Decision: What memory for new rig?

MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

I'm going to build up a new computer in about three weeks or so, and I've got pretty much everything lined up and ready, EXCEPT for one thing: the memory. I've spent countless hours asking friends and searching forums and haven't really been able to come up with a definitive choice. Here's what I'm thinking for the new rig:

$98 - Aspire X-Cruiser (Black) w/ 420w PSU
$120 - MSI K8N NEO4 Platinum
$213 - Athlon 64 3700+ 2.2 (San Diego) <-Hopefully to be overclocked to 2.8 or so
$62 - Zalman CNPS9500 heatsink
$299 - XFX GeForce 7800GT (maybe i'll get the eVGA)
$33 - Arctic Cooling NV Silencer 5 (I'll get it if I have the spare $)
($00)- Maxtor 200GB (already have it - my loot from black friday)

Memory is the one thing about which I'm relatively clueless. I'm open to pretty much any suggestion, but from what I've read I think I'm going to go for 1gb (2x512mb), and from my bank statement, I'd like the cost not to exceed the $150-ish range.

Also, if anyone sees anything horribly wrong with my choices of the other parts, please let me know. One question on that, actually (I know it's not the right forum, but...): I haven't a clue about the specs of the 420w PSU that comes with the case, and so I'm wondering if I should just get the case w/o the PSU and get one separately (will a Thermaltake TR2 430w be enough?).

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sickofsoyo · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 5:38 pm Post subject:

here... (HEY LOOK! I used the TN shop!)

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_compare.php?topcat_id=1&page_id=43&page_id=43&masterids%5B%5D=4224540&masterids%5B%5D=6974715&Compare+Selected+Products.x=32&Compare+Selected+Products.y=6

the difference between the two is the $155 kit has XBL which means it is capable of running at higher speeds. The other kit doesn't have it but still gives you low latency for a good price.
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2old2care · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 5:56 pm Post subject:

http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=7930488

I'm usually a Corsair kind of guy, but in this case this OCZ might be "flexible" enough for what you're asking. It will run nice and tight, which that Athlon should like, as well as loosen up nicely for a decent OC.

Mr. weaZel might have something to say about this subject.
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MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

Thanks for the speedy replies.

Doing a bit of searching, I came up with this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820146890&ATT=20-146-890&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r

A little on the pricey side, but Monarch has it on backorder for $149.

Anything wrong with getting that stuff? I'm pretty sure my multiplier will be locked at 111, and with the Zalman I should be able to push the CPU to 250, so if i run a 6:5 split that puts the memory at around 208 - will it be able to handle it? Apparently the OCZ can take massive amounts of power and still be under warranty

so I'm thinking go with them. Any other suggestions?

[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:14 pm Post subject:

the memory that 2o linked to is great stuff. It is my first choice for DDR. I am using that same memory in four dual Xeon machines that run 24/7 at 2-2-2-5 timings at 3.0v (with active cooling of course).
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2old2care · Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2006 9:35 pm Post subject:

I'd guess that would OC a smidge better.
But, I was trying to keep you <$150 shipped.

You'd prolly be better off PSU wise, to get the case without the PSU, and get a good name brand supply seperately. This way you got your warranty clear and simple. Also, you may want to consider something 500W or better if your gonna do any OC'n, as you describe.

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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Agreed on the memory choices, and a big second to 2old's PSU advice.

I wouldn't trust the Aspire-provided PSU to run what you're looking at, you're pushing the limits of what it can run safely. If you were to add another vid card for SLI later, you'll be outta luck with the stock PSU, and have to replace it.

Also, don't worry about the NV Silencer for the card you chose. The cooler on that card is very good, not too noisy, and takes up less space. Normally I like the Silencer coolers, but in this case, I'd stay away from it.
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

http://www.slizone.com/object/slizone2_build.html

Scroll all the way down to the bottom, which lists nVidia-certified SLI PSU's. It's a good place to narrow down your choices. While some aren't the best overall, they're at least certified to be capable of running an SLI rig.
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MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

My motherboard isn't SLI, so that shouldn't be a problem. Very Happy

But still, thanks.

I've begun to narrow down my choices, and I recently ran across the OCZ Gold VX series, which can apparently take massive voltages (3.5v and still a lifetime warranty!). It's stock timings are 2-3-3, but it says right on the OCZ site that it can do 2-2-2 at high voltages. Also, the Crucial Ballistix PC3200 did very well in an AnandTech test, and it's quite cheap, so my choices are now:

$163 - OCZ Gold VX Series (OK price if I'm not bothering with a VGA cooler)
$151 - OCZ Platinum Series Rev. 2
$146 - OCZ Gold Series
$120 - Crucial Ballistix

What are the fundamental differences between these? I'm going to guess the Crucial isn't as good for OC'ing as the first three, but what's the real (if any) significant difference between each of the first three? I mean, I'm not even sure if the board can pump 3.5v to the memory...

This should prolly be on the CPU forums somehwere, but it's related: I'm fairly sure that the multiplier is locked at 11 for my processor (confirm, anyone?). As I said before, the Zalman should be able to keep the damn thing cool enough to let me get it up past 2.8. A 255MHz FSB speed is great, but will any of those sticks be able to handle that kind of speed at 2-2-2? So, would anyone reccomend a 6:5 split in this case, or something of the sort?

And now that you've heard of my devious plans for OC'ing, would you still reccomend something as powerful as 500w or would that Thermaltake 430w be enough?

Thanks to all for the quick replies and for distracting me from studying for exams.

MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

Something I just thought of additionally: The mobo doesn't support above DDR400... But does that mean if I overclock I'll still be able to push the memory past 200MHz?

