RAM Decisions & Timings

[shkm]

I've been buying some parts in order to build a new computer from various companies, only waiting for video card and RAM now. Today I discovered that the RAM I ordered from Play on the 29th has changed its status to out of stock--despite it saying in stock upon order, I'm rather miffed--and I'm left with deciding on some new stuff in case I can't sort it out tomorrow.

I had ordered 4GB (2x2GB) of OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 Gold GX XTC (CL 5-5-5-12) from Play for what I thought was a pretty good price. I now found OCZ DDR2 PC2-6400 SLI-Ready Edition 4GB Dual Channel (CL 5-4-4-15) available for a similar price at Microdirect. Trouble is, despite having read a little about memory timings, I can't work out which will actually perform better. Would the SLI stuff even work on my motherboard? I don't get the whole SLI-Ready thing with RAM.

Could anyone lend a hand? I'll be using this PC for gaming.

Sorry but it seems as though I can't post links to those items at <5 posts, but they're on the OCZ site if anyone cares to look.

Thanks.

[staffsMike]

If the SLi stuff is what I think it is, it's 1T rather than 2T (another timing of sorts which goes on the end of the 5-5-5-12-2T etc..) which means it will be a fair bit better. If they are both 2T then I doubt there will be much difference in them at all.

EDIT:
If it's this stuff
OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) PC2-6400C5 800MHz SLI-Ready Edition Low Latency Dual Channel DDR2 (OCZ2N800SR4GK)

then it won't make a difference imo.. both 2T

[shkm]

Aha, it's the same stuff indeed. In any case, I've just realised it's out of stock at MicroDirect too, which reminds me not to post on forums when I'm sleepy!

As an alternative, then, could you perhaps recommend some similar RAM for me to price hunt? I haven't looked much into anything past OCZ, but prices seem to vary massively (&#163;50 on that ram you just linked).

Thanks.

[staffsMike]

Some very good sets here
DDR2 Computer Memory Upgrade for Desktop and Laptop Computers

G-Skill 4-4-4-12 might get my money at &#163;80

What i'd really want is this
4GB GeIL PC2-6400 CL4 Black Dragon EVO ONE (4-4-4-12) Dual Channel kit

but i don't think it's worth the extra and most of the big HSF's wouldn't work with it

[GSte]

Sli certified stuff comes with pre-programmed profiles that automatically sets it to the correct timings when you use it with a compatible Nvidia board.

The difference between the different latency kits will be minimal, performance wise, the biggest consideration in my opinion is how good the RMA procedure of the manufacturer is, followed by how much you like the look of the heatspreaders.

[shkm]

Excellent site over there, Mike, many thanks for the link.

Sli certified stuff comes with pre-programmed profiles that automatically sets it to the correct timings when you use it with a compatible Nvidia board.

The difference between the different latency kits will be minimal, performance wise, the biggest consideration in my opinion is how good the RMA procedure of the manufacturer is, followed by how much you like the look of the heatspreaders.

I've just been looking into how much the timings really help, and I couldn't find anywhere that showed any kind of performance difference that's worthwhile. Now, perhaps I'm wrong, but I do like to cut back on the spending where possible. So I had a look around and found some 5-5-5-15 RAM that will save me a few tenners, which also got me wondering about the lesser known memory brands.

I usually don't like eBay, but I found some 2x2GB 800Mhz Winchip memory for only &#163;50. I've never heard of Winchip, however, and am a bit wary to give that a go. There was also 2x2GB 800MHz A-Data memory up for &#163;54, and I actually have heard of them. I could not find anything on the RMA procedure either of these manufacturers, and eBay is dodgy enough to be out of consideration for returns. But from a performance standpoint, would I really notice a difference between getting either of these and some same-spec OCZ or Corsair?

And while I'm at it, is 1066MHz RAM worth considering with my processor? Quite clueless in regards to that, too.

Apologies for asking all of these questions, but it's all boggling my mind a bit.

Thanks.

Oh, there's also some 4GB Team Elite RAM up at memoryc for &#163;55.74 inc shipping. Might just go for these, but input appreciated!

Just double-checked Team's site and the timings are listed at 5-5-5-18! Definitely the same RAM, but memoryc and some other sites list it as 5-5-5-15.

[GSte]

I could not find anything on the RMA procedure either of these manufacturers, and eBay is dodgy enough to be out of consideration for returns. But from a performance standpoint, would I really notice a difference between getting either of these and some same-spec OCZ or Corsair?

And while I'm at it, is 1066MHz RAM worth considering with my processor? Quite clueless in regards to that, too.

Apologies for asking all of these questions

From a performance standpoint they would be identical. The Team RAM looks okay, but I've heard that their RMAs take a looooooooooooooooong time. I'd stick with crucial/corsair/ocz personally. I think with Corsair you might have to send it to America though..... someone else will be able to confirm this. Ask Yellowbeard on the Corsair Care section of these forums.

1066 RAM isn't neccessary. 800 will be fine. It will get you to 3.6GHz should you want to overclock, and the perf. difference between the two isn't worth mentioning.

I'd avoid the Winchip stuff and get something better known.

Ask away mate, that's what we're here for

[da_ging]

why not just get the 4GB (2x2GB) Corsair TwinX XMS2, DDR2 PC2-6400 @ &#163;68 on today only at scan?

[staffsMike]

Certainly don't need PC8500 RAM.

Team elite are OK I think, never used it myself though.

[shkm]

Ended up going with the Team Elite kit. Just can't justify spending the extra, and it seemed an excellent deal!