Will someone help explain this to me?

[eatcarrotsnow]

Alright, I'm building a new system. I know everything I want except the memory.

Now, is it better for me to buy DDR2 800 with 4-4-4-12 timings

or DDR2 1066 with 5-5-5-12 timings?

If i'm not going to overclock and my board is rated for DDR2 800 memory, does that make any difference?

 

[nobly]

Tell us the rest of the system specs. No way we can recommend anything w/o knowing what else you have.

 

[just2good4u3434]

If you're not overclocking get DDR2-677 ram. DDR 800 speed ram and above is just used for overclocking.

 

[eatcarrotsnow]

INTEL QUAD CORE QX6700 EXTREME PROCESSOR - Retail

EVGA GeForce 8800GTX 768MB 384-bit GDDR3 PCI Express x16 HDCP Video Card - Retail

ASUS P5W DH DELUXE/WIFI-AP LGA 775 Intel 975X ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail

Western Digital Raptor WD1500ADFD 150GB 10,000 RPM 16MB Cache Serial ATA150 Hard Drive

 

[nobly]

Alright, so you're going to get an Extreme processor.
And you're not going to overclock... :?:
Well, do whatever you want, your parts, right?

If you're not overclocking, you just need RAM that runs at the supported FSB of the processor. Core 2 Duos use FSB 1066Mhz, which translates into DDR2-533Mhz. So that's the minimum you need.

However, buying anything higher than 533Mhz allows you to overclock. You can buy RAM that is DDR2-800Mhz and run it at 533Mhz speeds.
If you plan on overclocking later, get the high speed RAM.
If you never want to overclock, get the cheapest RAM that is at least 533Mhz.

For the 5-5-5-12 1066Mhz RAM, it can probably run DDR2-800Mhz at 4-4-4 as well, but you might want to double check on that. It depends on how much you want to spend, etc.

 

[eatcarrotsnow]

these are the choices I've narrowed it down to:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?Brand=1666&N=50001666&Submit=ENE&Manufactory=1666&Description=dominator&Ntk=all

I want a minimum of 4 Gigs, so that's why I'd rather use the 6400C4D's


If I switched the motherboard to a 680i, which is the best board for overclocking?

 

[billdcat4]

I have heard bad things about Corsairs quality control. Ive bought from Kingston twice though and with no problems. I plan on buying this 2gb kit:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?item=N82E16820134046&Local=y

It isnt fancy or very overclockable, but it does have a lifetime warranty.

If you want a good deal on overclockable RAM try this one:http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820609026
Super talent with fancy timings.

Have fun with your PC and be sure to update windows and install protection programs before connecting to the internet at all.
Service Pack 2 Standalone Download
Use this to get all of the other updates

 

[mcain591]

Seeing as you have the $$$, you have many choices:
Overclocking: As someone else said, get the highest mhz ram that you can.
Non-Overclocking: Get the lowest cas latency you can, with a frequency from DDR2-667 on.

BTW, what PSU have you picked? My motto, especially for such a highend beast as yours:
"DON'T SKIMP ON THE PSU"
Secondly, if you want to overclock this thing like there's no tommorow, let's talk cooling (Feel free to PM me. I'll be glad to help). 8)

 

[Dahak]

Keep the ddr2 800 memory as its tighter timings will give slightly better performance at stock speed.However the 1066 mem.will give you a lot more headroom for oc'ing.

Dahak

AMD X2-4400+@2.6 S-939
EVGA NF4 SLI MB
2X EVGA 7800GT IN SLI
2X 512MB CRUCIAL BALLISTIX DDR500
WD300GIG HD
ACER 22IN WIDESCREEN LCD 1600X1200
THERMALTAKE TOUGHPOWER 850WATT PSU
COOLERMASTER MINI R120

 

[eatcarrotsnow]

I'm using this case: Antec Nine Hundred Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer

http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=15900


And I'm looking at this as the power supply: Antec True Power Trio TP3-650 ATX12V 650W Power Supply

http://www.antec.com/us/productDetails.php?ProdID=23650

If I go dual 8800GTX's, I'm thinking I'll need more power, but haven't decided yet.

 

[mcain591]

I'd say to go for the PC Power and Cooling 750 Quad.

 

[clue69less]

I'd say to go for the PC Power and Cooling 750 Quad.

That is a beauty of a unit. The Seasonic 700 watt modular unit is another excellent choice.

 

[eatcarrotsnow]

Yeah, I've heard good things. They don't carry it at my local shop. I hope Newegg has in stock, otherwise, I won't know where to pick it up.

 

[mcain591]

Here ya go: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817703008