RAM/Memory for Quad Core QX6700?

ubiquityman

Junior Member
Nov 21, 2003
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I have a QX6700 on Intel Bad Axe 2.
I'm not running yet because I don't have RAM!
(just received the mobo today)

What I want to know is specifically on the Quad Core how much of a performance gain will I get going from PC2-5300 (667MHz) to PC2-6400 (800MHz) with (both with 5-5-5-5-15 timing).

I've already seen bechmarks and comparisons on the dual core at AnandTech which seem to indicate negligible difference in performance between 667 and 800 MHz.

I've narrowed down the RAM already to either Kingston KVR667D2E5 or KVR800D2E5. (ECC is an absolute 'must' IMHO, so I'm not considering non-ECC varieties)
I plan to get 4x1GB for better memory performance.

I know that most people will not have this type of memory, but any variety of 5300 vs 6400 (given the timing/latencies are the same, would be fantastic and should be completely representative.)

This system is for primarily for video editing and some engineering simulation (thus the ECC requirement), and not really used for gaming, but I do plan to try overclocking the processor.

Also, one final question for any one out there that is familiar with HW...
If I have 667MHz RAM, is there any advantage in running the FSB at 1333MHz at 1:2 ratio vs FSB at 1066MHz (5:8 ratio?) ?

Thanks. My current machine is 4+ year old now (that's like 50 in computer years), and I've not been keeping up with the latest tech, so I appreciate any help I can get.
 

ubiquityman

Junior Member
Nov 21, 2003
10
0
0
Well, the difference was $172 in memory prices. In the end, I went with the PC2-6400. I checked the Anandtech Review again and it appears the PC2-5300 they used was quite a lot lower latency, so I figured that there probably was a little more difference in performance than what the review showed.

Plus with the two Core2 Duo core, it will probably be even more RAM speed starved, so any additional RAM speed could be doubly significant.

I guess this way, I can do a test/benchmark and know for sure (whereas if I got the PC2-667, I might not be 100% certain to run at 800)