|
| Notices |
DriverHeaven is currently recruiting for the AWOMO Beta Test / Elite Op Team. AWOMO is a digital download service for games, and we're looking to expand the beta team. If you're interested. Sign up as a member here at DriverHeaven and then head HERE to submit your details. Thanks
For more info on AWOMO visit their site HERE
Welcome to the DriverHeaven.net forums. You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today! If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us. |
 |
Dec 23, 2005, 12:15 AM
|
#1
|
|
DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 31
Rep Power: 0
|
DDR400 RAM 4x512MB or 2x1GB?
I have a few questions.
When buying RAM for gaming what should I look for?
Is it better to have four sticks of 512MB or two sticks of 1GB?
What RAM do you recommend as the best for gaming performance I can purchase for DDR400 PC3200?
|
|
|
|
Dec 23, 2005, 12:23 AM
|
#2
|
|
DriverHeaven Extreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Floatin'...
Posts: 4,958
Rep Power: 37
|
Well OCZ has a 2GB set for $250 with timings of 2-3-3-8, but it can run @ 2-3-25 @ 2.8v. Read that they are good oc'ers too 
http://www.monarchcomputer.com/Merch...Unbuffered_OCZ |
|
|
|
|
Dec 23, 2005, 12:25 AM
|
#3
|
|
DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 31
Rep Power: 0
|
Are lower timing better and higher voltages better as well? Could you explain that for me?
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 23, 2005, 12:58 AM
|
#4
|
|
Xtreme
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Can
Posts: 3,525
Rep Power: 40
|
2 X 1GB sticks for sure. You'll run in to less problems and it will run with command per clock on, which is a decent gain in performance. They also now make very good PC4000 2X1GB sets which use the Samsung UCCC chips which do up to 250-270HTT and still maintain decent timings.
|
|
|
|
Dec 23, 2005, 12:04 PM
|
#5
|
|
DriverHeaven Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 31
Rep Power: 0
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Kinyin
Are lower timing better and higher voltages better as well? Could you explain that for me?
|
Could someone answer that please? |
|
|
|
|
Dec 23, 2005, 02:16 PM
|
#6
|
|
DH mod staff leader
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Vantaa, Finland
Posts: 5,748
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Kinyin
Are lower timing better and higher voltages better as well? Could you explain that for me?
|
Well, in general lower timings are better, but it's in the end all in the bus speed... and you need to raise voltage if you are going to OC RAM  |
|
|
|
|
Dec 23, 2005, 08:00 PM
|
#7
|
|
Noise? What noise?
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Canada
Posts: 6,816
Rep Power: 35
|
Yeah infact a higher voltage will cause more heat problems and if your mobo can't go that high on the voltage it could mean even more problems
|
|
|
|
|
Dec 26, 2005, 06:14 PM
|
#8
|
|
DriverHeaven Addict
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 362
Rep Power: 0
|
voltage really depends on the specific RAM IC's. Each RAM make and model is different. For example Samsung TCCD chips don't like over about 2.9v but winbound BH-5 chips won't really perform untill you give them about 3.4v.
So when you are talking about voltage it is important to first see what the reccomended voltage is for your specific memory modules.
Second, in regards to 2x1gb or 4x512 it would be better to run 2x1gb sticks as you will be able to run a 1T command rate and you will be able to OC better. Even though 2x512 sticks will generally OC much better than 1gb sticks, by running 4 sticks at once it puts more strain on the memory controller and thus limits your OC. You will most likely get a higher OC from 2 1gb DDR500 sticks than 4 512 DDR500 sticks.
If you want gaming performance then tight timings are a must. currently some of the best timings for 1gb sticks are 2-3-2-5 @ DDR400. So look for some RAM with those timings. If you want to OC you will want to look for some quality DDR500 1gb sticks. While the timings aren't as good they should run DDR400 at the tigher timings.
RAM reccomendations
g-skill 1gb DDR500 F1 series
OCZ Platinum DDR500
the OCZ is the best overclocking RAM on the market today, but it will cost almost 300 fora pair. the g-skill comes in second and only costs about 200.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
