Memory for GA-X48-DS4?

jtwpm3

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I am planning on buying a GA-X48-DS4 and an intel Q6700 proc.
I looked on the Gigabyte website to find some compatible DDR2 1066 memory modules but the list seems incomplete and they do not post any 2x2g modules.
I am wondering if anybody has had success with any specific 4g ddr2 1066 memory modules on the ds4. What brand? What specs? Did you overclock?
This will be my first overclocking endeavor, so any advice is welcome.
 

akhilles

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If you're trying to max out the Q6700 with DDR2 1066, the cpu speed will be at 1066 / 2 * 10 = 5330 or 5.3Ghz, impossible on air cooling. However, this can be done: 3600Mhz CPU / 10 = 360 * 3 = 1080Mhz RAM. What I'm trying to say is you need to set your overclock targets before you can determine what ram to get. 3.6Ghz is possible on top air cooling.
 

wtfchuck

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I just completed a build with this board and a E8400 using this 1066 2x2GB kit of Corsair Dominator ram(see link below). I am running a mild overclock with a FSB of 355. PLEASE NOTE that the default bios voltage for dimm slots with this board is 1.8v. The voltage required to run this kit is 2.1v, I had to use 1 stick of older ddr 800 to get in the BIOS to up the voltage. The over volt setting required to reach 2.1v is +3. After the initial voltage snag, this has been a flawless set up and I highly recommend the mobo.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145197
 

jtwpm3

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wtfchuck, that was actually the memory that I had been looking at on newegg; however, I am afraid that with a ZEROtherm Nirvana NV120 cooler I will not have clearance for the ram cooler that comes with the Corsair dominator. I am also worried that any ram with a tall heatsink might block the cooler as well.

Regarding the voltages: So are you saying that I will not be able to enter the BIOS without some ddr2 800 rated for 1.8v? Would I be better off just buying some good quality ddr2 800 ram that will still give me decent overlocking capability? Is 1066 overkill for me? Reminder, everything I know about overclocking right now is from articles and forums.
 

wtfchuck

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I am using a rather large cooler ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro, it covers the first dimm slot. I am using the ram cooler with dimms in slots 2 & 4
 

wtfchuck

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I could not enter the bios with the Dominator kit installed. I tried first with both sticks and then one to no avail. Fortunately I was some what familiar with this scenario from dealing with my 680i box and resolved the issue.
 

Illuminated

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I put a machine together about a month ago now with this board and a Q9300. I am not overclocking.

I used a 2x2 OCZ pair:

OCZ Reaper HPC 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2RPR10664GK - Retail
Item #: N82E16820227289
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227289

I've had no problems with the RAM at all. I did not have to adjust the voltage at all. I did change the timings to what the RAM advertises. The BIOS showed less aggressive timings, I guess from the SPD. I burned it in for 24 hours with memtest86+ when I first put the thing together. There were no errors reported. I am still waiting on the rebate.

I am having trouble with the RAID functionality on this board. I am seeing lock-ups for 2-3 seconds. It's a well documented problem. This is not related in any way to your original question, but it's been my biggest pain point about this board... my only one in fact.

 

wtfchuck

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I am running raid 0 here with 2 x 400 Gb sata HDD I have not run in to any lock up issues yet. X64 XP. Bios f2a