What's Faster 444-12 or 555-15

[VitoVonAntwon]

Hi,

Looking at a few ram deals and I'm confused.

I Used to build systems back in the day, and I'm alittle confused with today's choices.

Like these 2... ($60 for 4gigs.) (with a rebate)
OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 / 800MHz / 2GB Module / Vista Upgrade Edition /
* 800MHz DDR2
* CL 5-6-6-15
* 4GB (2x2048) dual channel optimized kit
* Unbuffered
* Copper Mirrored XTC Heatspreader*
* Lifetime Warranty
* 1.8-2.0 Volts
* 240 Pin DIMM
or

(36$ for 2gigs) WIth rebate.
Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC2-6400 800MHz 240-pin DDR2 Memory
NVIDIA SLI-Ready
Capacity: 2GB (2x 1GB)
Type: 240-pin DDR2
Speed: PC2-6400 800Mhz
Latency: 4-4-4-12
Signal Processing: UNBUFFERED
Error Checking: NON-ECC
Voltage: 2.2V
Configuration: 128MB x 64
Warranty: Lifetime Limited
Manufacturer Part Number: BL2KIT12864AA804
www.crucial.com

Just not sure which timing is better. Is 555-15 better than 566-15?
Is 444-12 Better than the 15 timing? I'm assuming smaller numbers means better performance.

Just out of the loop, trying to build a new machine.
Vito

 

[n7]

Tigher timings (lower numbers) is better.

But 4 GB vs. 2 GB is going to be better overall in most cases.

There's lot of choices for 2x2 GB kits under $100 that run 5-5-5 & can run 4-4-4.

 

[biostud]

the speed difference in timings is only noticeable in benchmarks, not in real use, in 99.9% of the cases.

 

[sutahz]

Originally posted by: biostud
the speed difference in timings is only noticeable in benchmarks, not in real use, in 99.9% of the cases.

I second this. With me saying you'll NEVER see the difference in real life.

 

[nefariouscaine]

Originally posted by: sutahz

Originally posted by: biostud
the speed difference in timings is only noticeable in benchmarks, not in real use, in 99.9% of the cases.

I second this. With me saying you'll NEVER see the difference in real life.

second that one - its really not too noticeable. I've run many various speeds/timings and memory only changes are not substantial performance increases

go with 4 gigs if you OS supports it and your board will run it well but take a gander at other offerings than that OCZ IMO - G.Skill and Mushkin are making far better 2x2 kits

depending on what mobo you're going to use if your voltage options are severely limited that OCZ might not play too well (nor would the Crucial actually...)

Also don't plan on overclocking many of the 2x2 kits out there - I'm not saying they *all* don't OC but most don't.

For most average people I say hunt for the most compatible memory for the motherboard you plan on using. Shoot for 1.8v as the working voltage, not a range of 1.8v to 2.0v. There are options out there like this Transend kits thats $80 with out rebate:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820208353

and right now you get a free flash drive

 

[VitoVonAntwon]

Thank you all. This has helped me greatly.

I've never heard of transcend brand.
The reviews on newegg 10 of em say they are pretty good.
Decent price though for 4 gigs.

Antonio

 

[Gomeler]

I've done tests before ranging from 3-3-3-9 @ 667 up to 5-5-5-15 @ 1200 and in daily applications you cannot tell. If you are crunching or heavily utilizing your machine and receive numeric feedback then you may notice a slight difference, but otherwise don't worry about the timings. I typically just run 5-5-5-15 with 1:1 divider and keep the volts as low as possible to extend the life of the ram. Those Ballistix though are great benching sticks, can easily do 1200MHz with the right board and a liberal bump in voltage.