My Memory Crisis

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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First things first. This is my current memory:
G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Retail.

My memory is what I suspect is my limiting factor in my OC right now. Aside from that, I need to know what to do next. I just ordered my 8800GTS and I want to follow-up that by getting some more memory before the prices start going back up. I need 1 more GB or a better pair....

Options:
(1) Buy another stick of this same memory, dual channel it and call it a day and be happy.
(2) Buy better memory.

If I go with Option #1: That would basically complete my uber setup.
If I go with Option #2: I would either end up with two different sticks, 3GB (2 same, this one different) or some other combination or solution.

My other options as I see it, are as follows:
(A) G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Retail
(B) Crucial Ballistix 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - OEM
(C) G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - Retail
(D) G.SKILL 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Desktop Memory - Retail

(E) GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
(F) G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
(G) G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
(H = 2x(B)) Crucial Ballistix 1GB 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Desktop Memory - OEM
(I) G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
(J) Do not buy any more memory.


:confused:PLEASE ADVISE!!:confused:
 

Acanthus

Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
19,915
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Id use a divider, memory is the least bang for buck part when overclocking, especially for gaming.

Youre literally talking 1-2fps.

2GB is good for some games, other than that, speed and latency are severely overrated.
 

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
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I would suggest just getting another stick of what you have to save money...but if you want 2 GB of new RAM see the hot deals section for the 2GB OCZ PC2-8500 for $140

2 GB isn't all that necessary for the time being if you don't multitask heavily or run memory-intensive applications (or want to run Vista). It does speed up game loads and makes quite a few games run better in general though.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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My DS3 motherboard only allows me to run 1:1 or higher. I'm unable to underclock my memory.
 

Acanthus

Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
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Originally posted by: Cheex
My DS3 motherboard only allows me to run 1:1 or higher. I'm unable to underclock my memory.

Ugh, bad news considering i have DS3 and 800mhz memory coming tomorrow.

However, my memory is known to do 1000 easily at least, the jetram deal from newegg. 2GB for $107 with no rebates
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Thing is, I wanted some Micron D9 memory but the memory I currently have is ProMOS.

Here are two review links on my current memory. However, I was unable to achieve these clocks (maybe I did something wrong).

Review 1
Review 2

Keep in mind however, that I only have a 1GB stick.
 

996GT2

Diamond Member
Jun 23, 2005
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Check hot deals for the OCZ DDR2-1066 and the Ballistix DDR2-1000...both are very nice deals considering both are <$150...and both are high quality Micron D9-based DIMMs
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Options and memory types:

A, F - ProMOS
B, C, D, G, H, I - Micron D9
E - SpekTek-3 (Made by Micron)
 

Acanthus

Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
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Originally posted by: Cheex
Thing is, I wanted some Micron D9 memory but the memory I currently have is ProMOS.

Here are two review links on my current memory. However, I was unable to achieve these clocks (maybe I did something wrong).

Review 1
Review 2

Keep in mind however, that I only have a 1GB stick.

On a side note, dual channel will give you a real, tangible increase in applications.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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That is true.

What about overclocking?
Isn't it easier to run 1 DIMM overclocked to a certain point than it is to run 2 DIMMs at that same point?
 

imported_Bee

Member
Jan 7, 2007
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since choices are limited from (A) to (J) I voted (I). Explanation:

1) The G.Skill 8500s are based on either D9GMH or D9GKX Microns guaranteed to run stably at 533 MHz. So, this matched pair will most likely achieve highest overclocks.

2) Filling up memory banks with more sticks puts more strain on the memory controller thus limiting overclocking headroom. Therefore I would get rid of the Promos ( :frown: ) based G.Skills and replace them with a matched pair of high(er) end RAMs.

Why does it have to be G.Skill? Currently, there are much better deals on equally performing RAMs such as OCZ and Crucial. My 1st choice are the Ballistic Tracers rated PC2-8000 (yes, not the newer PC2-8500s...). These can be had for $131 after MIR (link)
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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The choices aren't limited to just my list but those are the options that I have come up with.

