Speed Or Timings?

[Kaos]

I've been trying to decide on memory for my new system. Going with 2Gb in 2 sticks. From what I've found, DDR400/PC3200 is available in timings as low as 2-2-2-5, with 2-3-2-6 being fairly common. Stepping up to DDR500/PC4000, timings are only 3-4-4-8 or 3-4-3-8. Prices are somewhat comparable overall.

 

So what'll end up with the best speed? The slower clock speed with better timings, or the faster clock speed with slower timings?

 

I'm trying not to complicate the issue by throwing brands and prices into the equation, suffice to say that for most respected brands, speeds/timings are very similar, as listed above, and pricing is comparable. I just want to know the overall effect of the speed/timings.

[romeo55]

I've been trying to decide on memory for my new system.  Going with 2Gb in 2 sticks.  From what I've found, DDR400/PC3200 is available in timings as low as 2-2-2-5, with 2-3-2-6 being fairly common.  Stepping up to DDR500/PC4000, timings are only 3-4-4-8 or 3-4-3-8.  Prices are somewhat comparable overall.

 

So what'll end up with the best speed?  The slower clock speed with better timings, or the faster clock speed with slower timings?

 

I'm trying not to complicate the issue by throwing brands and prices into the equation, suffice to say that for most respected brands, speeds/timings are very similar, as listed above, and pricing is comparable.  I just want to know the overall effect of the speed/timings.

590198[/snapback]

 

clockespeed always over timeings, tho if its only like a 10 mhz overclock then you'll be better off with the timings

[hardnrg]

here's a result that you can relate to:

 

10x304, 1:1 (ram speed = 304mhz, PC4864), 2.5-4-4-8-1T <vs> 10x304, 5:6 (ram speed = 253mhz, PC4053), 2.5-3-3-6-1T

 

SuperPi 1M: 27.563s <vs> 27.953s

Sandra CPU: 13610 <vs> 13605

Sandra MM: 28925, 31119 <vs> 28933, 31129

Sandra Ram: 8030, 7938 <vs> 7413, 7344

PCMark04: 6088 <vs> 6047

Prime95 benchmark (sum): 886.525ms <vs> 884.89ms

 

as you can see, there's not much in it at all... it looks like in this case the 1:1 setting has the edge but only just... and it isn't better in everything... so if running a divider means you can get a higher cpu oc, then don't let it put you off...

 

10x307, 5:6, 2.5-3-3-6-1T is better than either oc oh except maybe in sandra memory bandwidth which is almost meaningless except in small parts of benchmark programs (e.g. lobby in 3dmark01se, web page rendering in pcmark04)

[martymcfly]

That pc500 RAM may be rated for 2.5-4-4-8 at 250 mhz, but it is rated 2-2-2-5 at ddr400 (200 mhz). It is just guaranteed to run at those speeds. I would just go for the cheaper pc3200 with 2-2-2-5 timings, which can usually go as far as the pc500. The RAM will not actually run at ddr500 unless you OC to that speed along with your proc.

 

In other words, they are the same thing, so just go for the cheaper one.

[Kaos]

That pc500 RAM may be rated for 2.5-4-4-8  at 250 mhz, but it is rated 2-2-2-5 at ddr400 (200 mhz).  It is just guaranteed to run at those speeds.  I would just go for the cheaper pc3200 with 2-2-2-5 timings, which can usually go as far as the pc500.  The RAM will not actually run at ddr500 unless you OC to that speed along with your proc.

 

In other words, they are the same thing, so just go for the cheaper one.

590241[/snapback]

 

Actually the published timings for the DDR500 is 3-4-3-8. the DDR400 is the 2-3-2-5. So if I were to get oc'd all the way to hardnrg's example of 304x10, (which I won't likely go quite that far), you think that either one would be able to handle the same timings? (for instance, the 2.5-4-4-8 that he quoted?)

 

Edit: And actually the difference right now with the DDR500 on sale is only 10 bucks.

 

DDR400 vs. DDR500

Edited December 5, 2005 by Kaos

[hardnrg]

the xp4000 could reach a potential 265-280 @ 3-4-4-8 whereas the hp3200 wouldn't get much above 250... maybe like 260 tops.... go for the xp4000 if you're planning on using an opteron, as the 265-280 max range will work out nicely

[Kaos]

Excellent, thanks hardnrg. Well, I think I've got my memory nailed down then. Newegg's got a heck of a deal going on that mushkin, so I think I'll scarf it up while I can. If it'll do 280, then it should meet my OC goal of 2.8ghz.

[hardnrg]

you'd be limiting your oc at 1:1 with that ram... it'd be wiser to use the 5:6 or 9:10 divider and let the cpu oc clock higher...

 

well, maybe not wise... but more performance

[Kaos]

you'd be limiting your oc at 1:1 with that ram... it'd be wiser to use the 5:6 or 9:10 divider and let the cpu oc clock higher...

 

well, maybe not wise... but more performance

590364[/snapback]

Heh... Ok, well, I can't seem to find 1Gig modules any faster, and if I did, I surmise I'd be paying a pretty penny for them, so I'm gonna go ahead and take advantage of this price. I also think I'm going to stop going nuts trying to find a case I like, and just bite the bullet and pay for the Antec P180. Good cooling, good styling, what the heck. I could spend the next 3 weeks looking at cases, and still not come to a conclusion.