Need some RAM recommendations

[russr]

Please recommend some 512mb PC3200 ram for me. My system is:
Abit NF7-S 2.0 (command Rate is at 1T, aka CPC on)
512mb Buffalo Tech PC3200 (Winbond ch-5)

The reason I'm asking for a recommendation is because the default ABIT bios has the command rate of the RAM fixed at 1T. As you guys probably know, any old valueram doesn't run at 1T. i know because I tried two sticks of Kingston ValueRam.

My current Buffalo Tech (winbond ch-5) is great, but they don't make this anymore.

Please recommend some RAM with decent timings, some overclocking headroom and most of all can handle Command Rate of 1T. I'd rather not spend a whole a lot of cash on some super overclockable memory. thanks

 

[furballi]

Found the same issue with Kingston ValueRam and my ECS NF3. I use Corsair Value Select. No problem running 2 x 512 at 2.5-3-3-6-1T up to 243MHz.

I've purchased several gigs of Corsair VS from Fry's over the last few month. All the 512MB modules were able to pass prime and Memtest at 236MHz or better.

Watch for the Fry's special...$50 to $55 per gig after rebate.

 

[russr]

Originally posted by: furballi
Found the same issue with Kingston ValueRam and my ECS NF3. I use Corsair Value Select. No problem running 2 x 512 at 2.5-3-3-6-1T up to 243MHz.

I've purchased several gigs of Corsair VS from Fry's over the last few month. All the 512MB modules were able to pass prime and Memtest at 236MHz or better.

Watch for the Fry's special...$50 to $55 per gig after rebate.

Are you serious about this? I thought value ram was crap. You're sure it'll be able to do 1T and that to up to 243mhz??? I live in NJ so there's no Fry's here, any online retailer where I can get this kind of ram? If it's risky that I could get a stick that would not run at 1T, I'd rather not take a chance. Thanks

 

[Ike0069]

I have 2x512 Corsair Value Select RAM running at 1T on my Neo2 board. I had 2x1GB of Corsair VS running at 1T @ 210MHz on the same MB.

It's running at 2T right now in my Asrock board, but that is a MB issue vice the RAM. Corsair VS is excellent RAM and usually even OC's failry well considering it is only Value RAM.

 

[furballi]

I used to run 217 to 220MHz last year with Corsair VS. They must have improved the quality of the chips in 2006.

The default timing for DDR400 is 2.5-3-3-8-1T but I have no problem running at least 236MHz at 2.5-3-3-5-1T with all new VS 512MB modules purchased from Fry's this year. A friend was also able to hit 238MHz with his Outpost Corsair VS purchase. Outpost is a division of Fry's.

I would stick with the POPULAR retailers like Fry's/Outpost, Chiefvalue, or Newegg. You may get stuck with last year's RAM if you purchase from a retailer with older stock.

There is no guarantee when you overclock ValueRAM.

 

[russr]

Fry's Outpost.com is sold out of the VS 512mb. They have the (2x512mb) kit, but I'm not sure I want that right now. My other options are Newegg and Zipzoomfly. These retailers would also be a good bet to get this?

 

[russr]

Are there any other recommendations? I see various other modules in the same price range on Newegg such as those from G.Skill, A-Data, etc. What about those?

 

[furballi]

I don't know about Zip, but the Egg or ChiefValue should carry the new batch of VS. I'd wait two weeks for another Outpost sale. $55 AR on 2 x 512MB sticks.

Don't have any experience with the other brands.