PC3200 vs. PC3700+?

[charloscarlies]

Well a local computer store has Kingston Hyper-X 3200 and 3700 for approximately the same price (the 3700 is 10 bux more a stick). I'm trying to decide whether the 3200 with 2-3-2-6-1 timing would be better than the 3700 with 3-4-4-8-1. I read an article on Tom's Hardware showing that the performance difference from tighter timings is not nearly as noticable in newer DDR. What would you guys recommend? 3700 (and have the extra room for overclocking) or the 3200 with tighter timings?

 

[Thegonagle]

It must not be for the system in your signature, because that would require RAMBUS.

What FSB speed does the motherboard you're installing this RAM in run?

 

[charloscarlies]

Yea I need to update my sig. I am in the process of switching over to a ddr system. I am running an Albatron 865PE. I know the chipset won't read anything faster than 400 mhz default, but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get the 3700 for a few dollars more. Wouldn't it make overclocking easier because the ram would be running within its rated speed?

 

[high]

Might as well....gives headroom to overclock

 

[jdogg707]

only if you are overclocking, if you're staying at stock, enjoy tighter timings.

 

[Viper96720]

GO PC3700. Those timings for it are if you run it at PC-3700. You can probably run better timing if your only using it at PC-3200 speeds.

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: Viper96720
GO PC3700. Those timings for it are if you run it at PC-3700. You can probably run better timing if your only using it at PC-3200 speeds.

that depends on the RAM, Kingston PC3700 won't run the same speed as PC3200...now OCZ Gold Rev. 2 will...

 

[Viper96720]

Course if the PC-3200 ram has BH-5 chips get that.

 

[charloscarlies]

that depends on the RAM, Kingston PC3700 won't run the same speed as PC3200...now OCZ Gold Rev. 2 will...

Why exactly won't the Kingston run at 3200? I will be able to run it at lower speeds and possibly get tighter timings right?

I'm sort of leaning towards the 3700.....but I still just don't know. Would the Corsair XMS 3200 be a better choice? I might be able to get the low latency sticks at the same price as the Kingston.

 

[jdogg707]

Originally posted by: charloscarlies

that depends on the RAM, Kingston PC3700 won't run the same speed as PC3200...now OCZ Gold Rev. 2 will...

Why exactly won't the Kingston run at 3200? I will be able to run it at lower speeds and possibly get tighter timings right?

I'm sort of leaning towards the 3700.....but I still just don't know. Would the Corsair XMS 3200 be a better choice? I might be able to get the low latency sticks at the same price as the Kingston.

It will run at DDR400 just fine, but not at the same timings as the PC3200 specific Kingston Memory. Some of the higher latency memorys and higher speed memories are incapable of running at lower latencies because their firmware is set for higher speeds and not low latency. The only memory I have seen that can run at 2-2-2-6 @ DDR400 that is higher speed is the OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev.2 kits...they can also run DDR500 pretty reliably also. Like I stated earlier, if you are going to be overclocking, go with the PC3700, if not, grab the PC3200 because it will give you tighter timings and an overall system speed.

Checkout some of anand's memory articles, they should show you the differences.

 

[charloscarlies]

Thanks jdogg. I will be overclocking, but I'm wondering if the larger headroom from the 3700 is even necessary considering how mild my overclocks will be (atleast for now). I would just go with the 3200 with tighter timings, but the 3700 is actually cheaper from the store I buy from. I think either way I will probably be a lot happier than I am with this corsair value crap.

 

[Viper96720]

Get the pc-3200 if the model number doesn't have an A in it at the end. Then see if it can run 2-2-2-5-1 if it does I would keep it.

KHX3200 get this one KHX3200A then don't get it.

 

[dartworth]

You won't notice any diff in the timings...go with the PC3700.

 

[Viper96720]

memory timings review

 

[charloscarlies]

I've heard that the timings are less significant as the ram speed increases? is this true?

 

[oldfart]

Ram timings mean AT LEAST as much as DDR speed. Slow 3-4-4-8 timings really stink. I'd go for the 3200 with tight timings.

 

[CraigRT]

Originally posted by: charloscarlies
Yea I need to update my sig. I am in the process of switching over to a ddr system. I am running an Albatron 865PE. I know the chipset won't read anything faster than 400 mhz default, but I was wondering if it would be a good idea to get the 3700 for a few dollars more. Wouldn't it make overclocking easier because the ram would be running within its rated speed?

right. and that's precisely the reason i usually buy faster RAM than required....

 

[charloscarlies]

Seems like everybody has a different opinion on the subject. The only thing that makes me wonder though...is why would the 3700 be cheaper than the 3200?