DDR2 VS DDR3

[RichyDitch]

Hi everyone, I just got a new AsRock P35 (4Core1600Twins-P35) and am totally confused as to what would be better when it comes to DDR2 or DDR3.

The motherboard it's self can hold up to 8gb of PC2 8500 1066mhz duel channel DDR2 memory, or up to 4gb of PC3 10600 1333mhz duel channel DDR3 memory.

What would end up being better, if I get the max amount of memory for the motherboard. The DRR2 specifications I mentioned or the DDR3 specifications mentioned?

 

[theAnimal]

More RAM is generally always better than faster RAM. DDR3 provides very little performance increase, but is more expensive. DDR2 800 is generally fast enough unless you are going for a major OC.

 

[gamerk316]

DDR3 is "faster", but has higher timings. Plus, the CPU FBS limits the advantages of DDR3. For the most part, DDR2 800 is fine.

That being said, if you are thinking about a possible future i7 upgrade, it might be worth it to get the DDR3 now...

 

[MaDMagik]

Nah, go with ddr2. As already said DDR3 wont basically give any benefits on current platform, while even if upgrading to i7 in future you will probably want faster modules anyway, and im sure they will be much cheaper when the time for (future)upgrade comes.

 

[o1die]

fry's.com has the best deal on crucial 2x2gb of pc6400. At fry's.com, move the curser up to the blue area: hardrives/memory. Highlight memory, then click on desktop memory. It's cas 6, so not the fastest, but only $21.99 after rebate with free shipping. You can wait for more price drops on ddr3 and upgrade later.

 

[theAnimal]

Plus, the CPU FBS limits the advantages of DDR3.

DDR3 is 4 x FSB, so 400FSB = DDR2 800 = DDR3 1600.

 

[RichyDitch]

Great advice everyone. But still left where I am on what would be better with the specifications I mentioned. Like would 8gb DDR2 PC2 8500 1066mhz duel channel memory be far better than using 4gb of DDR3 PC3 10600 1333mhz duel channel memory. As the board can only hold a max of 8gb DDR2 or a max of 4gb DDR3.

Hehe, yeah the i7 with be an upgrade in the future with the so called super computer boards, but want to have this little project completed as a back up and for networking.

 

[theAnimal]

Great advice everyone. But still left where I am on what would be better with the specifications I mentioned. Like would 8gb DDR2 PC2 8500 1066mhz duel channel memory be far better than using 4gb of DDR3 PC3 10600 1333mhz duel channel memory. As the board can only hold a max of 8gb DDR2 or a max of 4gb DDR3.

Hehe, yeah the i7 with be an upgrade in the future with the so called super computer boards, but want to have this little project completed as a back up and for networking.

If you need 8GB of RAM then get 8. There's no point in getting DDR3.

 

[MaDMagik]

If you need 8GB of RAM then get 8. There's no point in getting DDR3.

Amen

Also, depending on your cpu/fsb and whether or not youre going to try and do some serious OC, I wouldnt even bother with 1066, as they provide very little or no performance increase comparing to ddr2 800, but require more voltage and therefore produce more heat.

 

[RichyDitch]

Well the cpu I'll be getting of course would be at FSB 1600mhz, So I can get the most out of the memory. I am interested with overclocking, but more into getting the best possible proformance and quaility with no risks for now till I start my next project.

So 8gb duel channel DDR2 PC2 8500 1066mhz it is Was thinking about the OCZ memory brand but am probably going for the corsair brand, due to it coming with heat sinks and a fan per 2x 4gb twin modules.

Thanks heaps for your help, and everyone for your advice. Much appreciated. If anyone has any other input or advice, feel free to post it Cheers.