Some good memory advice?

[1Hz]

Well I'm piecing my next computer project, any suggestions on the best, or any particularly good sticks of memory that would optimize this set-up? Looking to spend no more than ~250 USD (hopefully it won't go beyond 150).

DDR2-1000 and up type memory is what I'm centering my search at.

Right now I'm looking at:

Gigabyte GA-MA790FX-DQ6 (mobo)
http://www.giga-byte.us/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2607
A64 x2 6400+
And some cheap dx10 video card.

You may be wondering why I want RAM speeds higher than the 6400+ can handle, well the CPU and GPU are just temporary stand-ins until AMD pushes out the fixed Phenoms next year, same with AMD/ATI's dx10.1 cards. Might crossfire the next gen cards if my wallet allows it (they won't be entry level cards though, ). So picking up the proper RAM now will make the later upgrades easier and faster.

2 or 4 gigs are fine, not being too picky. I'd prefer 4 gig if possible, but I'd rather have speed and performance than capacity, unless it's so close it wouldn't make a big impact. I'm probably going to OC it once I get things together, so good OCing memory would also be nice, low lat and w/e. The Gigabyte mobo seems to have a a few memory issues with compatibility, if anyone has used it with good memory yet, I'd like to know.

The compatibility list from Gigabyte for the mobo is here:
http://www.giga-byte.us/FileList/MemorySupport/motherboard_memory_ga-ma790fx-dq6.pdf

I may or may not pick the tested RAM from the list, depending on what suggestions I get,

 

[systemlord]

Crucial's Ballistix DDR2 800 or 1066 is the way to go, simply because they can run 5-5-5-15 1200MHz @ only 2.2 volts. Most other brands of Ram need at least 2.3-2.4 volts to run at 1200MHz. Last March I purchased 2x1 GB kits and took them right to 5-5-5-15 1200MHz @ 2.2 volt, then to see how low they could go I took them to 3-3-3-8 800MHz @ 2.2 volt. After I saw what these Ram sticks could really do I purchased another kit and those also went to 5-5-5-15 1200MHz @ 2.2v or 3-3-3-8 800MHz @ 2.2 volt. I love my Crucial's!


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565

 

[deranged]

I second the Crucial thingy

 

[1Hz]

All this talk about Crucial's Ballistix (not just here, but the memory forum in all) and its reliability has me drawn. Do the DDR2-1066 versions work though with that mobo?

This mobo is relatively new (the chipset on it too), there are a lot of complaints of people's 1066 and above working at 800 frequencies in the BIOs with this one mobo, only way to know for sure would be if its on the QVL.

The Ballistix 800's are on the QVL, but the 1066's are not. They look similar enough, what do you think?

----------------------------------

On another note, what do you think of Kingston's HyperX DDR-1200's (the ones on the QVL)? They look like mean sticks, but there isn't much talk about them.

And the G-Skill's DDR-1000 2x 2gig kit? It sounds nice, don't want it crapping out on me with the DQ6 mobo though,

 

[Shadow703793]

I would go with the RAM systemlord listed. I use it too, and run it at about the same settings, all except timing. I have it at 5-5-5-19.

 

[deranged]

The ballisix I have (1066 5-5-5-15) do 4-4-4-12 @ 1000mhz or 5-5-5-15 @1200. All on the stock rated volts. Ive had them at 4-4-4-8, 1000mhz with pretty tight sub timings @ 2.25 volts... Only .05 over stock. Almost forgot... they are 2x1gb

 

[1Hz]

Well if the vote is unianimous for Crucial Ballistix, then there's no choice for me but to hop the bandwagon, .

*crosses fingers that the 1066's work on the DQ6 like the 800's from the QVL*

Still a little wavy for Kingston's DDR-1200, but with 4-0 for Crucial, meh.

 

[systemlord]

Well if the vote is unianimous for Crucial Ballistix, then there's no choice for me but to hop the bandwagon, .

*crosses fingers that the 1066's work on the DQ6 like the 800's from the QVL*

Still a little wavy for Kingston's DDR-1200, but with 4-0 for Crucial, meh.

Don't worry you can always under clock them down to 800MHz if you mobo doesn't like 1066MHz.

 

[1Hz]

Well I was thinking the opposite, the mobo runs a lot of non-QVL RAM that are above 800 at 800. Like non-QVL 1066's flashed and running at 800.