Dual Channel Memory Question

[ITinerant]

I'm in the process of researching my new machine. I've just about settled on an Asus A7N8X-E with a XP 2800+ (Money is a big consideration). The option I can't decide is either 1 Gig of "Premier" OCZ CL 2.5-3-3-7 RAM or 512 MB of Patriot 2-3-2-5-T1 (Both are PC3200 Dual Channel kits) I'll be running on a WinXP Professional System and I doubt I'll be overclocking. I'm probably going to get a Sapphire ATI 9600 Pro w/256 RAM video card and 2 SATA HDD's in RAID 0 with 2 PATA's as "D" and "E". Does anyone have an opinion on the RAM issue? I'm really not interested in Games, just a long term performance machine until the AMD 939 pin 64 bit machines are affordable. Thanks

 

[Sheriff]

Between the 2? Go with the OCZ

 

[ITinerant]

Originally posted by: Sheriff
Between the 2? Go with the OCZ

1 Gig slower rather than 512 MB faster (and cheaper)? Any particular reason? I was already leaning towards this opinion also, but I really hate to make a decision that I'll regret. Fry's has the OCZ on sale right now ($169 - $30 = $139) so maybe now is the right time to buy. Since I'm not gaming or OC'ing I think it probably is. Thanks

 

[PhoenixOrion]

You mentioned "long term" use.....then go with larger memory size.

I remember a long time ago when I upgraded to 128MB system memory and people were saying "you'll never need that much memory."

 

[Sheriff]

Originally posted by: PhoenixOrion
You mentioned "long term" use.....then go with larger memory size.

I remember a long time ago when I upgraded to 128MB system memory and people were saying "you'll never need that much memory."

Exactly not to mention OCZ is better 3rd Party stuff, with lifetime warranty, and no return hassles... whereas Patriot has had problems reaching their specs. Lots of 2.5 can be OC'd to work @ Cas2 as well (depending on FSB speed)

 

[Nohr]

Of those two options I'd go with the OCZ simply because I've never heard of Patriot. Also the extra RAM will be a lot more useful than lower timings.

While I'm at it I would skip that video card. The 256MB versions of 9600 Pro cards are usually (maybe always?) lower clocked (400/400) than their 128MB counterparts (400/600). Though there are also crap 128MB "EZ" ones that are also 400/400 to watch out for. The slow memory really kills performance. Otherwise the 9600 Pro is a good budget card provided you buy a 400/600 model.

 

[nick1985]

gig

 

[ITinerant]

Thanks one and all. I will get the Gig of OCZ and I'm going to rethink the Sapphire video card. I really appreciate all the input. Thanks again.

 

[Gamingphreek]

Definately rethink the video card. Not a good idea. The only ones who can really use that much memory are the next gen cards the 5950U and the 9800XT. OTher than that not worth it.

-Kevin

 

[daveshel]

There was an article here on AT not long ago saying that memory timings are not that important at these speeds. I'd gp with the 1GB.