Memory and the AMD FX-53

[Dookie]

I'm going to begin building a new system in the near future and I have a question about memory. Before i go any further, the planned specs so far are:

CoolerMaster Stacker
AMD FX-53
Gigabyte GA-K8NXP-SLI
BFG 6800GT OC (only one for now)
2x WD raptors in RAID 0
Aerocool Gatewatch SV
Crystalfontz 634 LCD display
not sure on the PS or optical drives yet.

My question is what memory is best used with the FX-53? I saw a thread on another forum (cannot for the life of me remember where) about this and the results showed that buying PC-4200 or something similar was a waste of fundage as the gains were so small. They suggested PC-3200 would be fine for all but the bleeding edge types. Now i'm not a bleeding edge type but i do want near-bleeding edge performance. So what would you suggest?

Also, I've been looking at low latency memory from OCZ. Does this really make a difference?

 

[ts3433]

PC3200 is the maximum that can be utilized at stock settings. Low latency and value RAM are about even. If you overclock, you can buy faster RAM to run 1:1, but as is shown in a stickied 939 Memory thread in the CPU/OC forum, that doesn't make a whole lot of difference either (over running the RAM asynchronously with the HTT).

(Some side comments on your other planned specs:
Instead of an FX-53, save some money by going down to a Winchester 3200+, possibly getting an aftermarket HSF, and overclocking it--these will often do 2.6GHz, FX-55 speed, and can often reach 3500+ speed without a VCore bump.
Some people here may advise against the RAID0 as well. Anand himself recently had an article that showed RAID of this type isn't really worth it on the desktop. I would suggest maybe one 74GB Raptor for OS and applications and a more conventional drive for other storage.
PSU: SLI with two 6800GTs later on may necessitate about 30A on the 12V rail, or so I've heard. Try looking at OCZ.)

 

[CheesePoofs]

The best ram would be any that run with a latency of 2-2-2, but you will get little performance using ram that fast over just value ram, so it probably makes sence to get value ram unless you plan on overclocking.

 

[Amaroque]

Originally posted by: CheesePoofs
The best ram would be any that run with a latency of 2-2-2, but you will get little performance using ram that fast over just value ram, so it probably makes sence to get value ram unless you plan on overclocking.

Personally, I haven't had good luck with value RAM. But, the above quoted statment is true.

I'm using the Crucial Ballistix DDR 500. I'm very happy with them, but I OC too.

 

[ts3433]

What kind of value RAM did you use? As long as it's something reputable like Corsair, Mushkin, or Crucial, it should work well. Other generics may not fare so well.

 

[Amaroque]

Kingston value RAM sucks, HyperX DDR 500 sucks too.

I have standard Crucial DDR 400 also, but I've yet to try it in this board. So I can't comment on that.

 

[Dookie]

Originally posted by: ts3433
Instead of an FX-53, save some money by going down to a Winchester 3200+, possibly getting an aftermarket HSF, and overclocking it--these will often do 2.6GHz, FX-55 speed, and can often reach 3500+ speed without a VCore bump.

I see what your saying, but if a 3200+ can match FX-55 speed, couldn't a FX-53 surpass a 55? I was going to get a 3800+ until I read that the FX chips were easier to oc. And I am planning on doing some overclocking but nothing too extreme as i'm a new to the whole deal.

I'll find that RAID article.

 

[ts3433]

They can be a bit easier to overclock because multipliers are unlocked, but I don't think you'd get to much higher speeds than a Winchester (assuming both setups are air-cooled). As a matter of fact, I think the FXes still use the 130nm core, while the 90nm Winchester core in the S939 3000+, 3200+, and Winchester 3500+ can overclock more easily.

 

[Amaroque]

The FX is 130nm and is easier to OC because it is not Mult locked. But winchester's are 90nm not 130nm. 130nm is reaching the end of it's life cycle, 90nm is just beginning its life cycle. So it has much more headroom.

 

[Dookie]

Wow, you guys just saved me about $400. Thanks!
I switched to a 3500+. As for cooling I'm thinkin a thermalright XP-120 with a 120 panaflo should work fairly well provided it fits on the mobo. :/ I don't really want to go with liquid, it seems to be too much hassle and hopefully with the lower temp of the 90nm i won't need to.

I read that RAID article and it changed my mind.
And i'm gonna get a DigiDoc 5+ insted of the Gatewatch
I think i'll use that $400 to get a couple Segate 200gb drives.