I think I just ordered the wrong memory ... OCZ 512MB EL Dual Channel 4200

[Mastiff]

I have ordered a new mobo, CPU and dual channel RAM. The mobo is an Abit IC7 Max3, the CPU is an 3.0C and the ram is "OCZ 512MB EL Dual Channel optimized PC-4200 DDR 256 x 2 Kit 2.5-4-4-7 533Mhz". I'm hoping to clock the CPU to at least 3.5, perhaps 3.75 with a very efficient Zalman copper cooler (a guy I spoke to has used that cooler to clock his 2.8C to 3.7 something and has it running totally stable). But should I have chosen lower speed memory? From what I can see the timings are actually better than the DDR 4000 from OCZ, but not as good as "OCZ 512MB EL Gold Edition Rev. 2
- PC-3700 DDR 2,5-3-3-7 466Mhz". I have the possibility to return the RAM for another type (and I can also return the CPU, if it makes sense to exchange that for an 2.8C). What should I do?

[Gautam]

Keep the 3.0C, but swap the memory out for OCZ 3700 EB. These run much better timings than both of the above, and should fit perfectly in the 240-260 MHz FSB range you can anticipate.

[Galt]

You probably won't need RAM that fast with a 3.0c. It's stock speed of 266MHz would put your 3.0c at 4GHz. Is that a reasonable expectation for your system? If not, decide what you think will be reasonable. If you're planning on hitting 3.75GHz, for example, you'll need RAM that'll run 250MHz. At that point, it's your decision as to whether you buy RAM that runs 250 stock, or get something that you think you can overclock to that level. OCZ EB PC3700 is a pretty nice choice to go with your 3.0c, as is the PC3700 Gold Rev2 that you mentioned. At 233MHz stock, it should match up with your CPU nicely. I've got the EB PC3700, however my CPU is willing to get closer to 260 while the RAM seems to top out around 240. If I were you, I'd test the CPU first to determine how high its willing to go, then make your RAM decision based on that. Also, if you're going with air cooling, you'll want an SP-94:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewProductDesc.asp?description=35-109-012&depa=0

[Mastiff]

Thanks! I will test the CPU with the RAM I'm getting and then decide, probably for the Gold revision 2 since I can't seem to get EB RAM in Norway. But it won't be the one I mentioned above, I meant this one: "OCZ 256MB Rev2 EL Gold Edition PC-3700 DDR 2,5-3-3-7 466Mhz ". I want two 256 sticks, not one 512, of course.

[SeanOMatic]

If you can get the 3700 Gold Rev 2, that would be a great choice. You can't find it out in the US, so if your Norway reseller has it, snag it up asap.

[Gautam]

Hrmmm...may I ask what's so special about these? ;)

[oc613]

galt: you eb 3700 tops out at 240? please tell me that's a typo!

[Galt]

galt: you eb 3700 tops out at 240? please tell me that's a typo!

Nope, that's all it wants to do :(

I was expecting a bit more out of it, too. Realistically, I wanted 250 perfectly stable. Anything else would've been icing. I haven't voltmodded my board, so 2.85V is all it's getting. I think it might do better at 3.0V+. It won't pass Memtest over 240. I've tried every possible combination of 2.5/3 - 2/3 - 2/3 - 5/6/7/8 timings, but it just won't go. I found 3-3-2-5 to be the most stable setup. It's a shame, really. I didn't think a 3.0c would outrun EB PC3700 :-/

[aNTiChRisT]

Strange galt, im getting wierd problems with my PC3700 -- its sitting @ 244 but wont budge. I think its the CPU but why would it turn up errors in memtest? Oh well :/ 244 is still pretty nice :)

~t0m