Please help decide which memory to choose

Hi guys,

I'm not overclocking, just building a pc as is.

which memory(speed, type) would go best with Intel's core 2 duo (E8400 / 3.00GHz Socket 775 1333MHz) processor? Do I need dual channel ddr2 or would dual channel ddr3 perform better? What should be the memory speed?

I also was considering buying a Phenom, maybe you can drop a word or two about that and what memory would fit AMD?

Any other related advice would be greatly appreciated, I'm searching for a proper motherboard as well. I dont need SLI, I'm cool with one graphics card.

Thank you very much for advice.

If I were to overclock it later on, what memory/mobo should I go with?

By the way, can you guys direct me to a website where I can read all about choosing memory by rocessor / mobo type and all the fsb speeds and such? Intel vs Amd stuff as well in there? If I could read all this up, i would not bug you

I'm just wondering if I need dual channel ram, and is 800mhz enough if I choose to overclock it computer

DDr2 dual channel or just DDR2?

Ok, so far here's what I'm going for:

1. Gigabyte GA-P35-DS3L mobo
2. Intel Core 2 Duo E8400

Now I have to decide between 2gb or 4g of ram, dono if I actualy need 4gb? Will I have noticeble difference in speed/performance? I'm having trouble finding 4-4-4-x timing ones (shopping at tigerdirect .ca / canadacomputers .com)

IS it worth buying a sata drive? will it increase speed vs ide hard drves I have? I dont care much about space, dont need much, but speed is an important factor.

only patriot has 4-4-4 4 2x2gig ddr2 and reviewers say it wont overclock right... any advice?

2.2 voltage,

http://canadacomputers.com/index.p [...] AM.346.307

I'm trying to see if I can find something similar but little cheaper, If I dont find anything this memory should do right?

Crucial Ballistics Red Line sticks are 4-4-4-12
I thought you'll not overclock !!
Anyway even if you'll OC you do not have a problem
You do not need to OC memory
Your processor E8400 at default is running at 333MHz FSB and you need DDR2 667 not 800
So you have more than enough
Actually you can OC your processor up-to 3.6 GHz by pushing FSB to 400
And the memory required will be DDR2 800
It will run amazingly in ratio 1:1 with your FSB
Forget OC your RAM and get your sticks ASAP, they are running out of stock
and manufacturers started transfering to DDR3

SATA HDD of course faster than IDE
WD Raptor 150 GB is the best
Also WD RE2 750GB is excellent one

Ok, I'm not going to OC memory. How did you figure out the voltage of my mobo? if it1.8 and ram is 2.2 then I'm screwed right?btw - does it have to be 4-4-4-x?

Just a little confused right now.

P.S. (I thought in order to OC cpu I would have to OC memory, now that I know it's not the case when I have 800mhtz ram, I wont OC it.)

I need to select 4 gig ducal Channel ddr2 ram from tigerdirect .ca or canadacomputers .ca

Advice is appreciated.

Page 45 and 46 in your manual you will find system voltages.
On page 46. When that screen is displaded hit Ctrl+F1 for advanced memory config.

Go to this Thread I think it will answer many questions with out me doing alot of typing:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] dated-2008

No you're not in aproblem
You can change Ram voltage from 1.8 to 2.1 or 2.2 if required
It is not abig issue 4-4-4-12
5-5-5-15 is ok
5-5-5-18 is also OK
In real life you'll not notice difference
even DDR2 1066 with timing 5-5-5-18(15) can work with you, you can if you want reduce timing to 4-4-4-12 even without changing voltage
All these memories will work with you
http://www.canadacomputers.com/ind [...] AM.346.307
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=2261
http://www.canadacomputers.com/ind [...] AM.346.307
http://www.canadacomputers.com/ind [...] AM.346.307
http://www.canadacomputers.com/ind [...] AM.346.307

Thanks for the advise and replies guys!

I went and bought some stuff today, here's the goods:

mobo: GIGABYTE P35 DS3L
cpu: E8400
ram: Patriot Viper 2x 2gb ddr2 800mhz 4-4-4-12
hdrive: ST3500320AS - 500gig sata2 segate, 32mb cahce

I'm a little concerned about the hard drive, Some people have mentioned on newegg it fails... 32mb cache is so tempting though...

I will assemble it tomorrow, Do I need anything other than setting the ram voltage to 2.2? Any tips/advise is appreciated.

Once I have everything running smoothly I will start reading up about OCing and give it a try. Since my mobo has 1333 mhtz fsb, will it still overclock? say to 1600mhz so that I can run it 1:1 with my ram?

Thanks guys, you rock!