Which would be the best buy?

[Cheex]

I need to upgrade my memory but I'm really confused; not so much on which memory to get but more on what to do.

My choices compared

Keep in mind that MIRs do not apply to me. Also, if I buy one of the stated kits, then the 1GB of G.SKILL HK that I have now will be resold.

Thanks for your advice/help.

 

[Cheex]

A point of note, I like to OC heavily. My current memory tops out at DDR2-900.

The thought of going higher REALLY intrigues me and also it would be nice to have the 'faster' memory like D9 instead of ProMOS.

 

[JustaGeek]

You are "intrigued", so you will never be happy with just another 1gig of G.Skill - assuming that it would even work, since there is no guarantee that they will be perfectly matched bought separately.

Go with Ballistix and satisfy your curiosity!

 

[Cheex]

Very good point. I didn't even think about that. Also because I would be buying them so far apart. Damn.

So I still need to buy a kit. Hmm....

 

[JustaGeek]

I know you want that Ballistix, don't you...

If you don't get it, you will just keep wondering... I don't know if I would go for the 1066 though, I don't think it is worth the price difference.

Go get it, tiger LOL...

I mean... Lion, that is...

 

[Cheex]

Yes I really want those Tracers!

My Ballistix question is:
Aren't they all the same chips?

I mean, most mobos read the 1066 memories at 800 and you have to manually set it (OC) to 1066 anyway. So aren't the 800 and the 1066 essentially the same?

If not, what is the difference, causing the different speed classification?

 

[Cheex]

...bump...

 

[JustaGeek]

Sorry, must have missed your questions browsing through other posts...

1066MHz memory is kinda like an overclocked 800MHz, but it is tested by the manufacturer to actually run at that speed. Only the best ICs, i.e. Micron, can reach these frequencies.

The reason for the SPD being programmed at 800MHz, and possibly relaxed latencies like 5-5-5-15, is to make sure you can boot the first time. Many motherboards will default the voltage to 1.8V, which is not enough for the memory module to run faster than 800MHz, very often at 667MHz. It is normal for the faster RAM to be rated at 2.2V.

You boot at default 800MHz, and then you have to enter BIOS and change the memory voltage/frequency/timings manually to the faster settings.

 

[Cheex]

So then buying the DDR2-800 wouldn't guarantee that the D9 IC's used on those would actually OC to 1066 or even 1000...but the DDR2-1066 is rated to run at 1066 an also go higher.

Am I understanding this correctly?

 

[JustaGeek]

Correct. There is no guarantee that the 800MHz IC's would OC to 1066.

And there is no guarantee that... the 1066MHz rated IC's will ever reach that speed, either!

All that the 1066 rating means that they have been tested to work at that speed. But it all depends on the motherboard, voltage, timings used etc. The only guarantee that you will get is that they are the top quality IC's.

But even if they only reach e.g. 950MHz, you will get all the bandwidth you need to overclock your CPU to its limits.

 

[Cheex]

That is exactly what I was hoping to hear!!

Also, I wish other people would provide input and also vote on the price/performance poll that I included.

 

[JustaGeek]

Cool!

Let me know what you will have chosen, and how well it performs in your machine.

Good luck!

 

[Cheex]

I'm now reconsidering again!!

Would it be wise to buy another stick of what I have now (so long after) and attempt a dual channel setup?

It would be a LOT cheaper and should be able to hold be over until a later date.

 

[Cheex]

Well, I have bit the bullet and I have ordered another 1GB stick of my G.SKILL HK.
It should be arriving here in Jamaica next week.

I just hope it will run in Dual Channel...:sun:

 

[TrECeNTeRs]

If I have a Q6600 would it be the smart thing to get the Ballistix Tracer DDR2-1066?

Instead of the 800...

Had one guy say get the 800 I think he may have accidentally sent the wrong link.

Also is this a good fast ram? I want something nice but not something to blow money on just to say I have it. Sure i want to over clock some but having a new pc will satisfy me enough for now to where I will not be worried about over clocking until I get board with this beast.

 

[JustaGeek]

Crucial Ballistix is the top quality RAM. They are using their own, almost "legendary" Micron IC's, famous for their overclocking abilities.

Tracer product line only adds a bit of "flare", with "fancy" LEDs on the heatspreaders (honestly, I haven't seen it, but I know it is not a "performance enhancer").

With DDR2 1066, they certify that the modules have been tested, and work at that speed.

Will they work at 1066MHz on your particular motherboard? Chances are they will. But it depends on many factors, like VDimm (voltage), cooling, BIOS options/timings adjustments etc.

However, you are guaranteed to get the modules that will provide you with the great bandwidth for your overclocked FSB/CPU.

 

[Cheex]

Great. I still plan on changing my G.SKILL out for a pair of 1066 Tracers.

LOL...but my G.SKILL Hi-Performance King (HK) will be fine for now I suppose.