OCZ memory thoughts

[emogoch]

Was wondering what people's opinions on memory are (thought I know if you ask 10 people, you'll get 10 different answers). Planning on buying a new system within the next couple of weeks. Processor is going to be an AMD dual-core (4200 probably), running on an Asus A8N-SLI premium board. I've even alomst convinced myself to go with a 7800GTX in the system. As for memory, I was thinking OCZ's Platinum EL Rev 2 2x512 sticks: http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/memory/ocz_el_ddr_pc_3200_dual_channel_platinum_rev_2

Now, while I'm not an overclocking fanatic, it is something I wouldn't mind getting into with this new system. So what are people's thought on these guys. And what's the deal with memory faster than PC-3200? Are the faster sticks any good, even if mobos don't support them?

 

[Guest]

ANything over PC3200 will be overclocking, DDR400/PC3200 is the highest DDR speed that is certified by the JEDEC.

The higher number will klet you OC them without stability issues.

I personnaly suggest OCZ EL gold VX series, or the crucial ballistix!

Both will Overclock really well even the PC3200 parts!

Asus P4P800DX, P4C 2.6ghz@3.25ghz, 2X512 OCZ PC4000 3-4-4-8, MSI 6800Ultra stock, 2X30gig Raid0

 

[Rugger]

The faster rated sticks are still PC3200 compatible. The higher rating from the mfr tells people that the memory is rated to operate at higher speeds - i.e. OCed.

Personally, I'd go for something like the <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=13-123-236&depa=1" target="_new">Epox Ep-9NPA+ Ultra</A> or <A HREF="http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136152" target="_new">DFI Lanparty UT nF4 Ultra-D</A> and this <A HREF="http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227213" target="_new">OCZ Value VX Model OCZ4001024WV3DC-K</A> for $105. <A HREF="http://www2.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=20-146-546&depa=1" target="_new">Crucial Ballistix</A> is a steal at about $150, but that EL Plat is a good deal at $170, too. The DFi board has the voltage to make any of those memory sets scream.

Why an SLI board?

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[emogoch]

The reason for going with an SLI board is just so that the option is there should I ever feel the need to fufill it. As for the Asus board over anything else, I like the features on it. I don't plan on doing any extreme overclocking, just a touch should I ever feel adventurous. Thus the other features on the board are a much larger selling point.

As for the OCZ modules, I've been looking at both having to deal with performance and pure availability. Up here in Toronto, I've got a few places around me that give me great prices, and I don't have to worry about shipping or Duty fees for importing. And Anadtech's cross-review of these modules (http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2145&p=12), these guys seemed to come out on top to me. And at $230 CDN, a pretty good deal too.

Thanks for the thoughts though. I'll look into it a little more.

 

[Rugger]

Understand perfectly on SLI and memory - didn't realize that you were from the land up North. The performance series is great - i've read the articles. I'm cheap and would get the VX if available. If not, then I would likely go with the perf series or something similar.

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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>

 

[Guest]

AGree with rugger...once more.
Why dont you look at the Epox board tought?
Altough the Asus is not in <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2465&p=28" target="_new">this</A> review, the Epox is the #1 choice of many people.

I suggest you look at it closely before you go Asus. Altough I understand that some board fit people better, asus is not getting any amazing review for the nForce4...

Asus P4P800DX, P4C 2.6ghz@3.25ghz, 2X512 OCZ PC4000 3-4-4-8, MSI 6800Ultra stock, 2X30gig Raid0

 

[Rugger]

<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813123246" target="_new">Epox EP-9NPA+ SLi</A> for $138 here in the states. The <A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813136158" target="_new">DFI LAN Party nF4 SLI</A> is another great option and is slightly less than the Asus here in the states ($168 for the DFI).

The problem is more than likely availability at the places he is shopping.

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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>

 

[emogoch]

Can't find the Epox boards at any of the 4 retailers I'm looking at here. The DFI boards are around, and run about the same price as the Asus (+ or - $10). I'll look into the DFI ones a little more. However, it's going to be hard to beat the Asus ones.

I'm not purely going for performance here, but also features. Besides gaming, the other major thing that'll be happening on this system is running VMware with Linux rather than doing straight up dual-booting, as I prefer doing my coding under linux, but hate having to reboot every time to do it. Reading up, the DFI has mostly the same features as the A8N-SLI prem., but I wonder about it's performance outside of games.

I'll look some more. Thanks

(PS. Any thoughts on PSUs? Most likely and Antec, and 480W+, but that still leaves a ton of options)

 

[Guest]

Just mentionning thats Virtualisation technology is coming in CPU. Its not THAT close tough but its comming up. You might wanan keep this in mind becasue VMWare should see a huge performance boost with virtualisation!

As for PSu Antec TrupowerII/SmartPower are pretty good but overpriced(unless you go for the case+PSU, then it gets intersting IMO). Other will stat Fortron Source. Excellent quality and they're underrated!

Asus P4P800DX, P4C 2.6ghz@3.25ghz, 2X512 OCZ PC4000 3-4-4-8, MSI 6800Ultra stock, 2X30gig Raid0

 

[Rugger]

<A HREF="http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=270402" target="_new">Enermax 535W Whisper II model EG565P</A>
or
<A HREF="http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=17-104-934&depa=0" target="_new">Fortron Blue Storm 500W</A>

Either one is a great option. The FSP is $9 more and rated 35W less.

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