Value Memory for a non overclocking folk

minty

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Hello everyone :)

I wanted to ask the following.
Core 2 Duo E6420, 8800 GTS 320 MB and a compatible MoBo.

I know from articles that I should not go for 5300 DDR, but rather 4200 or 6200(?) (Anyway, 800 Mhz).

Do you guys think that, given the fact Im NOT overclocking at all, a value DDR2 2GB might be enough?
Its just Im trying to squeeze every buck I can, and for me the ~$150 US range 1*1024 DDR2 packs are kinda expensive, given the fact I can get I think the same, but corsair value memory, for around $110 bucks.

So... do you think its wort the effort to actually buy non-"value" memory, are there drawbacks to using it? (Bad performance, toasting etc..?)

Thanks :)
 

kitchenshark

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Go ahead and buy the value memory!

Heck...I'm OCing WITH the 'value' memory! =D

As long as it's GOOD value memory from a reputable manufacturer you shouldn't have much trouble. Of course there's just those plain bad sticks from anyone, but you should be ok.

EDIT: Got the Corsair Value Mem 2*1Gb DDR2 667 and have it running on my E4300 OC to 2.9.
 

minty

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Ohh is that so kitchenshark? Thats quite good, since Im not thinking of overclocking so I think Ill be fine :p

Thanks for your answer :)
 

kitchenshark

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You're very welcome!

You should probably get 667 or 800, the Intel chips don't seem to be that picky about those speeds. If the stick(s) are rated for 1.8v it should boot first time without problems too. Oh! And timings. My ram is 5-5-5-15 timings and it doesn't seem to hold back the potential of the Intel chips either.

EDIT: And to add onto about my OC, the RAM's rock stable, verified by Memtest86+ I think you'd be pleased with Corsair Value RAM if it's in your price-range. =)

Again, a reputable manufacturer's 'value' memory should prove adequate for what you need. Going to bed, g-night!
 

HotFoot

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First, it's entirely possible to OC your FSB/CPU without OCing your memory, so I'd like to know what you have your memory running at versus it's rating. I've never delved into OCing memory (I have 4x512 ValueSelect 533MHz in my PD setup and 2x1GB Gold XTC 800MHz in my X2 setup). I overclock the processors, but I've always kept the memory at or below spec. If I run below spec, I tighten the timings. For example, the 533 memory is running at 1:1 - 480 MHz, but with 3-3-3-9 timings. I figure this is much better than some assymetrical speed with relaxed timings.

I don't have great control over the 800 MHz stuff since it's plugged into a M2A-VM (budget) board.

Second, if the OP is never going to OC, then I would recommend whatever RAM is most affordable, rated at 533 or above. Then, run the memory at 1:1 (533 MHz for a 6xxx series C2D) and tighten the timings. Even value RAM should give you 4-4-4-12 at that speed.
 

minty

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Thanks very much again guys :)
I think this is awesome!! :D
Glad there are places like these for n00bs like myself, otherwise I might have ended up buying stuff I didnt really need :p

OK, there is just one thing... timings... have no idea what are those :oops:

This is the cheapest I saw where Im buying the stuff from:
Kingston ValueRAM 2GB Kit UNB 533MHz 240-Pin $99.33 US

Guess its excellent considering the fact I was going for some OZC (whatever :p) 800 Mhz @ ~$160
 

kitchenshark

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I'm running my Corsair Value Select DDR2 667 at 330Mhz FSB (330*9=2,970Mhz) and 5-5-5-15 timings, so you're entirely correct that I'm not OC'ing my RAM.

I don't have any problems with the Value Select series though.