RAM for IC7-G

[whoster69]

First, I did read the other memory posts here (and on several other forums). My requirements are a little different, hence the new thread...

I?m getting ready to build a new system. I?ll be buying a P4 2.6Ghz 800Mhz FSB CPU and an ABIT IC7-G motherboard (most likely). I?m trying to decide what RAM to go with. I want to get two 512MB DIMMs but I?m not sure which brand or speed would be best. I?m interested in overclocking (my CPU will be air cooled with probably a stock cooler) but I don?t want to speed a lot of money to get only slightly more performance.

Here?s my questions:

1. If I wanted to run this cpu/motherboard combo only at stock ratings (800Mhz FSB) what memory speed would I need? In other words, PC2700, PC3000, PC3200, or PC3500? PC3200 is 400Mhz RAM, shouldn?t this correct RAM for non-overclocked 800Mhz FSB motherboards/CPUs?

2. If I want to do budget overclocking (overclocking with parts that give the best price performance ratio) what memory would people suggest?

I can buy Corsair 512MB PC3500 RAM (part #CMX512-3500C2PT) for about $143. Kingston HyperX (part #KHX3500/512) is about $119. OCZ basic (as it?s called part #OCZ433512/OCZ433512B) is about $103. OCZ high performance (part #OCZ433512EL) is about $136. Is any one of these better than any other? Does anyone have any reviews they can point me at that compares PC3500 RAM?

I don?t mind paying $150 for a stick of 512MB RAM if I going to get twice the performance when compared to a stick of $75 RAM. I just don?t want to pay this for a 10% performance benefit.

All replies/suggestions/opinions are welcome. I?m trying to educate myself here, so if you have URLs/info, please reply.

Thanks.

 

[ScrapSilicon]

My requirements are a little different, hence the new thread...

not really..

I don?t mind paying $150 for a stick of 512MB RAM if I going to get twice the performance when compared to a stick of $75 RAM. I just don?t want to pay this for a 10% performance benefit.

but you'll spend over $200 alone for the mobo...?

Intel 875 Chipset Pentium 4 Mainboard
Dual SATA RAID, DUAL DDR 400, AGP 8X, USB 2.0

get 2x256MB ddr400 at the minimum ..better to get 2x512 tho..

Kingston HyperX (part #KHX3500/512) is about $119

good choice as price/performance goes..

 

[Slammy1]

I'm looking to get the IC7 w/o the G. They only list the slower model Kingston as certified, but it seems board mfrs like to spec low like that. I was thinking the 434 MHz PC3500 HyperX memory for the board. The reason I went with PC3500 was 1. Only a few dollars more 2. Memory stays with a MB, more than CPUs, so better to get something with upgradability 3. Someone mentioned a potential prob on another thread about PC3200 on Canterwood boards. I'm sure someone else here can offer a better opinion.

EDIT: I think I'll go with 2X256 MB, though I'm seriously considering getting a single RAM module now then another later as a future upgrade. I'll also probably get the 2.4c since I figure I'll upgrade in 1.5-2 years anyway, so why pay premium? I'm curious what the 3.2 chip release will mean to 800FSB pricing.

 

[Idontcare]

Originally posted by: whoster69
I don?t mind paying $150 for a stick of 512MB RAM if I going to get twice the performance when compared to a stick of $75 RAM. I just don?t want to pay this for a 10% performance benefit.

All replies/suggestions/opinions are welcome. I?m trying to educate myself here, so if you have URLs/info, please reply.

Thanks.

Your computer will likely be worth more than $750 by the time you are done; so what if you spend an additional 10% ($75) to make the entire system perform 10% better? Why wouldn't you want too?

Price/performance considerations need to account for the entire assest investment, not that of the subcomponent.

 

[AthlonXP]

Just get some Corsair XMS PC3200 if your wallet allows or Hyper-X/Twinmos if your wallet doesnt.