Corsair vs OCZ

[NightWolf]

Hi

Im in the process of building a new SLI system with a AMD FX-55 and an Asus SLI Deluxe mobo.

The thing I am having most trouble with is deciding what memory module is best.
The Asus has 2x Dual channel slots and i was looking at getting 2 1GB rame sticks because it has the 1t timing vs 2t.

So if someone could advise me on what is the best performance memory module i could buy.
Im not sure whether it is best to go with great timings (2-2-2-5) or high frequency 550mhz???

Also what timings are Corsair XMS Dual Channel DDR SDRAM at 550MHz, and does any one have a link to this module???

The memory im currently looking at is the Corsir TWINX1024-3200XLPRO or GeIL PC4400 550MHz Dual Channel DDR. Is there anything better???


Thanks
NightWolf

[BenW]

Tight timingd or high speed depends on what its going to be used for. If you plan on overclocking then get the high speed stuff and if you're not overclocking get the low latency stuff

Also, if you rarely use 1GB ram you will get better performance by getting 1GB (2*512)

[NightWolf]

Thanks for the speedy reply
Well ill be using the RAM for gaming, and probally wont over clock.
I think that 2gb is better and getting 2 1gb sticks vs 4x 512 because the command rate changes from 1t to 2t.

So what would the best stick to get??

[Smokey21]

Well if you want 2gb of memory, your going to have high latency, and it's not going to o/c far, and it's gonna cost a bomb.

Get yourself a nice set of 2x 512mb, and clock it.

If you have the ability to feed memory extra volts, and cool it, id reccommend OCZ VX, or somet like it, like BH-5, etc, or some TCCD if you can't.

[nvening]

Sounds like one hell of a system, what are u planing?

[skuzgib]

A few months ago I'd have said "you don't need 2GB" but if you're building a top of the line system, I'd say go for it, what with the likes of battlefield 2 saying it's recommended. You'd have to upgrade in the not to distant future anyway, so you may as well do it now.

If you're not overclocking, do bother with really expensive modules like corsair/ocz or high frequency (all you nedd is pc3200) go for any old brand like crucial or Giel value (i've seen 2x1gb kits for ~£160!).

Even tho the less expensive ones have higher latencies, it's not worth paying an extra £100 for the extra 5fps or whatever it would give you (you prolly wouldn't notice the extra anyway with 2 gfx cards!)

[StormPC]

Any game that is so poorly written that it can't run properly in a gigabyte of RAM should not be purchased. Even the lamest of programmers can make due with 1GB. Two gigabytes is useful for high-res scanned image manipulation, but for games there is no excuse for requiring so much RAM.

[noah]

just seen some patriot 1gb sticks on tekheads that do 2-3-2-5, you may wish to check em out if you insist on having 2gig

linky

[ikonia]

I put 2x1gig of crucial balistix in my box with an FX55 - so pretty much what your doing too.

the 2 gig doesn't make a difference in games as even playing doom 3 the ram doesn't go above 700 meg usage-ish.

however where it does come into play - with a visual difference is under a linux 64 build. building software is much much faster, and the ram seems to with with the fx55 really well. using gimp (so I assume would be the same with photoshop) is very quick and video encoding/ripping is excellent.

Before when I ran 1 gig I got good performance but the jump with 2 is very noticable.

didn't see it in games though

[NightWolf]

Thanks for all the help and links
I think Ill go with the 2Gbs of the Corsair with 2-2-2-5 timings.

Sounds like one hell of a system, what are u planing?

Im planing:
TT Kandalf Case
AMD FX-55 --> Watercooled with the Tt big water kit
2x BFG 6800 Ultras 512mb (pre order soon)
2 Gb of corsair ram
Asus K8N SLI Premium (pre order)
Silverstone 650W PSU

Thanks once again for the help

[pudds]

Why are you getting the asus sli with that setup. If your spending that much money get the DFI

[BenW]

And really you could probably save a few quid and get a less powerful PSU....like a 500W one but then it doesnt look like moneys too tight for you lol

[NightWolf]

And really you could probably save a few quid and get a less powerful PSU

I think i need 650 watts for the 3 BFG cards, light controlers, lights, extra fans, watercooling etc. Better to go for more rather than less...

If your spending that much money get the DFI

The asus Premium is digital sli bridge and im not a heavy overclocker...

I hope the system goes well been saving for like 5 years

[nvening]

sugar that thing will be fast

[Smokey21]

Why in the blue hell are you getting 512mb Ultra's? That is the biggest waste of cash on the planet.

Wait a bit. Wait for either the 90nm FX55's or the FX-57.

Get the DFI Nforce 4 SLI, and get normal 6800Ultra's 256mb. Don't get the 650Watt Silverstone, get either a 600Watt OCZ Powerstream, or a PC Power and Cooling.

[Meiapaul]

From what I remember, TomsHardware said the digital SLI bridge wasnt worth the effort, because it required 2 restarts, instead of just powering down and pusing a little clip into place...Definately not worth the money IMO.