Memory Recommendation

[amdnVuser]

Okay, I've read Zebo's recommendations in favor of value RAM, but will these OCZ value sticks be okay without heat spreaders? I'm planning on getting an X2 3800+ soon and overclocking it to 2.4GHz with a 5/6 divider and hopefully a CAS latency around 2.5, 4, 4, 8 or 10 @ 2.85 vDIMM (my goal is to get a dual core CPU OC with at least the same single core performance as my current set up).

Otherwise, would you just spend the extra $51 (actually $21 after rebate) on these OCZ Platinum modules for the lower latency?

Any speedy recommendations would be appreciated since the rebate ends today. Thanks.

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

Go with the value. The Platinum 1GB sticks aren't significantly better than the value sticks.

 

[amdnVuser]

So do you think I'd have a good chance of getting to CAS 2.5 with the value? If not, is there much of a performance hit when going from 2.5 to 3 (I've read the difference is negligible). I'm not really into gaming, and the most memory/CPU intensive software I use includes Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Acrobat 7 Professional, Photoshop, Nero, etc. Lastly, is it true that 2GB of memory is ideal for dual core CPU's (I know the more memory, the better, in general, but how much of a benefit would I see)?

 

[11427]

There is a big difference between premium ram and value ram,...and the higher you OC the bigger the difference.... in benchmarks. Real world,... not as much. I prefer / recommend something in the middle, Mushkin Blue, OCZ Gold etc. etc.

 

[uOpt]

The heatspreaders are optics only and actually damage heat dissipation in most situations.

However, OCZ has the "performance" series which I think is more recommendable than the Value for almost the same price.

Also, the "basic" platinum can be found with MIRs these days, if that is your thing that can be fine memory for the money.

 

[arcenite]

****STAY AWAY FROM VALUE MEMORY****

Unless it's high end value memory (if that makes sense), nForce4 boards will almost always give you problems.

 

[McGeyser]

Originally posted by: arcenite
****STAY AWAY FROM VALUE MEMORY****

Unless it's high end value memory (if that makes sense), nForce4 boards will almost always give you problems.

I second that. Value is rarely matched perfectly in pairs, usually a weak stick in the pair. OCZ Plat is nice. It likes NF4. The max 1:1 on the 2-3-2-5 OCZ plat, is about HTT220 or DDR 440. With a divider that should be plenty of room for a 400MHz boost.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Is the Corsair Value RAM the bottom-of-the-barrell or is it decent midgrade stuff? Wouldn't the junk they sell at B&M retailers be the real bottom-of-the-barrell stuff?

 

[leigh6]

Corsair value ram cas 2.5 is GOOD stuff.