Dual Channel RAM, or a really high quality single stick

[Rich0116]

Ok, so I'm building a new system, a stopgap before I go 64bit (I'm waiting for a Socket 939/PCIX solution). It's going to be a Barton 2500+ on an NF7-S and I have a question about RAM. I'm trying a save a few pennies, and was wondering if it's worth going with a dual channel setup or just a single stick. Either way I'm going to buy the best RAM I can afford, and it's a choice of:

2x512 Corsair XMS PC3200 (2-3-3-6) @ $263
OR
1x512 Corsair XMS PC3200PRO (2-3-2-6) @ $192

I just can't bring myself to drop $300+ on the XMS PRO twin pack, or I'd just bite the bullet and buy that.

Also, I do intend to OC, aggressively but with air-cooling only. I've got a SLK947U and an Antec case with 6 fans (although I may be buying a new case and using that one for my backup system).

So...opinions? Twin pack or single channel RAM? Or does it even matter?

 

[dennisjai215]

dual channel!

i honestly have NO idea why a 3200pro 2-3-2-6 would cost near 200 as you can get the corsair XL stuff 2-2-2 512x2 for only 320.. better check ur prices again

 

[ScrapSilicon]

2x512 Corsair XMS PC3200 (2-3-3-6) @ $263
OR
1x512 Corsair XMS PC3200PRO (2-3-2-6) @ $192

I just can't bring myself to drop $300+ on the XMS PRO twin pack, or I'd just bite the bullet and buy that.

Also, I do intend to OC, aggressively but with air-cooling only

then the pc3200 isn't enough..

 

[dennisjai215]

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-145-523&depa=1

here u go buddy boy the good 2-2-2 stuff for 325

but if price is a concern i would get the gig of ram u said for 263$

 

[Rich0116]

Originally posted by: dennisjai215i honestly have NO idea why a 3200pro 2-3-2-6 would cost near 200 as you can get the corsair XL stuff 2-2-2 512x2 for only 320.. better check ur prices again

My mistake. I hit the 9 when I should have hit the 3. Oops...

So PC3200 isn't enough...what would you recommend? Should I go all out with PC4000+ or something in between?

 

[Matthias99]

Originally posted by: Rich0116

Originally posted by: dennisjai215i honestly have NO idea why a 3200pro 2-3-2-6 would cost near 200 as you can get the corsair XL stuff 2-2-2 512x2 for only 320.. better check ur prices again

My mistake. I hit the 9 when I should have hit the 3. Oops...

So PC3200 isn't enough...what would you recommend? Should I go all out with PC4000+ or something in between?

Well, you *should* be able to run PC3200 at higher speeds with looser timings. CL2@400Mhz effective (200Mhz FSB) is a 5ns cycle time; that's the same as CL2.5 at 500Mhz effective (FSB250) or CL3 at 300Mhz effective(FSB300) (although other physical restrictions can hold you back, obviously, or else there would be no need for high-speed RAM). It's just that faster memory (such as PC3500 and PC4000) are *guaranteed* to work at higher speeds.

In any case, if you get an unlocked Mobile Barton, you can just crank up the CPU multiplier without affecting the RAM speed (so it will still be running in synch with the FSB). With a locked chip (like the standard AXP Barton 2500+), you have to raise the FSB to increase the CPU speed -- and if it's too fast for your memory, you have to either loosen the timings, or if that isn't enough, run it at a lower multiplier (which hurts performance on the AXP).

 

[Rich0116]

Gotcha. I checked and I just have the standard Barton, so I guess it's faster memory for me. Thanks all for the enlightenment.