Help me decide on RAM for my next build

[Imyourzero]

So I'm deciding on parts for my upcoming build and would like some help picking some memory that will be both fast and (obviously) compatible.

I'm planning on purchasing either an E6600 and pairing it with either the P5B Deluxe or P5W DH Deluxe. Still trying to decide on the best way to go there as well.

I do plan to overclock, but I won't be shooting for the stars. I'd be happy with an overclock of 3.0-3.2. 3.4 would be even better but I'll have to see what volts & temp look like at those clocks.

As far as memory, would I really be better off with DDR2-800 over DDR2-667? I'm guessing so, and the price difference isn't a huge factor. There seem to be a few quality DDR2-800 kits available right now and I haven't kept up with memory enough to know which kit would serve me the best. I barely see anyone running Mushkin anymore (not quite sure why that is?) and I've ruled out OCZ simply because it seems like I've seen more people having trouble with their kits than what I'm comfortable with. I ran 2GB of the OCZ Platinum DDR in my X2 4400+ rig and was happy with it FWIW, though. And I know nothing about Geil so that's why it's not in my top 3. Finally, SuperTalent and Patriot supposedly make some great memory but, like Geil, I don't have any personal experience with memory from them.

Everyone is talking about the Firestix which makes them very tempting, especially if they are indeed D9. I know Corsair should work well with either of the Asus boards I'm looking at, but I don't know how it would OC compared to the Buffalo. As for the G.Skill, I don't know about its compatibility with the Asus boards...I have a chance to get some of the HZ but it costs a bit more than what I can get the Corsair and Buffalo for.

Opinions and suggestions would be greatly appreciated. deally I'd like to order my stuff within the next day or two.

 

[Agent11]

mushkin has some with D9 chips that aren't too expensive

 

[Imyourzero]

Thanks, I'll check into that. I remember lots of people using Mushkin memory a few years ago but it seems like its popularity has diminished. I thought either they had gone downhill in quality or there were other kits that were just as good for less money.

 

[Cheezeit]

I was in the same boat as you, and got the Firestix. Confirmed shipping with D9's and should be able to hit 1000mhz, best I could find for 200.

 

[Fallengod]

Whats wrong with OCZ? I was thinking of going ocz myself why do you think people have problems with it? Im sort of in the same boat as well. Been trying to decide which memory and mobo to get. Im between some type of pc2-6400 memory and the gigabyte or asus mobo. I really dont know if I should go gigabyte or asus.

 

[Imyourzero]

Originally posted by: Fallengod
Whats wrong with OCZ? I was thinking of going ocz myself why do you think people have problems with it? Im sort of in the same boat as well. Been trying to decide which memory and mobo to get. Im between some type of pc2-6400 memory and the gigabyte or asus mobo. I really dont know if I should go gigabyte or asus.

Well, personally I have just seen a few more threads regarding people having problems with OCZ memory than most other brands. For all I know this could simply be because more people are using OCZ and therefore more complaints pop up. I also remember reading here to stay away from the Gold series, but the Platinum should be fine. It's possible that the incompatibilities have been sorted out through the latest motherboard revisions, but I'd feel safer going with something like Corsair that's known to be compatible with just about everything. The Firestix are looking good too though, especially if I can snag them for under $200, but they are known to be good clockers and honestly I probably don't need RAM that will go thru the roof in terms of clocks since I don't plan on a huge OC for my CPU.