How Ironic?

[JackSpadesSI]

I like big numbers (and shiny objects) so I?m constantly compelled to buy parts with large specs, but without any reason why. Only recently have I given up on buying DDR3 memory ? but mostly for the cost factors.

I plan on using a CPU (to be determined, but likely the E8500) with a FSB of 1333 MHz. My motherboard is also TBD, but likely the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P. I?ve read these forums a bit so I understand the quick math that a quad-pumped 1333 MHz FSB is 333 MHz and DDR memory is double rate so I need at least 667 to not bottleneck the CPU. But, here?s the stuff I don?t get:

Brand recommendations? I like Corsair? but I don?t know why.

If I do not plan to overclock, is there ANY reason to get above DDR2 667 (e.g. would DDR2 800 do even a little bit for me ? what about DDR2 1066)?

Should I obsess over CAS latency specs on Newegg? What does that, and ?timing? mean?

What about voltage? I gather that it is important with overclocking, but without an overclocked CPU does it matter what it is?

Heat spreaders? any point (again, without overclocking)? Most seem to come with this, so it may not be an issue, but do I need them?

Is 4 GB (I was planning on 2 x 2 GB) enough for heavy gaming on Vista 64-bit?

I know that is a lot of questions, but the help and advice are much appreciated!

 

[IntelUser2000]

If I do not plan to overclock, is there ANY reason to get above DDR2 667 (e.g. would DDR 800 do even a little bit for me ? what about DDR 1066)?

I can't really answer much but for the price, DDR2-667=DDR2-1066. And theoretically you'd think you wouldn't benefit from dual channel DDR2-667 to dual channel DDR2-1066 but in reality you do get a bit of a benefit because there are multiple factors like Intel optimizing the chipsets to take advantage of the faster speeds, making it lower latency with higher speed memory, etc.

Of course the differences are in the realm of single digit percentages. But yes there is a difference. When the chipsets run more than single channel, there is an overhead associated with it and you don't really get nbandwidth out of nchannels.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

CAS is a timing. The lower the timing (or CAS), the better. But it shouldn't make a big difference. Regular stuff is 5-5-5-18 but the higher-end stuff is 4-4-4-12.

If you are not overclocking, just get plain DDR2-800 (standard speed) at 1.8 volts. The voltage is important because now the RAM produces less heat and takes less power.

No heatspreaders needed for 1.8v, but they do look nice.

4GB is a good amount of RAM for gaming on Vista... Everything is very smooth and I can run 1-2 programs in background.

Thanks for reading my FAQ!

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Oh, if you don't mind a rebate: Corsair!. Your intuition was correct: Corsair is a very good brand.

 

[yh125d]

As are muskin, kingston, patriot, and my personal fav, G.Skill

 

[imported_wired247]

For the E8500, you should be considering DDR2-800.

The cost is negligibly higher than DDR2-667 and it gives you more overhead. For example if you can push your FSB to 400MHz x 4 = 1600FSB, then your CPU/RAM/MOBO will all be happy together. (see my sig)

What I just said here is overclocking, so don't do it if you don't know what you're doing.

You probably like corsair because it's mentioned in every other thread here. It's a good brand.

The RAM I'd avoid is crucial ballistix. Many stories of difficulties getting motherboards to get happy with ballistix.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

How important is it to check if RAM is compatible with a motherboard? As I said, I'm looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P. If I go with Corsair (or any of the other named brands here in this thread) do I actually need to check if the EXACT model is compatible with the motherboard?

I ask because the Gigabyte website lists some pretty random models of RAM and only one 2GB DIMM of Corsair (I assume when it says 2GB it means each, not the whole kit). Does that mean only one type of Corsair RAM will work, or what? I hate returning things online (I'm looking to buy through Newegg) so I'd like to make a good RAM pick right off the bat.

 

[francisA]

I don't know about other brands but the G.Skill DDR2 800s have served me well on my UD3P. The mobo manufacturers really cannot test every single bit of RAM out there, even Gigabyte states that. I did tons of research on the RAMs here on AT before I got the G.Skills.

How well has the G.Skill PI Black treated me? I had the 2x2GB modules all the way up to DDR2 980 spec. It even works all the way to 1000Mhz

 

[imported_wired247]

Originally posted by: JackSpadesSI
How important is it to check if RAM is compatible with a motherboard? As I said, I'm looking at the Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P. If I go with Corsair (or any of the other named brands here in this thread) do I actually need to check if the EXACT model is compatible with the motherboard?

I ask because the Gigabyte website lists some pretty random models of RAM and only one 2GB DIMM of Corsair (I assume when it says 2GB it means each, not the whole kit). Does that mean only one type of Corsair RAM will work, or what? I hate returning things online (I'm looking to buy through Newegg) so I'd like to make a good RAM pick right off the bat.

checking EXACT model is very important when you're dealing with ultra-new or high end RAM, or RAM at weird speeds.

DDR2-1200 might sound good but not necessarily every mobo will work with it.

Practically every current DDR2 mobo will work with practically every DDR2-800 stick. And if it doesn't, there's probably a bios update you're missing.

 

[JackSpadesSI]

What about DDR2-1066? Is that common enough to buy without double-checking, or what?