I'm in the final stages of researching a new build before buying parts. I'll be using the system for some gaming, music, possibly video in the future, internet and basic home usage. Basic system will look something like this:
A64 3200+ with AMD stock HSF
DFI Lanparty UT nF4 Ultra D
1GB RAM (2X512)
FSP Blue Storm 500W
Antec P160
NEC 16X DVDRW
Seagate Barracuda 7200.8 or 7200.7 HDD
ATI X800XL
I'm really torn on the type of memory to get. I do plan on OCing the 3200+, but probably not more than 2.5Ghz unless I can do it with reasonable temps. I want a STABLE OC because I'll be running F@H on it 24/7 and I want trouble-free gaming. I also want the best price/perf for my money. Which of the following will serve me the best and why?
1. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-146-546&depa=1" target="_new">Crucial Ballistix BL6464Z402</A> 512MB for $105.50 = <b>$211 for 1GB.</b>
2. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=1" target="_new">Patriot PDC1G3200LLK</A> for <b>$127.91</b>
3. <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-033&depa=0" target="_new">Patriot PDC1G3200+XBLK</A> for <b>$225.51</b>
The first question that comes to my mind is whether it is worth that $90 jump in price from the LLK to the XBLK or Ballistix. What do I really get for the $90-100? Secondly, If I decide to take that jump is the Ballistix or XBLK better? Why?
All advice and comments are appreciated!
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<font color=red>You're a boil on the arse of progress - don't make me squeeze you!</font color=red>
Ballistix will give you that, but not from NewEgg.
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The first question that comes to my mind is whether it is worth that $90 jump in price from the LLK to the XBLK
You take your chance with LLK really. You'll either get rejected TCCD or crap arse Infineons.
With rejected TCCD most people reach ~247Mhz 2.5-4-4 while Infineon can only reach ~212Mhz regardless of timing or voltage.
I'd personally go with XBLK in your case of getting all part from NewEgg.
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
Ballistix will give you that, but not from NewEgg.
I searched Pricewatch and Newegg actually had the best price...do you have any other suggestions?
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while Infineon can only reach ~212Mhz regardless of timing or voltage.
Then I definitely don't want the Infineon chips. The Micron G chips in the Ballistix seem to be really good and I've had great success with crucial memory in the past. If I could get a good deal on those, then I'd definitely be favoring that option. I didn't see any dual packs available for the Ballistix - are there any dual-channel pitfalls?
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<font color=red>You're a boil on the arse of progress - don't make me squeeze you!</font color=red>
I searched Pricewatch and Newegg actually had the best price...do you have any other suggestions?
...no further comment from me
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The Micron G chips in the Ballistix seem to be really good and I've had great success with crucial memory in the past. If I could get a good deal on those, then I'd definitely be favoring that option. I didn't see any dual packs available for the Ballistix - are there any dual-channel pitfalls?
The latest review I read about Ballistix PC4000 reported they went up to only 257Mhz 2.5-4-4 while my PC3200 Ballistix went to 252Mhz. But with your DFI mobo you can push it higher since 3.2V is avaliable.
Dual-pack or non dual-pack doesn't matter.
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
The latest review I read about Ballistix PC4000 reported they went up to only 257Mhz 2.5-4-4 while my PC3200 Ballistix went to 252Mhz. But with your DFI mobo you can push it higher since 3.2V is avaliable.
Dual-pack or non dual-pack doesn't matter.
Thanks for the info. Was you best performance at the 252Mhz? How stable was it at that speed?
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<font color=red>You're a boil on the arse of progress - don't make me squeeze you!</font color=red>
I used a timing of 3-4-3-10 with 2.9V to achieve that.
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
With Vcore of 1.575V plus best aircooling(XP-120 +hi-RPM 120mm fan) I'd say 2.68Ghz is about the limit. For even higher OC with sub-zero cooling using above 1.7V you'll have to ask Scottchen about that.
That's based on Smasung TCCD chip based RAM running 1:1 with HTT(FSB).
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
2.4Ghz in most cases with 1.5V. Could near 2.5Ghz.
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
Crucial is usually at the top of my list, im just nopt sure about patriot at this point. You should also take a look at OCZ. Go check out their website and look at some of the reviews on their really fast RAM. The #1 thing is to make sure that your MOBO is compatible with the RAM you choose. Look at the QVL list at the manufactures website.
mozzartusm, when it comes to overclocking it all comes down to the chips being used in the RAM module(s) not brand anymore.
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Look at the QVL list at the manufactures website
*wuzy cleaning his ears*
Wot? I can't hear what you said properly!
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
20% OC on stock cooling...not bad at all! I guess heat becomes the limiting factor at this point and stability would become an issue. I know 90nm process chips run a lot cooler. At what temps do you run into stability issues or do I have this wrong?
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<font color=red>You're a boil on the arse of progress - don't make me squeeze you!</font color=red>
I wouldn't have a clue how well the temperature sensor on the DFI mobos are callibrated, but it's roughly around 52C and above when things starts to go screwy.
<font color=red><b>Life just gets better and better, first there was 9800SE->Pro, second 475Mhz on stock VGPU, third there's XT BIOS and now I've vVPU modded it! w00tz!</b></font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.maccrazy.net/9800" target="_new">http://www.maccrazy.net/9800</A>
Rugger94@gmail.com 
I do plan on OCing the 3200+, but probably not more than 2.5Ghz unless I can do it with reasonable temps. I want a STABLE OC because I'll be running F@H on it 24/7 and I want trouble-free gaming. I also want the best price/perf for my money. Which of the following will serve me the best and why?
