Memory speed and IntelCore2 Dual E6600

[Hans L]

I'm building my own computer with Inter Core 2 Dual E6600 and Asus P5B Deluxe WiFi motherboard. But I am uncertain about what memory to choose (I am kinda a ham in this area). I am not a gamer and I am relatively light on graphics/video.

I have read a few AnandTech reviews, which were very informative, for instance

anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2800&p=1

which indicates that 2 x 1 MB 533 MHz DDR2 memory would be quite satisfactory. Asus recommends, i.a., Kingston KVR533D2N4/1B (Newegg $111.99 a piece).

However, on page

asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=11&l3=307&model=1179&modelmenu=1

Asus itself says:

"Kingston® HyperX® PC2-8500 Ready (default overclock at 1066 MHz)
The Kingston HyperX PC2-8500 is high-frequency memory that delivers outstanding performance. Built with only the best components, the P5B Deluxe and PC2-8500 HyperX memory are optimized for each other to reach maximum performance. Both are validated for stability and compatibility.
*The Kingston DIMM modules are not included in ASUS motherboard package."

And this memory is not even in the Qualified Vendors List for this mb. Kingston HyperX 1 GB DDR2 800 (PC2 6400; I cannot find 8500) costs $169.99 at Newegg.

AnandTech, in their test of the motherboard above, uses OCZ PC2-9000, a memory that I can't even find a price for on the Net. Some swear by Corsair (e.g. PC2 8500).

So, my question is, would it be enough with the Kingston KVR533D2N4/1B, or would a Hyper X or equivalent model be preferable?

Hans L

[Clunk]

If you just want your pc to run at its rated speed then pc2-5300 will be fine for you. If you want to overclock, go for pc2-6400 upwards. Others may have different findings, but i see no real world difference running the ram faster than the cpu.

[ExceededGoku]

I have some GeIL PC2-6400 stuff here and its running comfortably at 1Ghz (400Mhz FSB with a divider of 2.5) with voltages of 2.3v. As you can see my memory is only needed for overclocking whereas you are only going to be using your computer for menial tasks (no gaming or heavy multi threading) so I would just go with some cheapo DDR2533 stuff, no point in wasting money on something you won't use tbh.

[Hans L]

I appreciate your advice. Saves me a lot of money. Thanks!!

Now, I have dealt with CPU, motherboard and memory -- on to cassis and power supply!

[Hans L]

For Corsair VS1GB533D2, it says "... The VS1GB533D2 is an unbuffered, non-ECC, 1GB DDR2 memory module operating at PC2-4200."

I realize that I do not know what this PC2-4200 really is, and how it relates to 533 MHz. Please ...

[ExceededGoku]

that is fine you want unbuffered non-ECC (i would be surpirsed if you could get ECC for less than £2-300 even at that speed - a bit of an exageration but not much) PC2-4200 = DDR533 (533Mhz). That's what you need I believe .

So to summarise:
- you need PC2-4200 (aka DDR533)
- Unbuffered
- Non-ECC

And that's it

[Hans L]

Okay, I am sure you are right. I'll go for it.

[gOdman]

Okay, I am sure you are right. I'll go for it.

If you can find some *cheap* corsair xms2 667 get it and change the ratio to 1:1, so it's in sync with the fsb. This is the best ratio on ram speeds for a core 2 duo system. That is unless you run at ram speeds over 800mhz...

*by cheap i mean at or around the same price as ddr2 533, thus securing you for a fsb overclock @ 333mhz 1:1 (FSB:MEM), providing of course your motherboard and cpu allow for the overclock.

Oh and btw ram latency doesn't matter too much with core 2 duo, so dont go psending 50 quid more for cas 4 ram instead of cas 5 ram, i just doesn't matter, although in general you should look for ram at the lowest letancies.

[Hans L]

Thanks. This is a great learning experience. I'll see what I can find.

[BUFF]

http://www.madshrimps.be/?action=getarticle&articID=472

Scan have 2Gb XMS 6400 5-5-5- on special over the weekend £177

[Hans L]

I think I'll start with somethig much cheaper.

[gOdman]

haha, what about £120~£150 range?
1gb or 2gb?