When buying RAM what's better ?

Discussion in 'Gaming' started by Parusa, Jun 30, 2007.

  1. Parusa

    Parusa Well-Known Member

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    Please read it ALL so that you fully understand what I mean.

    I want 4GB of RAM, and the 2 best options are:

    1)
    2x CORSAIR TWINX Matched DDR2 2048MB (2x1024MB) 1066Mhz Dominator XMS2 8500 EPP HSP 5-5-5-15 TWIN2X2048-8500C5D

    which isn't a very good option because it's very expensive and it's hard (and again expensive) to find a mobo to support 4 matched DDR2 sticks.

    2)
    CORSAIR TWINX Matched DDR2 4096MB (2x2048MB) 800Mhz XMS2 DHX 6400 HSP 5-5-5-18

    which would be way more easier and cheaper but it only runs at 800Mhz.

    So I was wondering which is better, more RAM or faster RAM
    If the speed is really important I might settle with 2GB Matched @ 1142Mhz
     
  2. xlink

    xlink GR's Tech Enthusiast

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    ------ corsair

    how corsair makes RAM

    1 find idiot
    2 affix promos to PCB
    3 place on fancy "dominator" heatspreaders
    4 charge $300, laugh and have a burrito

    to be honest though, the $$$ PC8500kit actually uses micron d9 though(from what I understand). it's just overpriced. i can get something within 1% of it(in terms of overclocking) for around $100


    as for what's faster, that depends on what you do largely.


    FYI with you're budget for RAM, i'd personally be looking into DDR3. since you're willing to drop some serious cash or so it seems.
    EDIT:f' that thought DDR3 was around 150$ cheaper guess not yet.
     
  3. Parusa

    Parusa Well-Known Member

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    Ok I understand all that, but assuming I'm deciding between these 2, what would you take

    2GB of faster RAM or 4GB of slower RAM ?

    EDIT: and if it really matters that much, it's for gaming.
     
  4. Echomander

    Echomander Well-Known Member

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    Wait, what board are you getting? I don't understand like anything about this, but 533Mhz RAM is better than 667Mhz on a board for core 2 duos (with a cthingy of 1066?) I have not much idea, but, eh.
     
  5. Blooper008

    Blooper008 Well-Known Member

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    2Gb faster ram will be better in games then 4gb slower. Corsair is way overpriced. 4x1gb will be hard clocking, as its more stressful on the memory controller.

    Recommand:
    2x1Gb ''fast'' ram:
    Crucial Ballistix Tracer 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500)
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx...N82E16820148070

    This is a very good kit, you can probably reach ddr2 1200 cas5 with ease.

    If you defenatly want 4GB fast ram and you have the money for it, buy 2 of those. I still agree with xelink on the ddr3 part.
     
  6. xlink

    xlink GR's Tech Enthusiast

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    usually if you're gaming you'de be wanting to stick to 32bit windows(assuming you're going with an 8800)

    in which case, the operating system can only address 2GB RAM per program.

    and I can attest to the 4*1GB RAM being harder to overclock(when the OS is 64bit) gave me a hit of around 70MHZ FSB(560mhz CPU)
     
  7. azn_rebel99

    azn_rebel99 Well-Known Member

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    xelink is right. 32 bit wont let you use all 4 gigs of ram if you get 4 gigs. It'll only let you use three. I recommend just getting 2 gigs of fast ram cuz gaming needs fast ram more than the amount of ram thats running. Try checking out OCZ ram. Waaaaaay better than corsair. i had tons of problems with corsair.
     
  8. Parusa

    Parusa Well-Known Member

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    Ok you guys convinced me to take 2GB of faster RAM.

    Now, so I don't have to open a new topic, anyone know what motherboard I would need for a C2 Quad QX6800 (2.93Ghz) 1066Mhz FSB ?
     
  9. xlink

    xlink GR's Tech Enthusiast

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    somethign P35 or P38 based(preferably the later)

    and again, don't spend so much on the RAM, a $100-150 kit(micron d9 based) will reach performance within a few percent of the 400+ kits. heck half the time, you can't even run your RAM at full since the board prevents you(RAM runs in synch with the bus)
     
  10. Blooper008

    Blooper008 Well-Known Member

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  11. xlink

    xlink GR's Tech Enthusiast

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