Recommendations for memory upgrade?

[imported_Salamander]

I have the Bad Axe 2 motherboard, with the E6700 processor, overclocked to 3.2. I currently have the Crucial 2GB Kit - DDR2 PC2-6400 (BL2KIT12864AA804). I want to upgrade to 4GB of memory (Vista 32 bit - yes, I know I won't be able to use all the memory).

I'm looking for recomendations as to the best memory to get - looking to keep my overclock at 3.2, and looking for the most stability and least heat given that overclocking.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

A good basic 2x2GB DDR2-800 should work fine. Or you could get another 2x1GB kit, but why when the 2x2GB kits (after rebate) are the same price?

There was a deal in the Hot Deals section for some OCZ or Patriot 4GB kits that were ~$25 after rebate.

 

[Denithor]

Or there's a G.Skill 4GB DDR2-800 kit for $40 shipped at newegg.

 

[imported_Salamander]

I found oa kit at NewEgg that I am interested in. However, when I use the memory compatibility tool at New Egg and the one on the Crucial site, this memory does NOT show up as one of the options. Has anyone used it with a Bad Axe 2 motherboard? Should I stay away from it since it doesn't show up on their list of compatible sticks?

Crucial ram at NewEgg

 

[Blain]

Sell off the 2GB Crucial Ballistix kit now, while it's still working. :roll:
Buy the Corsair 4GB kit rated for 1.9v the A-Data 4GB kit rated for 1.8v or the G.Skill 4GB kit rated for 1.8-1.9v.

 

[imported_Salamander]

Originally posted by: Blain
Sell off the 2GB Crucial Ballistix kit now, while it's still working. :roll:
Buy the Corsair 4GB kit rated for 1.9v the A-Data 4GB kit rated for 1.8v or the G.Skill 4GB kit rated for 1.8-1.9v.

??? Why should I sell off my Crucial, which has never caused me any issues? ...and if was bad, why would anyone want to buy it?

 

[Denithor]

Crucial Ballistix has earned itself a bad name for "burning out" due to its high voltage. Obviously not all sticks are going to go bad but enough people have had problems that we now avoid them. Blain is just saying dump them while they still work so you don't end up with bad sticks.

 

[imported_Salamander]

Ah, I get it.
Is this only for the Crucial memory that is volted at 2 and higher?

Here's my set-up: Intel D975XBX2, E6700 overclocked to 3.2, FSB voltage override 1.25, MCH/ICH voltage override 1.525, current processor voltage 1.325, mem ref 266, mem freq 667 (4:5), memory at 4-4-4-12 and memory voltage at 2.2.

Do these settings seem ok - other than the memory?

If I get 2 2GB sticks of memory that has specs at 5-5-5-15 and voltage at 1.9, is that better for stability and for avoiding memory burnout? Will I see any "real world" difference in performance with that memory over 2 2GB of memory that is 4-4-4-12 and 2.0 voltage?

 

[Denithor]

Yes (v > 2 = burn)
-- (I guess - haven't used that mobo - just use the lowest voltage you can for stability)
Yes (5-5-5-15 @ 1.8/1.9V DDR2-800 is good stuff)
No (maybe 1% difference in real world apps between CAS4 & CAS5 memory)

 

[imported_Salamander]

Thanks!

 

[Bonesdad]

Should be pointed out that if the Crucial memory does tank (or when it does), Crucial has an excellent RMA program...they will replace the memory, though I can't say for sure if you'd be any better off...

 

[imported_Salamander]

Here's another question. When I first ran the memory checker on the New Egg site, I checked the D975XBX2 motherboard. I double checked the box it came in today, and it reads "BOXD975XBX2KR". When I checked on New Egg using this spelling, it gave me a lot less choices for compatible memory!!! In fact, it only gave me one choice for a 4GB kit!!! My bad, I thought all D975XBX2 boards were the same.

Here is the kit listed. Another New Egg choice

If I get this kit, with the 6CL and 1.8v, will it work fine with my current configuration (see below) - with the change to whatever the timings are for this stick and the 1.8v?

Intel D975XBX2, E6700 overclocked to 3.2, FSB voltage override 1.25, MCH/ICH voltage override 1.525, current processor voltage 1.325, mem ref 266, mem freq 667 (4:5), memory at 4-4-4-12 and memory voltage at 2.2.

 

[abaez]

1234

 

[imported_Salamander]

Originally posted by: abaez
1234

?????

 

[TemjinGold]

Originally posted by: Salamander
Here's another question. When I first ran the memory checker on the New Egg site, I checked the D975XBX2 motherboard. I double checked the box it came in today, and it reads "BOXD975XBX2KR". When I checked on New Egg using this spelling, it gave me a lot less choices for compatible memory!!! In fact, it only gave me one choice for a 4GB kit!!! My bad, I thought all D975XBX2 boards were the same.

Here is the kit listed. Another New Egg choice

If I get this kit, with the 6CL and 1.8v, will it work fine with my current configuration (see below) - with the change to whatever the timings are for this stick and the 1.8v?

Intel D975XBX2, E6700 overclocked to 3.2, FSB voltage override 1.25, MCH/ICH voltage override 1.525, current processor voltage 1.325, mem ref 266, mem freq 667 (4:5), memory at 4-4-4-12 and memory voltage at 2.2.

Can't answer your question but if you do want that kit, it's cheaper here AR. Rebate expires tomorrow.

 

[Bonesdad]

FYI: Rebate form says it expires 1-15.

 

[BlueAcolyte]

Memory compatibility lists are not exhaustive, it will most likely work anyway.