PC2-6400 CAS 3 vs PC2-8500 CAS 5

zdenton

Distinguished
Aug 18, 2007
17
0
18,510
Hi, I was wondering which ram would be considered best for gaming performance and/or overclocking.

I have two choices:

OCZ FlexXLC PC2-6400 CAS 3-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227190

or

Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500 CAS 5-http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148069

I have heard that low latencies are preferable in gaming situations. Can anyone confirm this?
 

Hatman

Distinguished
Aug 8, 2004
2,024
0
19,780
Kinda but you wouldn't notice it. If you can get your FSB to 533mhz, 2132 quad pumped I believe, then get the PC2-8500, if you cant, then get the other one. The OCZ.
 
They will both with enough voltage and tweaking run at about the same speed in the end, but the PC8500 will give a more 'guaranteed' headroom for over clocking, where as the PC6400 low latency is for more the stock user who wants the fastest stock speeds sort of thing etc.
 

DeadRam

Distinguished
Jun 14, 2007
557
0
19,160
The PC2-8500 gives you more room to overclock but most motherboards let you overclock the processor without overclocking the memory. I chose PC2-6400 for the price - $73 for 2GB but I would go with the PC2-8500 if price isn't a factor. Also PC2-6400 is probably good enough if you plan on using the retail heatsink because of heat issues. I have a B3 stepping Q6600 and I got mine to 3.4 so far on air using a Thermalright Extreme 120 heatsink. Good luck.
 

zdenton

Distinguished
Aug 18, 2007
17
0
18,510
they are both the same price - the 6400 has an extremely low latency of cas 3. which would be better? the 8500 or 6400 cas 3?