Memory Upgrade, Need Advise

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16-10-2005, 12:49 PM
KrEaToR

Memory Upgrade, Need Advise

Hiya ppl, well i want to upgrade my memory to 2GB i only want to spend around 150-180 quid. I narrowed it down to a couple of choices they are.....

4x512mb Crucial 512mb Pc3200 Ballistix Cl=2, Link >>> Here

Or

2x1GB Geil Value 1GB DDR PC3200 400MHz DDR, Link >>> Here

So what do i go for 4x512mb performance memory, or 2x1GB value memory?

Which will perform/overclock better? Will the performance difference between the two be very much?

If i was to run at stock speeds which would be better? Is the difference between 1T and 2T much? (Sorry for all the Q's)

But if you have any other memory suggestions please let me know of them aswell. Thanks

Andy.

P.S my setup is

AMD 64 3200+ (Venice) Overclocked to 2550Mhz
Abit Fatal1ty SLi NF4
Memory - TBA
Radeon X800XL 256MB PCI-E
2X120GB Maxtor in RAID 0 Config
Asetek triple 120mm fan CPU/VGA/Chipset water cooling kit
16-10-2005, 12:58 PM
sawyen

Both will clock terrible tbh... anything above 2x512 will have a hard time overclocking..

But generally:
2x1 GB sticks... clocks better, 1T and leaves enuf slots of expansion in the future..

if u run 4x512 on A64.. u will need to run 2T command.. and should be almost impossible to clock past stock.. maybe a wee bit..
16-10-2005, 01:01 PM
KrEaToR

i notice you have 4x512 crucial, what are they like?
16-10-2005, 01:07 PM
sawyen

they run stock fine at 2.6v.. 2-6-2-2 but at 2T.. It clocks to about 210ish at tight timings but that about it.. after which it sends loads of errors in memtest or restarts for no apparent reason. Upping the voltage to 2.8V (max for my baord) gives around 230ish at loose 3-10-3-4.. anymore it'll mess up...

2 sticks of Micron (crucial) however, I could clock all the way to 280MHz-ish no problem... on 2.8V 3-10-4-4.. It does 2-6-2-2 all the way up to 220ish..

I currently run 9x300 at 266MHz divider.. its running slightly below 200MHz.. I'm pretty happy with it (but I normally bung the 2 extra out as I only need the extra 2 during my genetics work, BF2 and FEAR)
16-10-2005, 01:19 PM
KrEaToR

hmmm, see my board can goto around 3v for the mem so i wonder if i could push more outta it?

So if i was to keep the memory at stock speeds you would say get 4x512?

Also have you got a link to the crucial memory that can go to 280mhz ish?

Thanks. Andy

Edit:: Or should i got with 2x512MB of really fast stuff? Will it be ok for BF2?
16-10-2005, 01:52 PM
sawyen

I would still say 2 sticks of 1G would be best.. I bot anotehr 2 sticks of micron becoz i din want to sell them cheap off in ebay or hexus classified. Anyhow.. Running at 2T is significantly slower.. thru benchies.. the only advantage it has is the capacity.. infact, the results from Sandra is so pathetic that you would want to turn that thing off compeltely..

If u have a choice.. go 2 x 1G...

If u still need the linky.. here you go..

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/MPar...BL2KIT6464Z402

It stated 2.8V, but I managed to get it running 2-6-2-2 on 2.6V local setting.. ~2.67V-ish..
16-10-2005, 02:04 PM
KrEaToR

Ok the order has been placed and i have gone with
2x Geil Value 1GB DDR PC3200 400MHz DDR (Cas 3 8-4-4) with Aluminium heat spreader.

Cause with this as u said i can run 1T and i have read somewhere can the performance difference between 1T and 2T can be the equvilent of 20mhz per stick, and thats quite alot.

New question now lol, whats better the geil value, OCZ Value or the corsair value??

Thanks. Andy
16-10-2005, 02:09 PM
sawyen

I would say OCZ if u want to clock them.. Corsair if u want it to work with most boards.. Geil sits right in the middle..

Corsair VS dont clock very well.. in fact, they clock terrible..
16-10-2005, 02:12 PM
KrEaToR

theres also crucial and kingston, lol i'm so confused lol
16-10-2005, 02:39 PM
sawyen

I never fancied Kingston and their HyperX range... but their value RAM are OK to say the least..

Crucial doesnt have 2G solutions for Ballistix range.. but they do have the usual 184pin DDRs if u fancy.. but their timings are terrible..
16-10-2005, 03:12 PM
arthurleung

Quote:

Originally Posted by sawyen

I would say OCZ if u want to clock them.. Corsair if u want it to work with most boards.. Geil sits right in the middle..

Corsair VS dont clock very well.. in fact, they clock terrible..

