Which memory to choose ???

[rb34]

OK current specs:
Asus P5k Deluxe WIFI
E6550 (currently stock 333 x 7 = 2.33GHz)

I want to change my current Markvision (crap) memory for something new. I'm looking at Kingston HyperX or G.Skill PK DDR2 1066MHz. Both are same price as shown in links.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104073
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

I just started reading about overclocking and was wondering which memory handles overclocking. But then I read something about keeping the FSBRAM timings to 1:1. That being said, I would need to push the FSB to 533 to get the 1:1 and I am not going to kill the processor by doing that. Most I may push the FSB is up to about 400~425. So do I even need 1066 memory or go with cheaper 800MHz memory like this A-DATA which has a CL of 4 (which I understand is faster than 800MHz memory with a CL or 5).
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211282
So confusing, helpp please...

 

[jaquith]

First, you will not notice "too much" of a performance increase with your RAM got to 1066 MHz. Yes, ideally 1:1 but you won't notice that much of a difference running something less. If you want an improvement then you'll need to OC, and the RAM is not the answer.

FSB 533 X 5 = 2.67 GHz is a baby jump. My opinion the answer is to keep what you've got or think about upgrading everything. - My 2 cents.

I would look at the {QVL} Certified {which was null} http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=0e9NyGEDLjtBRtyB

Next, Tested:
Kingston - http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/configurator_new/modelsinfo.asp?SysID=37758&mfr=ASUS/ASmobile&model=P5K+Deluxe/WiFi&search_type=&root=us&LinkBack=http://www.kingston.com&Sys=37758-ASUS/ASmobile-P5K+Deluxe/WiFi-AP+Motherboard&distributor=0&submit1=Search

G.SKILL - http://gskill.com/configurator2.php?pid=2&model=271

The DDR2 that you linked is fine, but if you're running XP/Vista 32-bit then your PC will recognize ~ 3.5 GB of the 4 GB. Also, 32-bit OS needs only 2GB to work smoothly, and 4 GB {3.5 GB} will only offer more apps to be open.

G.SKILL (4GB) is fine that you chose above and is on the Tested list - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166&Tpk=F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK

 

[rb34]

Few things I am still not clear of:
1. Why did you drop the multi to 5? Why not 6?
2. Can I just run the 1066 memory at 800MHz, paired 1:1 with a 400Mhz FSB and very tight timings? like 4-4-4-12 or even lower?
3. Is G.Skill a good brand, I know Kingston is known especially for stability and even to a small extent overclockability. How does G.Skill comapare.

Thanks

The rest of the build is:
Radeon 5830
OCZ Fatality 550W

I really have no more money to go DDR3 with a new cpu/mobo so I have to work with what I had before. I;m just trying to sqeeze some juice out of it so I don't get (a huge) bottleneck when I start back gaming.

 

[jaquith]

1. 6 is fine ; 5 because of your statement "I am not going to kill the processor by doing that."
2. Yes, but why bother getting new RAM.
3. My preference in order: Corsair, G.SKILL, Mushkin, and Kingston.

Gaming is more about your GPU and then CPU & RAM. Therefore, I'd look more at purchasing a new GPU - way before RAM. For "FREE" I would OC everything: GPU, CPU, & RAM. However, everything is going to run hotter so a stock CPU cooler is good for about ~ +20% OC.

GPU OC - MSI Afterburner {free app} - http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/

 

[rb34]

1. 6 is fine ; 5 because of your statement "I am not going to kill the processor by doing that."
2. Yes, but why bother getting new RAM.
3. My preference in order: Corsair, G.SKILL, Mushkin, and Kingston.

Gaming is more about your GPU and then CPU & RAM. Therefore, I'd look more at purchasing a new GPU - way before RAM. For "FREE" I would OC everything: GPU, CPU, & RAM. However, everything is going to run hotter so a stock CPU cooler is good for about ~ +20% OC.

GPU OC - MSI Afterburner {free app} - http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/

Thanks again for the reply. OK so it turns out newegg doesn't allow internation buyers even through paypal (that sucks). So I had to buy Kingston HyperX 1066 from amazon. I have a Zalman 9700 cooler which I'll install on the processor this weekend. Would it then be ok to run the cpu @ 533 * 6 = 3.2GHz and leave the memory @ 533MHz to achieve the 1:1 ratio. Oh and to reply to question 2, it's because this Markvision RAM sucks and from what I read, it's not very stable at any timings other that stock. I purchased the GPU already (Radeon 5830). Don't really wanna overclock that. I know it's a pretty good GPU and just don't want the CPU/ memory to be holding it back (too much). Let me know what you think about the CPU overclocking

 

[jaquith]

^ Yes, just monitor the heat with CPUz and run Prime95 to make sure it's stable.

Good Luck!