upgrade advice - going to nforce4

sexualrug

Junior Member
Oct 14, 2004
18
0
0
Hello guys,
My computer is slightly older than I would like. Therefore, I have decided to build a new system. So far, I have decided to get either a 3200+ or 3400+ A64 cpu (depending on price at the time) and nforce4 motherboard.

Now, I am on to memory. I have seen memory in all different price ranges and have a basic understanding of what cas latency and other timing specs are. My question is this: how much of a REAL performance gain/loss would I expect for certain timings? I will not be overclicking my system more than 5-10% at the MAX (probably closer to 5 percent).

I looked at corsair 2-2-2-5 memory and mushkin 2-2-2 memory. I am looking for 1gb in a pair of 512s if possible. Any recommendations? Should I use slightly cheaper ram? Or are the 2-2-2 memory modules worth 250?

As I said, I dont do any extreme overclocking so I am pretty conservative. Just want the fastest system but I am not willing to spend $100 extra for 1-2 percent of additional performance. At 5-6 percent, I will give it some thought.


Also, out of the different manufacturers that will be producing nforce4 boards, which would you guys recommend. They seem to be Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, DFI from the ones I have seen. I plan to upgrade to dual core at some point in the future so I would like the manufacturer to be: 1. around at that time 2. still developing bios updates/whatever is necessary to get dual core working.

Thanks in advance for any advice you may give.
 

Gamingphreek

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
11,679
0
81
Originally posted by: DanDrop
If you are going to overclock your memory, the Crucial Ballistix are the way to go. Here's an article from anandtech : Various memory modules evaluated

I agree.

However no one can start making decisions on Nforce 4 because it isn't out yet! Just hold out another 2 or so weeks... im sure you can manage it.

-Kevin
 

sexualrug

Junior Member
Oct 14, 2004
18
0
0
I will be holding on, but mostly, I have been thinking how much effect lower timings have and whether I should even conisder them or save the money for a later upgrade at some point.

I did read the crucial review but that is even more expensive than mushkin/corsair. I think if I decide to go with 2-2-2 memory, I will try to find a deal on the ballistix.

Thanks for the advice so far. Any more is also welcome :D