Buying Dual Channel Ram

[leedogg]

Ok I've decided to upgrade my ram and cpu. I have an A7N8X mobo and I'm looking to get some dual channel ram. What are the important things to get here? I'm not looking to spend more than $150 on this.

I will be getting either an amd 2800+ or a 3000+ processor and I'm wondering what the optimal memory would be.

If I should get more memory i.e 2x512 with higher latency (cas 2.5-3) or speed (i.e pc3000) or if I should get less 2x256 with faster timings (cas 2) and higher speed (pc4000). Where does memory bandwidth come into play? i.e 4.0 GB/s vs 3.2 GB/s

I guess what I'm asking is how would you guys rate the importance of each of these factors.

right now I have my eye on the following:

Geil Golden Dragon Dual Channel 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-4000 - Retail
Specification
Manufacturer: Geil
Model: GD4000-512DC
Speed: DDR500(PC4000)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2.5 7-4-4
Support Voltage: 2.55V-2.95V
Bandwidth: 4.0GB/s
Organization: two 32M x 64 -Bit
Special Features: Wafer Level Chip Scale Package

$125

Does this look good?

Comments/suggestions/recommendations would be appreciated.

/edit heres another alternative

Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Level II Dual Pack - Retail
Specification
Manufacturer: Mushkin
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-2-2
Support Voltage: 2.5V-2.75V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 32M x 64 -Bit

$149

Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Level One Dual Pack - Retail
Specification
Manufacturer: Mushkin
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-3-2
Support Voltage: 2.5V-2.75V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: two 32M x 64 -Bit

$119

 

[dreamliner77]

I've always been under the impression (and have yet to have it fail) that you don't need to buy 'Dual Channel" packs. I usually just buy 2 identical sticks and have at it.

 

[Tuffgong4]

yeah I have to agree I think that is closer to a marketing ploy than anything...although I don't know if less faster memory would be just as good as more slower memory

 

[breezie]

i wouldnt get dual channel 256's... u'll want 1gb one day maybe so if you're planning on getting 512, just get ONE stick now and wait for later... since u're gettin AMD, its a pretty small boost in performance with dual... almost unnoticable

btw with those prices, go for some OCZ or Corsair XMS ^_^

geil is nice too up there~

 

[LeeJend]

The dual channel packs apply if you plan to run the RAM at max speed (400 MHZ and low CL). The single packs work if you aren't trying to push the envelope.

The performance tests don't seem to show much difference between top speed and bargain basement. The AMD CPU family is getting FSB limited once you go to Dual DDR at 266 mHz. At 266 CL2 the bandwidth double. At 333 or 400 you don't get a doubling anymore. I think the limit is around 5600 so for reference 2x2100(266) = 4200, 2x2700(333)=5400 you're topped out, 2x3200(400)=6400 beyond useable limit for AMD.

What is best for you depends on how you use your computer. If you do 3d rendering go for high memory. If you rip media a lot go for speed (or both). If gaming is your thing put the money into a top video card. etc.

A question. Have you made sure the chipset you have supports what you want to upgrade to? There are about 5 NF2 chipsets out now some support 400 FSB, some support 400 mHz RAM, some don't support dual ddr. Check before you buy.

 

[leedogg]

ahh thanks leejend. this mobo supports up to 2800+, 333fsb, memory it says dual channel ddr400 support. I already have a stick of 512 2700 ddr so your saying if I add another 512 2700 ddr this should just about reach my memory throughput limits?

I'm looking at the following 2 to pair up with my 2700 now:

OCZ Performance Series 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 (Revision 3.2) - OEM
Specification
Manufacturer: OCZ
Speed: DDR33(PC2700)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-2-2-5 1T
Support Voltage: 2.5V
Bandwidth: 2.7GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64 -Bit
Special Features: Ultra Low Noise shielded PCB with Copper Heat Spreader

$94

OCZ Performance Series 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-3200
Specification
Manufacturer: OCZ
Speed: DDR400(PC3200)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-3-3-6
Support Voltage: 2.6V
Bandwidth: 3.2GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64 -Bit
Special Features: Ultra Low Noise shielded PCB

$96

 

[LeeJend]

Yes. And the first one looks better, faster latency cancels out the speed advantage of the second one and it has a built in heat spreader. See if they have a picture of it though to make sure there is enough room to put it next to the other DIMM. (Heatspreaders increase the thickness.)

Those look a little pricey. Were you buying local or on the net?

 

[leedogg]

I've been looking at newegg..

instead of ocz i might get this mushkin for a few bucks more...

Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB DDR PC-2700 Black Hi Perf Level II - OEM
Specification
Manufacturer: Mushkin
Speed: DDR333(PC2700)
Type: 184 Pin DDR SDRAM
Error Checking: Non-ECC
Registered/Unbuffered: Unbuffered
Cas Latency: 2-2-2
Support Voltage: 2.5V-2.75V
Bandwidth: 2.7GB/s
Organization: 64M x 64 -Bit

$99

You think this is expensive? Have u seen this cheaper?

 

[NiSMo]

Hey leedogg,

if your where planning on overclocking or anythin like that the best ram out of those which you chose would be the

Mushkin 184 Pin 512MB(256MBx2) DDR PC-3200 Level II Dual Pack - Retail for $149

because it uses winbond bh-5 which is one of the best overclocking ram....it can acheive such timings and overclockings as 250@2-2-2-11@2.9 volts...

these memory timings (2-2-2-11) are the sweet spot for amd motherboards ...

i hope that helps you....
cheers, NiSMo