally posted by: n7

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
no, you cannot tell the difference in timing changed of ram

But Everest sure can

+1
But we like to tweak.

 

[Denithor]

Originally posted by: brencat
Gave up on the tight timings a while ago -- now I'm all about having RAM that doesn't die inside of 1 year. Low vDIMM FTW.

Bingo. Go for low (1.8V) rated memory, better for compatibility, lower power consumption/less heat generation and longer lifespan.

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: brencat

Originally posted by: Gillbot
I'm glad i'm not the only one that didn't notice squat from fiddling with timings.

Nope, definitely not the only one. Gave up on the tight timings a while ago -- now I'm all about having RAM that doesn't die inside of 1 year. Low vDIMM FTW.

QFT! although if there is a great deal on high quality ram i'd get it and undervolt it (just avoid the high END ones that don't even boot at lower voltages... ugh those suck!)

 

[LOUISSSSS]

now all we need is to convince all those morons that say they can feel a difference in 4-4-4-12 vs 5-5-5-15 or 8-8-8-x.

i dont even feel a difference between 400mhz and 500mhz ram.

 

[Gillbot]

i ran mine as tight as possible at 500MHz +, then again loose at under 400MHz and the difference was minimal at best. Now I leave them as loose as need be to keep the voltage ~1.9v