[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 11:43 am Post subject:

First off, yes you want a good psu. If the voltages your cpu and other parts are receiving isn't clean and stable you won't be able to overclock very well. And that doesn't make for a very stable computer.

As for the memory I would be looking at the OCZ gold. The VX series didn't inspire me when I installed it in a system about two weeks ago. It performs the same as the standard gold does but at a higher price because of the new 'heatspreader". The reason I use the quotation marks on that is, it doesn't seem like the perforated material that covers the memory chips doesn't transfer heat all that well in the time that I was observing it.
I wouldn't go for the Ballistix. I have used this in one of my machines for a while and have had to loosen the timings and bump the voltage to keep it running stable. Not a memory I would recommend any longer, (sorry Josh

).

As I replied in the other thread the multi is unlocked downwards. So you can try 10x280 with memory timings of something like 2.5-3-3-7 at a raised vdimm. I am not going to give you a guaranty that you will be able to reach this speed but to just give you an idea.
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MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

So I see.

I've read countless opinions on a number of sites and the overclocking guides in the forums, but I'd like anyone's personal opinion on the benefits of a memory splitter. Is it better to run at 2.5-3-3 or so at 250 or do a 5:4 split and run it at 2-2-2 at 200?

So, fInal questions:
1. OCZ Gold or Platinum rev. 2?
2. My motherboard is fine, right? It won't go crazy when I clock the DRR400 past 200?
3. Will that Thermaltake 430w be enough?
3a. If not, what PSU would you reccomend (something that won't break the bank - w/o the included PSU and no VGA cooler I'm saving a whopping $43)?
4. 2-2-2 @ 208 OR 2.5-3-3 at @250?

Thanks to all for your help.

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

/start PSU lecture

Get the best possible PSU you can, even if you have to budget more, or cut back on something less important. Your PSU is what drives the whole rig, so if it's cheap, has low or fluctuating voltages, or not enough power, you might as well go spend the money on a good book and save yourself a headache.

Would you buy a Ferrarri, then drop a Yugo engine in it to save some cash? No.

I can honestly say that 75% of the problems we see here can be traced back to an improper, cheap PSU. Everything from instability, to graphics artifacts, to low FPS in games, and stuttering in sound. Without a solid, dependable source of power, you have a very expensive doorstop at worst, and at best a rig that will never be able to leave stock settings.

/end PSU lecture

Weaz knows his PSU's, lord knows he has enough of them.

I'd take whatever advice he gives, it's bound to be good.
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[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2006 4:27 pm Post subject:

for your system I would be looking at something along these lines:
http://tweaknews.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=12872027

or maybe a seasonic S12 series psu.

I am waiting to see how the Antec HE 550 will work before I recommend it. I hope I get some time soon so I can put that system together and see if that psu can hold up 2 2.4LV Xeons @ 3.4 to 3.6 *crosses fingers*
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MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817101516&ATT=17-101-516&CMP=OTC-pr1c3grabb3r

Will that be alright? Each of the 12v rails has 20A... I appreciate the reccomendations, but I'm just trying to sqeeze out every dollar I can

Remaining:
1. OCZ Gold or Platinum Rev. 2?
2. My motherboard is fine, right? It won't go crazy when I clock the DRR400 past 200?
3. 2-2-2 @ 208 OR 2.5-3-3 at @250 - your opinion?

fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

HAH! Tagan....................................

Sorry, inside joke. That'll be fine, I think.

Your mobo is fine, it should do alright with OC'ing, but it's hard to tell. Some do well, others don't. You'll just have to experiment, a little bit at a time.

I would say the Gold memory. There's little difference between the Gold and Platinum, and the Gold has been getting great reviews. Plus, it'll save you a few bucks.
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MooseMan · TweakNOOB Joined: 21 Dec 2005 Posts: 11

After reading the PCStats.com article on memory overclocking, I think that I'll just run the memory at around 215-ish (depends how how high i can get it) at 2-2-2, as I'm using it mainly for gaming purposes. If anyone has a majorly dissenting opinion on this, please share.

Well, other than that, I think I'm all set. After considering that some reviewers got much better clocks out of the Platinum rev. 2 than they did out of the Gold, I'm afraid that I'll have to go with the former. Besides, it's only a $9 difference.

As soon as my next check comes in it's off to the various hardware sites! I'd just like to thank everyone for helping me out, you guys are amazing. I'll be sure to post pics and brag to everyone (jk

) when I stick it all together and clock it on up. Once again, thanks a bunch!

[KoG]^weaZel · Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2006 10:48 am Post subject:

NP Moose, we are here to help. And please stick around a share the info on your build.
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

Pics. We will require COMPUTER PrON.

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(DJ PhiLO) · TweakNOOB Joined: 02 Oct 2005 Posts: 34

Silicon Skum · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 2:45 pm Post subject:

It's not too bad for the price, but NOT good for overclcoking to high numbers, I have the "VS1GBKIT400C3" which is CAS 3 at 400DDR speeds and has default timings of 3,3,8. I managed to get mine upt to 227Mhz with 2.9V (higher volts causes instability) and some SERIOUS active ram cooling AND lax ram timings. Water cooling the RAM is the next step I'm about to try to get over 230Mhz.

I you want to overclock and want more than 200 - 217Mhz out of your ram, I would stay clear of this and get some better quality stuff. It's good for what it is, but there is much better out there.

SS
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fussnfeathers · Lord of the Tweak Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 2763

I've been very pleased with my Geil Value Select stuff. I've had it up to 225mhz at the stock 2.5-8-4-4 timings and at stock voltage with no issues at all. It's also got a very wide voltage range, 2.55v-2.95v, so I could probably hit even higher speeds, if I felt like it.

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