Most VS are crap but some are not :P
16-10-2005, 03:28 PM
KrEaToR

Which do i go for now then

This one Kingston 2x1GB 400MHz DDR PC3200 DIMM 3-3-3 Link >>> Here

Or This

Geil Value 2Gb PC3200 Dual Chan DDR Kit (2x1GB) (Cas 3 8-4-4) with Aluminium heat spreader Link >>> Here

I have got it down to this two as they seem the best but i don't know which one to go with, the kingston seems the have tigther timings, but ive heard the geil performs really well.

Please reply, Thanks for your time.
16-10-2005, 04:37 PM
sawyen

Id say go for the Geil Value.. im sure you'd be able to push 3-3-3-8 on higher volts.. its almost 20+ quids cheaper as well..
16-10-2005, 04:57 PM
KrEaToR

I keep seeing other ram, ive seen this stuff now and was wondering what 4 sticks of this would be like, cause this stuff should over clock good aswell

4x Corsair (CMX512-3200C2PT) 512MB, DDR400 Link >> Here

Shall i go for this stuff or the 2x1GB Geil Value stuff?

The corsair stuff should over clock well right? therefore making up for having to run 2T?

Many Thanks, lol i'm a real pain in the a$$:) Its such a hard choice tho lol
16-10-2005, 05:03 PM
arthurleung

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrEaToR

I keep seeing other ram, ive seen this stuff now and was wondering what 4 sticks of this would be like, cause this stuff should over clock good aswell

4x Corsair (CMX512-3200C2PT) 512MB, DDR400 Link >> Here

Shall i go for this stuff or the 2x1GB Geil Value stuff?

The corsair stuff should over clock well right? therefore making up for having to run 2T?

Many Thanks, lol i'm a real pain in the a$$:) Its such a hard choice tho lol

You either take the most expensive one or the cheapest one.
If you want high freq/low latency, you either pay for it or not.
You could buy the cheapest one, hoping it can overclock well. If it doesn't, its fine, you got the fair share of cake.

512M sticks tends to run lower latency and run higher frequency, but had to run 2T for 2GB. 1G sticks doesn't overclock well but have 1T to compensate.

Most value stuff are pretty much the same. So it doesn't matter much which one you get. Its just pot luck.
16-10-2005, 05:09 PM
KrEaToR

lol, so the question is, which would you yourself go for?
16-10-2005, 05:16 PM
arthurleung

For the 3 you have chosen:
Geil (Cheaper) > Corsair (Lower latency) > Kingston (Better for server-kind usage but not overclocking)
16-10-2005, 05:23 PM
KrEaToR

i think i will go with the corsair, reasons being..... ok so i have to run at 2T but if i stay at stock speeds i will be at 2T but my latencys will be lower, and also if i want to overclock i can ask more from the corsair then the geil.

Am i making the right choice?
16-10-2005, 05:41 PM
arthurleung

Overclocking the two will be simple pot luck. Would expect similar clock out of them, with Corsair overclocking slightly more if increasing the latency
16-10-2005, 09:08 PM
Thorsson

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrEaToR

i think i will go with the corsair, reasons being..... ok so i have to run at 2T but if i stay at stock speeds i will be at 2T but my latencys will be lower, and also if i want to overclock i can ask more from the corsair then the geil.

Am i making the right choice?

No. You may not even be able to run it at stock. The NForce chipsets just don't like 4 sticks of RAM. If you want something faster than the Geil, it is out there. Faster 1Gb sticks have been appearing over the least few weeks. You just have to pay a bit over £200. Only you can decide whether the extra speed is worth the additional money.
17-10-2005, 03:52 AM
arthurleung

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thorsson

No. You may not even be able to run it at stock. The NForce chipsets just don't like 4 sticks of RAM. If you want something faster than the Geil, it is out there. Faster 1Gb sticks have been appearing over the least few weeks. You just have to pay a bit over £200. Only you can decide whether the extra speed is worth the additional money.

4 sticks does not affect overclock. If all you sticks could reach about the same speed, i.e. 250Mhz, Running with 4 sticks would give you around 245~250Mhz. Unless you're using Winchester :P
17-10-2005, 08:15 AM
kempez

Well if its an OC you want then get Crucial Tracers PC4000 - they've been reaching 270-290MHz quite consistantly.

They cost £260 tho :eek:
17-10-2005, 08:49 AM
arthurleung

Quote:

Originally Posted by kempez815

Well if its an OC you want then get Crucial Tracers PC4000 - they've been reaching 270-290MHz quite consistantly.

They cost £260 tho :eek:

The tracers are the best. But the extra £100 is probably better spent on faster CPU :P Unless you got the top one already.
17-10-2005, 09:28 AM
kempez

Rgr that :)

*looks at bank balance*

Damn I need some 2gb action: might have to import some from the states! :)
17-10-2005, 10:19 AM
arthurleung

Quote:

Originally Posted by kempez815

Rgr that :)

*looks at bank balance*

Damn I need some 2gb action: might have to import some from the states! :)

Tracer?
No, don't go 2GB, go 4GB!
17-10-2005, 10:36 AM
sawyen

Quote:

Originally Posted by arthurleung

Tracer?
No, don't go 2GB, go 4GB!

