Which 2GB memory kit?

[GodLovesPunk]

I've narrowed my search for new ram down to two 2GB kits, OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR 400 (PC 3200) Dual Channel Platinum and
OCZ Gold Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) DDR 500 (PC 4000) Dual Channel.

First off, I'd like to overclock. I've successfully tested my computer with a 250mhz FSB with a 3200 Winchester (250 x 10) and found that my main limiting factor is my RAM resulting in the use of a divider. I'd like to overclock and keep it a 1:1 ratio for absolute best performance.

Now, should I go with the PC3200 and have really tight timings but possible have to use a divider or maybe loosen the timings, or go with the PC4000 and be guaranteed a 250FSB overclock with a 1:1 ratio with more relaxed timings? Which would be the best performance? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Shimmishim]

Have you tested your system to see if 1:1 really does give better performance.

the mem test run my zebo (should be somewhere in AT cpu/processor thread) shows that running with dividers has a small effect on realworld performance.

but if you want the absolute best...

mushkin redline 2x1 gig set
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146034
3-3-2-8

ocz has some too but they are hard to find...

crucial ballistix are good
but they run 3-3-3-8

 

[1Dark1Sharigan1]

I would say for gaming go with slightly lower speeds but tigher timings because PC4000 ram @ 3-3-3-8 will not be better than PC3200 ram @ 2-3-2-5. But remember those are just the rated latencies. 2x1 GB kits such as the Crucial Ballistix or Muskin Redline can hit PC4000+ speeds at better timings I bet (say 2.5-3-3-8) so it starts to even out more. Read some reviews and buy the best OC ram available at the lowest price. Don't just look at the rated speeds and timings . . .

 

[GodLovesPunk]

I've run several tests at stock settings (2ghz, 200mhz FSB, RAM at 2-3-3-7 timings) compared to overclocked settings (2.5ghz, 250mhz FSB, RAM at 207mhz 2-3-3-7 timings) and had no improvement in performance.. Now I would think a 500mhz overclock would increase performance some. So I narrowed it down to having to use a divider with somewhat cheap ram. I could be wrong though.

 

[gus6464]

Read this:

http://www.dfi-street.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27875

Shows tests with various memory with 1:1 ratio and divider overclocks. Honestly its a matter of preference. I myself prefer tighter timings with divider and keeping it at 1:1 ratio.

 

[themusgrat]

I have the OCZ PC4000 Gold 2x1GBs, and they perform at the rated speed well, but don't do much in overclocking. They are rated at 3-4-3-8, I think, at DDR500, at 2.8? Even with 3.3, I can't seem to make them do better than 3-3-3-8, and don't want to go higher. They are great, because nothing ever has to run from disk, but there are faster timings available, and if you don't play memory hogs like BF2, then 1GB is OK. If you really need the 2GB, then I think that the Plat. would do the same as the Gold at DDR500, just give it more volts, and don't expect great timings at DDR500. I'm a little disappointed, because I had a 2x512 Value VX kit that I bought for 80, and one stick did 1.5-2-2-7 at DDR500 and 3.4v. Sadly, the other stick was bad and I had to RMA both, so I don't guess I'll ever see my beauty again.