RAM Latency

[Clellandmc]

Just looking at some RAM for a new PC and wondered if the latency of the RAM makes much difference?

I can either get this http://overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-124-CS now or wait about a month and pay double for this http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-120-CS.

Is it worth the extra wait and money, and also what are the differences between the 2?

 

[The Hoff]

Get the cheaper stuff mate, CAS latencies USED to make a major difference when overclocking a system, and for performance in general. However on DDR2 memory CAS timings are a lot less critical.

TBH Both of that RAM is probably overkill unless your're planning to make an OCing monster. Budget DDR2 ram, is often as good at OCing these days.

But if the choice is only those two, then the cheaper will be more bang for buck.

Oh and please dont buy from OCUK, they're a bunch of fking retards who couldn't run a brothel, their service and returns department is fking laughable!

Komplett/Scan/Aria are best bet...even eBuyer, but NOT OCUK.

 

[Evil Ally]

Oh and please dont buy from OCUK, they're a bunch of fking retards who couldn't run a brothel, their service and returns department is fking laughable!

Komplett/Scan/Aria are best bet...even eBuyer, but NOT OCUK.

100% agree with that, they are a very shady outfit and to be avoided. They sold me defective second hand goods and refused to give me a full refund. Seems par for the course:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Overclockers_co_uk

If I'm buying standard ram, I usually buy direct off the Crucial website. Usually very well priced and their warranty and customer service are excellent.

 

[jimmy_mac]

Crucial is very good!!

 

[rich[182]]

Oh and please dont buy from OCUK, they're a bunch of fking retards who couldn't run a brothel, their service and returns department is fking laughable!

Komplett/Scan/Aria are best bet...even eBuyer, but NOT OCUK.

100% agree with that, they are a very shady outfit and to be avoided. They sold me defective second hand goods and refused to give me a full refund. Seems par for the course:

http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Overclockers_co_uk

If I'm buying standard ram, I usually buy direct off the Crucial website. Usually very well priced and their warranty and customer service are excellent.

^ Jeez, that has genuinely shocked me, ive never had probs with them and their forums are fantastic, also prices and stock but having read through the above link its an eye opener for those who ever require after sales support, cheers for the heads up, that really has surprised me !!

 

[Clellandmc]

Yeah thanks for the heads up guys, didn't realise that OCUK were that bad, I'd only heard good things about them. I hadn't actually bought from them so will stay well clear of them.

I've used Scan a bit and they seem spot on.

Thanks also for the information regarding the RAM. I don't think I will require the better latency RAM after what you have said. With regards to the RAM choice, the choice isn't out of only those 2, it was more of a case that I was interested in knowing the difference between them.

I'm thinking about getting this motherboard http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=505256 So what RAM would you suggest suitable for it?

 

[The Hoff]

My choice of hardware assuming you're going for a Core2Duo rig would be:

Highspec:

Motherboard
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=437657

CPU
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=430633

RAM
http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?sku=321028


Budget:

Motherboard
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=437659

CPU
http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/ProductInfo.asp?WebProductID=430631

RAM
http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?sku=321028

Something along those lines, Scan seem to only be stocking one brand of memory now, which I don't like tbh.

Motherboard choice is justified by the fact it was one of the first brands to lunge at C2D with success, it's got a very solid pedigree amongst the OC fraternity, they OC mentally in fact. The other point being they now have some nice BIOS updates and community support. Price wise, for the performance they offer, their king of the hill IMO.

CPU wise any C2D chip will OC like mad, providing you have a decent heatsink fan, the stock one is good for small OC's but anything hardcore and you'll cook it.

RAM, if you see a good deal for low CAS memory, then pick it over RAM with higher CAS of the same price. However most the stock timings can be shuffled down to lower timings anyway, they just dont advertise it. Stick with Crucial/Corsair/OCZ/Mushkin/TwinMOS and you won't go far wrong, but don't be sold my gimmicky heatsinks, they do pretty much sweet f.a.

 

[Rasclart]

OCUK arent bad IMO never had a problem with them

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-058-GL

I run that in Core Duo system. 4-4-4-12 timings running at 960mhz or there abouts, I had it over 1000mhz but had to slacken the timings slighty. Awesome RAM. THis coupled with an overclocked E6600 Coure Duo is runs lovely. Not once faultered!

 

[Rasclart]

Gigabyte DS4 motherboard is only a few pounds more and has a far better heatsink arrangment for the Northbridge

 

[The Hoff]

^

DS4 = £108
DS3 = £89

Not really a few pounds were talking a 20% increase, for a budget system (which is where it's suggested) i'd save myself the extra £20, unless you're pushing the limits then I haven't seen a single case of a northbridge falling over. Yes the DS4 heatpipe is a better solution, but if people are that concerned i'd be sticking a proper HSF on it.

If i'd suggested a Midrange system though, guess what board i'd have picked

 

[Rasclart]

Still only a few quid in the scheme of things. They have gone up I paid £101 about 3 months ago! Hence the only a few quid.

Either the DS3 or DS4 are great boards though

 

[BRUN]

you cant go wrong with Crucial memory, im not into computers like i used to be, but i used to be into overclocking in a big way and the crucial stuff was always very reliable stuff which you could push

its whats in my system now and unless i hear bad about them ill always use it, good prices too i think

 

[BRUN]

oh and with regards to OcUK

i wont pass comment about them, lol, i was threatened with legal action once by the owner........

 

[wozzaa]

Used them once and they were fine even had to call them to change the order came as it should have done.

But have heard bad stories about them.

Tend to use Scan or Microdirect now mainly cause there close to where I live and there much better on support scan are brilliant when you have a problem. I took a motherbaord back once went into technical support office said I had a issue. Didnt check it or anything just went into the back and gave me a new one.

Corsair, Crucial, OCZ, Kingston are the names to go for in ram. I prefer corsair or ocz stuff.

 

[Darren S]

Used them once and they were fine even had to call them to change the order came as it should have done.

But have heard bad stories about them.

Tend to use Scan or Microdirect now mainly cause there close to where I live and there much better on support scan are brilliant when you have a problem. I took a motherbaord back once went into technical support office said I had a issue. Didnt check it or anything just went into the back and gave me a new one.

Corsair, Crucial, OCZ, Kingston are the names to go for in ram. I prefer corsair or ocz stuff.

Same here, wozzaa. Never had a problem with them and the stock levels tend to be very good.

As for memory, I've had Corsair, Crucial and currently run on OCZ DDR2-800 - again, with no probs.

D.