MIR doesn't apply to me because I live in Jamaica.

1) I already checked out the IC's used on my list of memory and those 1066 G.SKILLs are really nice.

The Tracers that you have as your first choice...will cost me $193.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
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Get the G. Skill HZ series...it's option G. Here's why... every single set I've used to build a system does DDR2-1000 at 4-4-4-12 at least! I even had one set to DDR2-1200 at 5-5-5-15 in a Asus Commando. These are the same sticks that went for over $350 and up to $400 last october.

Given you're on a DS3 and your overclock is going to be memory limited you want memory that can scale. These will do it. Every other option you listed is IMO junk (except crucial, but they aren't as HQ)
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Sounds really great to me. That might very well be a good option for me.

Any thing else you'd like to point out?
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
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Originally posted by: Cheex
Sounds really great to me. That might very well be a good option for me.

Any thing else you'd like to point out?

I would also not recommend going over 2.3v. I did and killed my current memory heh.

Learn from my mistake
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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That was the maximum voltage I had in mind for any high performance memory anyway.

Plus, I'm kinda liking G.SKILL...:thumbsup:
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
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Originally posted by: Cheex
That was the maximum voltage I had in mind for any high performance memory anyway.

Plus, I'm kinda liking G.SKILL...:thumbsup:

G.Skill is the top tier with Teamgroup for quality overclocker memory.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Originally posted by: Cheex
That was the maximum voltage I had in mind for any high performance memory anyway.

Plus, I'm kinda liking G.SKILL...:thumbsup:

G.Skill is the top tier with Teamgroup for quality overclocker memory.

I think you kinda lost me there...Teamgroup??...:confused:
 

Acanthus

Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
19,915
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ostif.org
Originally posted by: Cheex
Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Originally posted by: Cheex
That was the maximum voltage I had in mind for any high performance memory anyway.

Plus, I'm kinda liking G.SKILL...:thumbsup:

G.Skill is the top tier with Teamgroup for quality overclocker memory.

I think you kinda lost me there...Teamgroup??...:confused:

Two new companies, Teamgroup and Supertalent, make overclocking mem.

My DS3, 8800GTS, PSU, E4400, Case, and el-cheapo newegg mem are here, ill post results when i have them, likely wednesday when i have a day off.
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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Well that is good to know about G.SKILL but I'm still uncertain as to what to save towards...:(

Good for you Acanthus...:thumbsup:

My 8800GTS is still 10 days away...:(
 

Cheex

Diamond Member
Jul 18, 2006
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My 8800GTS is now 7 days away...


Anyway...back to the issue at hand. Are there any other suggestions about memory?

I was also looking at just really scraping the bottom of the pan and getting some really high end memory.
 

Acanthus

Lifer
Aug 28, 2001
19,915
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Results on stock cooling:

~3.1ghz ~DDR900 (this is with the cheap transcend jetram DDR2-800 from newegg)

prime95 stable and temps are good

still finding the sweet spot, ill post my full results when i get them.
 

cmdrdredd

Lifer
Dec 12, 2001
27,052
357
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Originally posted by: Acanthus
Originally posted by: Cheex
Originally posted by: cmdrdredd
Originally posted by: Cheex
That was the maximum voltage I had in mind for any high performance memory anyway.

Plus, I'm kinda liking G.SKILL...:thumbsup:

G.Skill is the top tier with Teamgroup for quality overclocker memory.

I think you kinda lost me there...Teamgroup??...:confused:

Two new companies, Teamgroup and Supertalent, make overclocking mem.

My DS3, 8800GTS, PSU, E4400, Case, and el-cheapo newegg mem are here, ill post results when i have them, likely wednesday when i have a day off.

Also add to the list CellShock memory. I believe a company originated in Germany, they are 100% high end. They're cheap from some places too. They have an 8layer PCB and an actual heatsink with TIM between, not just a thermal pad/tape and a heatspreader for show.

But, no North American distributor.