OCZ PC3500EB or Mushkin 3200 222 Special??

[GTX_SlotCar]

I have a 2.4C and Abit AI7. It's happy running at 3240 (270 FSB). It'll run 285 mHz but I have to crank the vcore to do it.

I'm finding slightly better game FPS running 5:4 ratio with 2-3-3-6 timings than with 3-4-4-8 at 1:1. Now, if I could run 5:4 with x-2-2-x timings I think I could get a couple extra FPS.
I'm looking at 512mb (2x256).
I've narrowed my search down to:
OCZ PC3200 EB at $144
OCZ PC3500 EB at $164
Mushkin PC3200 222 Special at $186

Which of these will run 216 mHz (270 FSB at 5:4) with x-2-2-x timings on my Abit AI7? (AI7 goes up to 3.2v vcore.) Of course, I'd like to keep the price as low as possible. The OCZ EB price has dropped again since yesterday, but I don't think the Mushkin with BH-6 chips will drop.

Gary

 

[Galt]

I've been in a similar position, deciding between some BH-5/6 or OCZ EB series, and I've decided that I'll be going with the OCZ. I don't have it yet though, so I can't give you any real world results. Everything I've read about it has been extremely positive.

 

[Shade00]

The prices you listed for the OCZ EB are for 512mb sticks. For the PC3200 EB, the 2x256mb kit is $155, so it's not that much more.

Personally, I would suggest going with the EB. I don't know how much voltage you've got to give to the RAM, but the EB will go further on less voltage.

 

[GTX_SlotCar]

I just looked up the OCZ PC3700 Gold Rev2 on anand's site and it's slightly faster than the 3500 EB at DDR433 (216 mHz), which is where I plan to run it. That makes things even more confusing.

Of course, none of this takes into account which memory will run with PAT enabled (667 strap) or aggressive GAT settings. It just makes it even more confusing. No reviews cover this stuff (they seem to think everyone wants to run at 1:1).

Gary

 

[malinois1]

Hi SlotCar,

I built a computer for a customer a month ago and had very good results with the OCZ 3700 Gold rev2. FSB@240 1:1 and FSB 270 5:4 with timings2-3-3-7. I am currently getting parts to build by new PC AI7 mobo and will use 3500EB but that is mostly because I can't find Gold Rev2 in 2x512 sticks anymore and OCZ says they wont be making anymore and that the EB has replaced that model.

 

[Ri0]

All excellent memory. Go with what fits your budget the best.

 

[aNTiChRisT]

I'd go with the OCZ; the muskin is more expensive, they will all do that speed but you will probably have to up the voltage on the mushkin, and it will only start having more effect at about 3.0v -- then you get overkill when it can do 230fps 2-2-2

BTW that is hypothosizing, but you get the idea ;-) winbond bh-x = voltage lover :>

~t0m

EDIT: One last thing -- my Corsair xms3200 ch-5, with 3.0v will do 236fsb 2-5-3-2 OR 200fsb 2-5-2-2, i havent pushed the FSB on 2-5-2-2 timings yet...

 

[lbbo2002]

GTX_SlotCar you have 3.2 volts to mem to play with so get the 222 promo and run 5:4. I can run mine up to 298 at 5:4 2,2,2,6. I have to drop to 2,3,3,6 above 298.

What I don't think people realize is you have the memory voltage by default so you can take advantage of BH6 on the 222 now.

I also have OCZ 3700 rev 2 which is a good choice.

 

[Ri0]

FYI OCZ has the BEST heat spreaders on memory.

 

[aNTiChRisT]

What about the corsair pro heatspreaders? They have more surface area...

~t0m

 

[GTX_SlotCar]

.....What I don't think people realize is you have the memory voltage by default so you can take advantage of BH6 on the 222 now.
I also have OCZ 3700 rev 2 which is a good choice.

That's right. I always put it in a memory post, but I don't think most people see it.

According to Anand's reviews, the 3700 rev 2 gives a bit better performance at 216 mHz (270 FSB at 5:4) than the Mushkin, but they had the Mushkin running at 2-2-3-5, not 2-2-2-6. That 3rd timer (tRP) could make quite a difference.

Which do you feel is faster at 216 mHz?

Gary

 

[fldrice]

Heatspreaders don't make much of a difference. If you want tight timings go with the bh-6. From what I hear, they usually OC fairly decently, not to mention the resale value. Otherwise save a couple of bux and go with the ocz, they OC well but you can't get timings like you can with the bh-6 chips. BTW, if service and support is another factor in your buying decision, then I highly recommend Mushkin. I had a bad stick of lvl 1's and the RMA was very quick and painless, they are one out of few manufacturers that will deal with the end user directly.

 

[lbbo2002]

At 216 I find no difference in the OCZ or the 222 stuff. So close in bench marks to even find value.

When you get up to 240-250 range is when you may start to see seperation just because of 2-2-2-6 vs 2.5-3-3-7. The OCZ goes higher though as its defaults are lower.