LanParty UT nF4 Ultra-D 2GB RAM; go 4x512MB or 2x1GB

[BlackObs]

Sometimes using the search only adds to the confusion; in my case, I see threads for and against each option. Some threads suggest that 4x512 will only work at 166 speeds, others suggest 200 can be had.

 

Anyway, as per my sig, I've currently got 2x512MB of Kingston HyperX Ultra-Low Latency (2-2-2-5), and it's working dandy. I know Kingston isn't recommended around here, although I never figured out why (been reading/lurking extensively since before I bought the board in late December '05). I do have the timings relaxed, because it wouldn't run stable at the rated speeds, so I'm at the "standard timing" I found in one of the threads here (2-3-3-8, IIRC).

 

My options are thus:

Add another 2x512 Kingston HyperX, although the non-ULL version (2-3-2-6).

Replace with 2x1GB, either OCZ EL Platinum PC3200 (2-3-2-5) or OCZ Performance PC3200 (3-3-3-8)

 

The Kingston is TCCD, and I think the OCZ is too, which suits me fine; I don't want to be cranking the voltage too high for OCing anyway.

And I will be doing some overclocking, although I intend to use a divider to keep the RAM near 200 anyway, so I gather that the RAM's overclocking potential isn't terribly important.

Cost of either option (and either OCZ) is essentially the same, since if I go 2x1GB, the replaced 512s will just devolve into another machine that I'd otherwise be buying RAM for as well. As a sidenote, this machine is destined for terabyte+ storage space in the very near future, if that matters.

I'm inclined to go the 2x1GB route, but figured I'd ask here first, get the input of those much wiser than I.

 

Suggestions?

 

EDIT: For 2x1GB, I could also go OCZ Special Ops or OCZ EL Gold XTC... these guys have more variations of RAM in the same price bracket than I have cousins!

[lowboy]

I would go with 2X1gb for sure! Would suggest the oczpc4000 or the gskillpc4000. Why buy memory to have to use divider. Both of those have great support and easy to find good timings.

[michaelzhao]

2x1gb hands down. You'll have trouble even getting it to boot at 4x512. If you do get it to boot. You'll most definitely have to use a 2T command rate.

[ciberfog]

yeah get the 2x1 gb

[Guest MeDS]

2x1GB

 

OCZ / G.Skill can't go wrong!

[cybervicke]

go 2x1gb and as MeDS says OCZ / G.Skill it would be perfect

[p0tter]

A couple proven 2GB kits

 

Gskill 2GBHZ DDR500

 

OCZ 2GB GoldXTC DDR500

 

Check out the OCDB

[BlackObs]

Okay, 2x1GB it is then.

 

Is there a noticeable speed/stability difference between running PC4000 (presumably at 1:1) over PC3200 with a divider? I'm expecting an overclock (out of vague memory of having followed the AMD O/C Guide here back in January) of around 2.5GHz (the CPU was fine with that, although the current RAM is another story entirely), should that be important.

The price difference between the OCZ in PC3200 and the PC4000 kit wangerin posted above (my supplier doesn't carry Gskill) is $30-$50, so not a big deal, but I'm just curious.

[ilikeducttape]

the pc4000 will allow an "easier" OC. the memory is guaranteed to run at 250fsb, which will allow you to clock higher without needing dividers, even though dividers dont really affect performance. just remember, when OC'ing, cpu mhz is where you get the real performance boost. tight timings vs loose timings is a moot point. you should be able to get some pretty nice clocks out of your x2 3800. be sure to check out the OCDB to get an idea of how your your's could clock!