Help with Mobo/Ram selection

[themagic8ball]

I have a $400 budget for a Core 2 Duo Motherboard/Ram combo (I am already getting an E6400). This computer will be running 3ds Max mostly for our robotics team at school. My main concerns are stability (since we cannot afford to have something fail during a render) with speed as my second highest concern (hence upgrading to C2D). Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: themagic8ball
I have a $400 budget for a Core 2 Duo Motherboard/Ram combo (I am already getting an E6400). This computer will be running 3ds Max mostly for our robotics team at school. My main concerns are stability (since we cannot afford to have something fail during a render) with speed as my second highest concern (hence upgrading to C2D). Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

Intel DP965LTCK Mobo $119

Corsair 2GB Value Select DDR2-667 $221

Intel branded boards are the most stable motherboards you can get (no overclocking features here) and solid memory. You could get DDR2-800 memory if you wanted but you're looking at about $300 for a 2GB kit.

 

[themagic8ball]

Will DDR2-667 vs DDR2-800 provide a noticable performance difference? I would assume it does, but how big of a difference if we're talking a few hours worth of rendering? If its a few minutes only it probably won't be worth it but if it can trim hours that would be worth it for us.

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: themagic8ball
Will DDR2-667 vs DDR2-800 provide a noticable performance difference? I would assume it does, but how big of a difference if we're talking a few hours worth of rendering? If its a few minutes only it probably won't be worth it but if it can trim hours that would be worth it for us.

It won't. Even DDR2-1000 doesn't provide a noticable difference outside memory bandwidth testing. I've done all measure of benchmarks of games and CPU tasks and encoding. DDR2-800 at 5-5-5-12 and DDR2-1000 at 5-5-515 are the same. Give or take a few points for the margin of error.

I would just try to go with 2GB of memory. More memory will always produce a better experience than faster memory but less of it. For instance, I'd use DDR2-667 2GB before DDR2-800 1GB. If you can get DDR2-800 within your budget then by all means go for it as the extra bandwidth never hurts anyway, but prices are steep in that area at the moment.

 

[cmdrdredd]

just found this TeamXtreme DDR2-800 4-4-4-10 $275

The Intel Motherboard and that memory should be within your budget of $400. I'd go with that. TeamXtreme is very good memory using Micron D9 chips.

 

[themagic8ball]

Okay I think I am going to go with the Intel P965 then.

As for ram does anyone have any other suggestions than the Corsair Value Ram?

 

[cmdrdredd]

Originally posted by: themagic8ball
Okay I think I am going to go with the Intel P965 then.

As for ram does anyone have any other suggestions than the Corsair Value Ram?

I just posted...

TeamXtreme DDR2-800 4-4-4-10 for $275 (2GB)