Question about Corsair CAS

[fggs]

Hi,

This is my first post but I've read reviews in this site several times. I'm about to build a system with Asus P5N-E SLI and Intel Core2Duo E6300, now it's time to pick ram.

There's a lot of conflicting information, but then i found this guide: http://www.anandtech.com/show/2047/17

The guide says Corsair Value has CAS 4-4-4-12, but Corsair site says 5-5-5-15, who is right?

Also, there's a table regarding CPU Ratio, Clock Speed and CAS, I'm wondering what more should I check to achieve that CAS, like "just check if chip is Elpida" or what..

I appreciate any help! Thanks in advance.

 

[Termie]

Welcome to the forums! Looks like you're building a system with some older parts. Luckily, DDR2 RAM is still widely available.

Today, there isn't a large market for DDR2-667, so that slightly higher performance DDR2-667 CAS 4 RAM mentioned in the Conroe Builder's Guide just wouldn't be sold. Instead you'd be looking at DDR2-800, and it would likely have 5-5-5-18 timings to compensate for the higher frequency (i.e., it's probably the same quality RAM, it's just set differently).

Here is the Corsair 2x2GB, DDR2-800, CAS 5, 1.8v RAM that you should consider: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145238

That's a nice amount of RAM to work with (4GB), and it shouldn't pose any compatibility problems with your motherboard (although you might want to check if Asus has a memory compatibility list available for that board on its website).

The memory should default to DDR2-800/CAS5, but if it doesn't, you can set that in the BIOS upon startup.

Good luck!

 

[jjmIII]

The guide says Corsair Value has CAS 4-4-4-12, but Corsair site says 5-5-5-15, who is right?

The Corsair site is right. Value series won't be Cas 4. Cas 5 is all you need anyhow.

 

[fggs]

Thanks for the *really* quick replies!

Well, can I overclock a bit with this ram? From what I've read, the CAS difference is not felt by the user anyway, correct?

Also, can I install 32-bit OS with 4gb of ram? That always confuses me!

 

[Termie]

Thanks for the *really* quick replies!

Well, can I overclock a bit with this ram? From what I've read, the CAS difference is not felt by the user anyway, correct?

Also, can I install 32-bit OS with 4gb of ram? That always confuses me!

With an e6300, you'll be able to set the memory to a 1:1 ratio (rather than 3:2 that DDR2-800 would typically be set at to work with the 266MHz bus). This will bring your DDR2-800 memory down to DDR2-533, but then you can overclock back up to 800.

Think of it this way: the e6300 will operate at 1860 MHz (or 1.86 GHz). That is 7x the 266MHz bus. The memory is also tied to the bus, but it's DDR2, which is double data rate, so it operates at twice the bus speed by default. Hence DDR2-533 would be the minimum speed for use with a 266MHz bus.

Assuming you overclock your e6300 to 2.3GHz, which would be at a 333MHz bus speed, your memory will operate at 667 with a 1:1 ratio. But you'd still have more headroom...you can go all the way to a bus speed of 400MHz and still not stress your memory. And that would allow for a 2.8GHz CPU speed. That being said, your motherboard is not a premium overclocker, so I doubt you'll come close to a 400MHz bus. I don't think my old Intel-based Asus board could muster much more that 360MHz on the bus. I think your nVidia-based board will be closer to 325, if memory serves. Just a ballpark, though.

And yes, you can (and should) run 4GB on Windows XP, but you'll only get 3.25GB or so of usable ram. Still, it doesn't make sense nowadays to buy a 2GB kit...3.25GB is more than enough now, and you'll be able to access 4GB if you upgrade to Win7 64-bit.

 

[fggs]

Good! Thanks for your great help so far! I hope I can find that ram in my country, besides that I guess I'm all set.

About the overclock, I think about running it at minimum.. I mean.. whatever I can achieve on air without the need of extra cooling or fancy cooling setups!

 

[fggs]

I have 2 more questions:

1) I've found a Value Select 2GB module that has chips market with ELF0651009, is there a way to find out what is the manufacturer of this chip? Seems that Elpida is also pretty good!

2) I've also seem different stores saying different things about warranty, some say 1 year, others say Lifetime, does Corsair give Lifetime warranty for Value Select? Do I need to buy from a authorized dealer? What's the rules, assuming it's Lifetime?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Termie]

I have 2 more questions:

1) I've found a Value Select 2GB module that has chips market with ELF0651009, is there a way to find out what is the manufacturer of this chip? Seems that Elpida is also pretty good!

2) I've also seem different stores saying different things about warranty, some say 1 year, others say Lifetime, does Corsair give Lifetime warranty for Value Select? Do I need to buy from a authorized dealer? What's the rules, assuming it's Lifetime?


Thanks in advance!

You'll need to go to Corsair's website to learn about their warranty. If you're buying it used, it probably does not have a warranty.

Also, I don't think you need to be that concerned about the maker of the memory chips. Most chips will perform within their rated specifications, at least with a reputable vendor like Corsair. Overclocking is more of an unknown, but as I noted, you have plenty of headroom to overclock if you buy DDR2-800 chips.

 

[Yellowbeard]

Used = no warranty.

CORSAIR WARRANTY

We do not track ICs used on our Value memory line so no, there is no way to identify the ICs used.