Individual memory sticks versus pre-packaged kit

[LDRunner]

The last thing I need for my rig is memory. I really would like to have 2GB of memory. The last rig I built uses PC133 memory on a trusty CUSL2-C M/B so my knowledge of DDR memory is limited.

I'll be using this on an Asus A8N-SLI Premium M/B. The OCZ 2GB kit (OCZ5002048EBPE-K ) is not carried by too many retailers. The individual 1GB sticks (OCZ5001024EBPE) are starting to be carried by more reputable retailers like Newegg. Can I use two individual sticks without any problems or significant performance lose? Or do I have to purchase the kit?

Any other 2GB options? I'm planning to overclock so I need memory that overclocks well without requiring increased voltage.

Can't wait to get this rig together.

 

[LDRunner]

Help, anyone?

 

[ribbon13]

That is the finest DDR ram on the market, and the kit is just two of those sticks in one package.

Get the A8N32-SLI

 

[devolutionist]

two questions - have you got the OCZ5001024EBPE yet, and if you do, how's it run on the A8N-SLI Premium? i've got the same mobo and want some of this memory BAAAAD.

 

[ribbon13]

Well you could go all out and get the Mushkin that has dethroned the OCZ

 

[acole1]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Well you could go all out and get the Mushkin that has dethroned the OCZ

reviews?

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: acole1

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Well you could go all out and get the Mushkin that has dethroned the OCZ

reviews?

Personal: DDR580 3-3-3

review

others

 

[acole1]

eh.. i'm not blown away, but it is nice. too much $$

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: acole1
eh.. i'm not blown away, but it is nice. too much $$

That's funny. You do realize you're in a thread about OCZ RAM that costs just as much?

 

[acole1]

Originally posted by: ribbon13

Originally posted by: acole1
eh.. i'm not blown away, but it is nice. too much $$

That's funny. You do realize you're in a thread about OCZ RAM that costs just as much?

LMAO I would never buy the OCZ either ...Not that other ppl shouldnt.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: LDRunner
Can I use two individual sticks without any problems or significant performance lose?
Or do I have to purchase the kit?
Any other 2GB options?

I'm planning to overclock so I need memory that overclocks well without requiring increased voltage.

In Order:
Yes
No
Yes

Memory is not the most important part to overclock in most A64 setups. You can safely run a divider without incurring a performance penalty on the A64. It is slower than running full 1:1 speed, but not much at all.

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2469&p=7

So people will generally skimp a bit on memory, because it gives such low return for huge price adders at the high end. The current value leader in the segment are these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231032

They offer good performance at DDR400, and overclock fairly well. My pair run around 220 or so at 2.5-3-3. most get in the 230s-240s at 3-3-3 (some get >250, but these are exceptions from what I've seen), I never tried mine at 3-3-3 to see where I'd be, as I'm pretty happy with my system where it is. This is generally fast enough for all but the most extreme, and decent CPU speeds can be obtained through the use of dividers. All this at a quite significant discount compared to the top of the line Mushkin and OCZ options.

So it depends on what you mean by 'other 2GB options'. If you mean other options that will do extreme speeds, then Mushkin and Crucial Ballistix are an option but they are all very pricey. If you are willing to ratchet down the 'ultimate machine o-meter' a small notch, then the G.Skills are an excellent option, and don't trade off too much performance.

My personal preference is to not increase voltage much, my 'everyday' overclock runs an A64 3000+ at 9x267 (2.4GHz) at stock voltage. Memory speed is 218.x with a divider. Memory voltage is 2.7v, the G.Skills run well with normal voltages.

 

[devolutionist]

I don't see the OCZ 1G PC4000 EB module being tested in that review. Upon what basis/comparison do you make the assumtion that the Mushkin Redline has "dethroned" it?

EDIT: OK, looking at the specs they actually look fairly identical. I'll ack the aforementioned dethroning only on the basis that Mushkin can keep theirs in stock. Not sure why I can't find a good 1G DIMM without a weird heat spreader though. I'd have bought corsair a long time ago if it weren't for the retarted LEDs they use. I have clearance issues with my DIMM A1 socket and one of my Cooler Master Mini R120's egress cooling tubes, so I need a DIMM that's as low profile as possible. The 'scalloping' at the top of these I'm sure is there just to increase the surface area of the spreaders, but functionally I don't see what else it's good for other than nicking away at my tubes. Thanks for the heads up on what appears to be a good alternative to the OCZ EB PC4000 1G modules...