Memory Choice For DS3 (Limited Options Locally)

[Xenithon]

Hi all. I am going to be getting a Gigabyte GA-965P-DS3 motherboard with an E4300 chip. This is going to be a non-overclocked system, but I would like it to be stable and reliable, and am going to get 2x512MB DDR2, but the options here are very limited. This is what I can get, ordered from least to most expensive:

- Transcend JetRam DDR2-800, CL5, 4-Layer PCB, Life-Time Warranty
- Kingston ValueRam KVR800D2N5/512, CL5, 1.8v
- Kingston Hyper-X KHX6400D2/512, CL5, 5-5-5-15, 1.95V, with heatsink
- Kingston Hyper-X KHX6400D2LL/512, CL4, 4-4-4-12, 2.0V, with heatsink

...and there are also kits available:

- Kingston 1GB, CL5 (5-5-5-15), Kit of 2 (KHX6400D2K2/1G)
- Kingston 1GB, Low-Latency CL4 (4-4-4-12), Kit of 2 (KHX6400D2LLK2/1G)
- Kingston HyperX 1GB, CL4 (4-4-4-12), 2.0v, with heatsink, Kit of 2 (KHX6400D2LLK2/1GN )
- Corsair TwinX XMS Pro Matched Memory (2x512MB), 6-Layer, Heat Spreader, LED Indicator, CL 5-5-5-12 (TWIN2X1024A-6400)

I would like to know which you guys would recommend, and if any of the above have given anyone compatibility issues. Also, I am quite keen on DDR2-800...it doesn't cost too much more than DDR2-667 here, but just wanted to check that it will at least still be utilized by the system even if not heavily overclocked.

Thanks and Cheers,
X

[stags]

Your system will be able to utilize DDR2-800 so I would recommend getting that over 667. If your not overclocking any 800 sticks will be fine. I would pick the Kingston ValueRam since it has more of a reputation than Transcend.

[batboy]

If you can afford it, get the KHX that is rated CAS 4 at DDR2-800.

[Xenithon]

Hi all. Taking a look at some articles, such as the MadShrimps one (http://www.madshrimps.be/printart.php?articID=472) it seems as if memory speed isn't a huge factor when the system will be run at stock levels (which is what my system will be) and that the amount is more influencial. Am I right thinking along the lines that high-speed RAM comes into play primarily when doing serious overclocking - and that decent DDR2-667 memory can be run at 800 levels if the need/want ever arises?

It is not that much more to get 2GB (2x1GB) of DDR-667 over 1GB (2x512MB) of DDR2-800. Would that be a better move in a non-overclocked. non-gaming system? It is used primarily for audio, video, and photo editing.

Cheers,
X

[Shelnutt2]

I'd go with 2gig of 667 over 1 gig of DDR800..and why again are you stuck with local deals only?

[Xenithon]

Cause I live in South Africa :bang head

Importing will cost far too much (shipping, customs, VAT etc.) plus if there are either compatibility issues or corrupt/DOA memory, shipping back and forth will be might painful and expensive.

X

[batboy]

Stock speed? No overclocking? Guess I missed that part. You don't need fast RAM then. In fact for the E4300 (default 200 FSB) you could easily get away with PC2-4200 RAM and still run the 3:4 memory ratio.

[inkfx]

Definately pick up 2GB of DDR2-667 over 1GB of DDR2-800. Especially since you are going to be doing a lot of editing the 2GB will come in handy.