Yeap.. 4GB + x64 Win will be cool..

FEAR is ur god forsaken proof... so *looking at bank balance right after kempez*.. 4GB... I'll have to go on a 2 week fast before I get enough cash for 4 sticks of 1GB sticks...

Pray I don't faint by this afternoon for skipping breakfast...
17-10-2005, 11:25 AM
ajones

Quote:

Originally Posted by kempez815

Rgr that :)

*looks at bank balance*

Damn I need some 2gb action: might have to import some from the states! :)

Try

http://www.pc-memory-upgrade.co.uk/

before you import from the States. Bought my OCZ from them and was pleased with the turn around.
17-10-2005, 02:32 PM
kempez

Thanks man but thats still damn expensive. In fact: kustom PC's will get it for me for less than that :(
17-10-2005, 05:13 PM
nvening

Well, i think i am gunna get these: http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Product...ce=PriceRunner
17-10-2005, 05:21 PM
FatBoab

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrEaToR

i think i will go with the corsair, reasons being..... ok so i have to run at 2T but if i stay at stock speeds i will be at 2T but my latencys will be lower, and also if i want to overclock i can ask more from the corsair then the geil.

Am i making the right choice?

I'm pretty sure that for Athlon 64s running at 1T versus 2T has a much bigger impact on overall system performance that lower latencies...
17-10-2005, 09:26 PM
KrEaToR

Thanks for all your replys guys, and cause of them i think i have made the right choice. In the end i went with these...

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Product...ce=PriceRunner

Can't wait for them to come now, 2GB of memory :shocked2: woohoo can't wait, Bring It On BF2:p

Thanks. Andy.
23-10-2005, 06:04 PM
nvening

should i get the same? How is micros direct? its these vs crucial and corsair value. Whats best? I like heat spreaders on the geil, i know i can add my own but will that void the life time warrenty. I suppose by own would be cool cause i could paint them, hmm#

EDIT: How do heat spreaders attatch? do they need paste or do they just clip on? Cant find a guide, anyone else know of one?
23-10-2005, 10:07 PM
arthurleung

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvening

should i get the same? How is micros direct? its these vs crucial and corsair value. Whats best? I like heat spreaders on the geil, i know i can add my own but will that void the life time warrenty. I suppose by own would be cool cause i could paint them, hmm#

EDIT: How do heat spreaders attatch? do they need paste or do they just clip on? Cant find a guide, anyone else know of one?

They use thermal tapes. Which unfortunately end up storing heat and increasing the temperature of the chips.

So G.Skill ram doen't come with heatspreader because they hinder cooling. Heatspreader is just another "looks cool" factor to make people buy. Since those heatspreader only probably cost 10p to manufacture (those full copper one I bought a while ago were 45p)
23-10-2005, 10:17 PM
Thorsson

I like the "heat spreaders" because they prevent dust build up on the chips. Because the chips usualyy sit in the "exhaust" from the CPU fan this is a particular problem.
23-10-2005, 10:18 PM
Thorsson

Quote:

Originally Posted by KrEaToR

Thanks for all your replys guys, and cause of them i think i have made the right choice. In the end i went with these...

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Product...ce=PriceRunner

Can't wait for them to come now, 2GB of memory :shocked2: woohoo can't wait, Bring It On BF2:p

Thanks. Andy.

A few days ago they were £12 cheaper... :eek:
24-10-2005, 12:19 AM
nvening

I know they were cheaper but oh well. Its just that the heatspreaders look good. hmmmmmm

Is the corsair or the crucial any better? apparently the crucial clocks a bit. mabe i should just get that.

Anyone know where any cheap ram shops are? i mean online.

thnaks
24-10-2005, 09:40 AM
Thorsson

I think that it's a bit luck of the draw with value RAM. CustomPC didn't get any more out of the Crucial than any other RAM in their tests. I have seen reports that Geil value RAM clocks well, but unless someone tests a dozen different modules and finds that they all/most OC well I'd assume that you wouldn't get more than 220 without using a divider (in the CustomPC test only one modules didn't reach this, but none would go over).

As to cheapness I'd look out for special offers like "today only". If you are looking for particular types of RAM, these two seem to have a good list at fair prices:

http://www.memory-configurator.co.uk/index.html
http://www.pc-memory-upgrade.co.uk/ [note that prices are in Euros]
24-10-2005, 12:15 PM
nvening

whats is Pc memory upgrade like? they do it for £159 inc del so that would appear to be the best. Unfortunatly Scan do not go Geil, and if there is no difference im gunna go with the £10 cheaper with nice blue heatspreaders Geil.
24-10-2005, 05:18 PM
Thorsson

Sorry haven't used them mate, only just found them a few weeks back when I started looking for memory myself, but I haven't decided which 2Gig to get yet.

Scan pretty much only do Corsair, and a few boards have been having problems with Corsair for some reason.

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