OCZ (OCZ2RPR800C44GK) Reaper 4GB DDR2 2X2GB

No. You HAVE to OC it to get those timings. If you don't, you'll probably get 6-6-6-18 or 7-7-7-21. That's because it needs 2.1V. Saying you don't conform to the JEDEC standard doesn't make it OK. Get RAM that will operate on the JEDEC standard 1.8V. The ones I use myself and recommend are Mushkin: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168.... It will run at 5-4-4-12 on that voltage, but you may still need to set it. I think the default for it is 5-5-5-15. I've never read an article that found more than a small performance difference in FPS (e.g. 1-2) based on small differences in RAM timings.

Edit: that set is $55USD (haven't checked exchange rate). If you want to go cheaper, I've also used A-Data: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168.... This is $40USD and runs at 5-5-5-18.

great thanks for the help.. i think i will do mushkin, heard nothing but great things.

I was about to buy some OCZ SLI RAM. It says that it is 800Mhz, CL 4, and 2.1V. It's the same price as RAM with 800Mhz, CL 5, and 1.8V. Are you saying the second type will generally run faster?

OCZ ReaperX?

When given only 1.8V, the JEDEC standard and what your mobo will supply by default (e.g. after any BIOS reset, before tweaks), yes. The other will require 2.1V before you are assured of stability at CL 4. On 1.8V, it may default to CL 6 or CL 7.

so something like this from mushkin is better to get then the reaper?

http://canadacomputers.com/index.php?do=ShowProduct&cmd...

Mushkin HP2 6400 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 800 5-4-4-12 (1.8V) 240pins $69CDN

I was looking at getting these two (from a local store), but maybe some cheaper RAM would actually be faster? This seems like one of those computer oxymoron's. You pay more for better RAM, but it'll be slower unless you overclock.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

That's what I have, wingfan. I haven't taken the time to methodically push it, but I did have it running at DDR2-960 (CL 5) on 1.8v by "accident" for a few weeks because I forgot to reset a ratio. Maybe this weekend I'll take some time and deliberately oc it further.

well the JEDEC standard is somewhat... not fulfilling as we know. 2.1V is perfectly safe for RAM with that quality heatsink. if it's rated for it, it should operate properly. stupid industry specifications...

Oh sure, lots of people have no trouble whatsoever with 2.1V RAM. For those of us who would rather play ON, than play WITH, our PCs, 1.8v RAM offers no-muss no-fuss installation and use. And, if we decide we want to play with them later, we've got plenty of voltage headroom.

^but so what if it only does the timings of a 2.1V kit when you push it to 2.1V?

The speed may also be a lot faster, like getting DDR2-1066 rates or better out of it.