any point in fast ram if no OC?

[rektek]

im building a super-budget system (C2D) for a friend and was wondering if there is any point in buying 6400 RAM since we will not be overclocking it.

i could get 2 gigs of crucial rendition for about $80

would there be any difference in performance between 4200 or 5300 or 6400 if no overclocking is taking place?

[Clunk]

There is a small benefit from the extra bandwidth, some programs respond well to it.

[staffsMike]

best compromise is pc5300 i think. I bought crucial ballistix pc5300 for a system i wasnt planning on overclocking and it feels (maybe just in my head) fast with that.

pc5300 also means you can run the new 1333mhz chips as the pc4200 will not at the correct speed.

[NightshadowUK]

As Mike said go with PC5300, it's worth the couple of quid over PC4200.

PC6400 and up is really just for overclocking.

[rektek]

ok cool, thanx.

on a side note i do remember reading a few forums that there isnt really any diference between 4200 and 530 but that there is BIG difference with 6400.
something to do with the FSB multiplier and how 4200 was the same core freq as C2D cpus.
i guess maybe those articles were coming from a overclocking point of view?

[Clunk]

Dont forget that 4200 RAM wont work in some P35 boards, if thats the route you choose.