How important is memory speed REALLY?

[GamerExpress]

Originally posted by: professor1942
Yeah, 2x1GB is a better choice for AMD64 systems. And the difference between CAS 2.5 and CAS 3 will be like 0.5 fps.

Yep, and you also want to run it in 1t

 

[TriggerHappy101]

So what is the difference between my
CORSAIR ValueSelect 1GB (2 x 512MB)
http://labs.anandtech.com/alllinks.php?pfilter=1799

and this over priced

Kingston PC-3200 2x512MB HyperX Ultra Low Latency
http://labs.anandtech.com/alllinks.php?pfilter=1890

How much of a gain will I see if go with the kingston?

 

[TriggerHappy101]

Bump.

 

[aatf510]

Originally posted by: TriggerHappy101
Also: Why does the nForce 4 ultra chip(set) limit ram speed to 3200? 4200 is cheaper and faster no?

because the mem controller is on the CPU on A64, and therefore with the A64 you are stuck with PC3200. In addition, since the mem controller on the CPU, it would benefit more from the low latency from PC3200 instead of the higher MHz but higher latency from PC4200.

 

[tvfreakazoid]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Not particular to AMDs, but is significant to the K8/K9s because of the specifics of AMDs on-die mem controller. If you're going for AMD performance, avoid 2T at all costs.

Order of importance:
command rate (1 or 2 DIMMs only!)
DDR
timings

Why avoid 2t and what does that mean???😕

 

[aatf510]

Originally posted by: imanub

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Not particular to AMDs, but is significant to the K8/K9s because of the specifics of AMDs on-die mem controller. If you're going for AMD performance, avoid 2T at all costs.

Order of importance:
command rate (1 or 2 DIMMs only!)
DDR
timings

Why avoid 2t and what does that mean???😕

It means you shouldn't be using more than 2 sticks of memory.

 

[sumyungai]

I'm currently running at 2-2-2-6 1t. If I loosened up my timing to say, 2.5-3-3-6 2t believe you me, there is a huge difference. My system will feel like it lost 500mhz. Sorry, I'm too lazy to do benchmarks. If you can afford RAM with tight timings then go for it, otherwise live and learn.