Which ram to choose

[Tim]

I have a evga 680i MB with a e8400 CPU
Given a choice, which of these two ram kits would be a better, and what are key upsides or downsides to each choice (besides cost difference)

4x1GB of Patriot extreme performance ddr2-800 @ 4.4.4.12 , 2.2v SLI ready memory
2x2GB of G.Skill ddr2-1000 @ 5.5.5.15, 2.1v

Just out of these two choices, no other choices apply, unless you can find something comparable to the G.Skill at around the same price and must be something on this list
http://evga.com/support/mbmem/

 

[DSF]

Assuming that you're overclocking, I would go with the G.Skill since it runs at a lower voltage and is guaranteed to reach a higher speed. If you're not overclocking then I'd save yourself some money and get 1.8V DDR2-800.

Also, the G.Skill is a 2x2GB kit which will leave you the option of adding more RAM in the future.

 

[brencat]

Out of those 2, the GSkill. And it's much less stress on your NB with only 2 RAM slots filled as opposed to 4 generally speaking. The downside is that you won't be able to run CAS4 timings if that is important to you.

However, if you go with the GSkills, save yourself some money. No need to buy the PC2-8000 for $90+ when the $75 PC2-6400 GSkills will do just fine (and also OC to ~ 500 FSB at the same 5-5-5-15 timings):

Newegg GSkill PC2-6400 2 x 2s

Just be aware you may need to push the vDIMM up to 2.0 - 2.1 though (which incidentally is what the rated voltage is on the PC2-8000 GSkills because it's the same RAM).

Other good choices ~ $70 - $80:

Newegg A-Data PC2-6400 2 x 2s

Newegg Mushkin PC2-6400 2 x 2s

 

[Tim]

I guess I shouldn't have beat around the bush.
I already have and use the 4x1 Patriot extreme performance ddr2-800.
Would it be worthwhile to sell the patriots and put the money towards the upgrade to ddr2-1000 or 1066 all things considered? I'm pretty sure selling it would cut the cost of buying new dramatically.

 

[brencat]

If you already have and use them and are running CAS4 timings as well (which you won't be able to do with the 2gb sticks we've already discussed), there's no need to switch to 2 x 2s unless you eventually want to run 6 or 8gb of RAM.

Sure you can try and sell the Patriots but don't expect to get that much for them since new RAM is pretty cheap these days.

Edit: Just looked at your RIG specs. Nice one btw. You are running CAS4 timings with 2.15 vDIMM all 4 slots filled @ 430 FSB. I would sit tight -- just my opinion.

Edit#2: Got an itch to play? The 680i is one of the best for RAM OCing. Try lowering tRC to 18 or 16 (i.e. the sum of the last 2 timings (4-4-4-12) = 4 + 12 = 16. Or build in a cushion of 4 + 12 + 2 = 18). You should see a decent boost in bandwidth from that assuming your system can handle it with 4 slots filled. Make sure you memtest it before booting back to windows.

 

[Tim]

Just check the "My Rig" link in my sig, it shows pretty much everything I have including how I run it. I personally think the ram I have now might be holding me back? Wouldn't it be good to get the 1000 in that case so I can still overclock at a 1:1 ratio without worrying about going too far up on the 800mhz ram?

 

[brencat]

Check my edits

 

[brencat]

Originally posted by: theplaidfad
Wouldn't it be good to get the 1000 in that case so I can still overclock at a 1:1 ratio without worrying about going too far up on the 800mhz ram?

At nearly 3.9ghz, you are within 200mhz of the likely max of that CPU. In my opinion, if your existing RAM can't do 455 FSB at CAS4 with an acceptable vDIMM, it is better for you to stay where you are, rather than going to 455 FSB at CAS5 1:1. The RAM you were looking at in 2 x 2 configuration will not do CAS4. If that's what you want, be prepared to spend $110+ which IMO is not worth it.

 

[Tim]

Thanks for the input. I'll keep what I have.