memory for new build... timings

[jdkick]

I noticed some enticing rebates on some Corsair 2GB DDR2-800 (cheaper then DDR2-667) kits today:

Corsair XMS2 DHX 5-5-5-18/1.8V @ $39CDN AR
Corsair XMS2 4-4-4-12/2.1V @ $49CDN AR

While I do have a grasp on latency I don't know how the difference between the above two would translate into recognizable real world performance.

As for the rest of the build, i'm looking at a C2D (considering C2Q as some potential video work may come my way) on an ABIT IP35-Pro or ASUS P5K-E. I know a common option at the moment to run an E2180 with a healthy OC then upgrade later, but i'm not sure if i'm game just yet.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

I've posted plenty in the last several days on latencies vs FSB vs voltage in this forum -- based on my experience and growing understanding of these matters. Sometimes, it's a crap shoot unless you can find some reviewer's results that tell more than the manufacturer's specs. For instance, I had a set of the prior-gen DDR-500's -- actually, a few of them. Some kits would only run at the 500Mhz spec'd latencies, even if you tried to run them at 480, 450, etc. On other hand, some DDR-400's could be found that ran reliably within voltage-spec and with the tightest, spec'd latencies at DDR400 -- you could push them up to DDR452 and still hold the latency settings.

I would think the same thing holds true in more recent module releases. Notice that the voltage spec at looser latencies per those Corsairs is also lower than that for the tighter latencies. It could be that these are really same or similar modules -- just spec'd differently.

You have to ask the question whether you NEED to set the 4,4,4,12's at 2.1V to get that latency setting, or if you can tighten the latencies much on the 5,5,5,15's without going over the warranty spec voltage.

Meanwhile, today's Newegg price on Crucial Ball'x Tracers DDR2-800 is less than $75 for 2x2GB kit:

Crucial Tracer DDR2-800 BL2KIT12864AL804

And I can tell you that you shouldn't have trouble running at spec speed and latency (even less) -- or running at nice, tight latencies at speeds between 667 and 800.