What RAM is best to OC

[CasheKicker]

I am new here so if I am asking a redundant question please redirect my post.

I am building a new system with an E8400 chip (as soon as I can find one locally) and have not yet decided what MOBO to go with, either and SLI or Xfire board, don't think I will have it running in SLI or Xfire but want the dual slots just in case.

Saying that I have been doing lots of reading trying to make the right choice on my 1st major self build system. I want expandability and to learn how to OC.

That being said there are so many choices it is hard to make an informed decision on components for the best gear. As for RAM that stays true to course. Depending on who you ask people say OCZ over Crucial over Corsair over Mushkin... The list goes on.

I am prepared to spend the right $ for the right setup but am still very confused what to go with. I was almost set on the crucial ballistic until reading that the run extreamly hot.

In saying that I ask, what specific RAM will over me the best performance and OC headroom? Should I go with 1066 PC8500 or is 800 just as good?

HELP!

Next I need to decide on a GPU!

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by CasheKicker

I am new here so if I am asking a redundant question please redirect my post.

I am building a new system with an E8400 chip (as soon as I can find one locally) and have not yet decided what MOBO to go with, either and SLI or Xfire board, don't think I will have it running in SLI or Xfire but want the dual slots just in case.

Saying that I have been doing lots of reading trying to make the right choice on my 1st major self build system. I want expandability and to learn how to OC.

That being said there are so many choices it is hard to make an informed decision on components for the best gear. As for RAM that stays true to course. Depending on who you ask people say OCZ over Crucial over Corsair over Mushkin... The list goes on.

I am prepared to spend the right $ for the right setup but am still very confused what to go with. I was almost set on the crucial ballistic until reading that the run extreamly hot.

In saying that I ask, what specific RAM will over me the best performance and OC headroom? Should I go with 1066 PC8500 or is 800 just as good?

HELP!

Next I need to decide on a GPU!

Depends on the DDR2-800 memory. I run Team Xtreem and I think I'll make out my CPU before I'll make out my memory :P I can get it running upto 1100mhz so far but haven't tried higher yet.

Crucial Ballistix is good stuff; Mixed reports with G.Skill; OCZ = overrated.

[3.0charlie]

Mushkin XP2.

[CasheKicker]

Only a guess but if I get 1066 mem and my FSB supports 1333 then in theory I should be able to OC to 1333 right? That is of course I get RAM that can handle the OC, so in theroy the 1066 would be superior to 800 for OC?

[3.0charlie]

You can oc the ram until it can take no more. And yes 1066 is faster than 800.

[CasheKicker]

So if I want to spend the x-tra bucks the 1033 would be worth the investment.

So now to select the right set of RAM. Still looking for some more opinions and perhaps some success stories.

[3.0charlie]

Yes. Especially if you're going for the E8400.

Success story, and my case for the XP2s: Mushkin 4GB XP2-8000 – Return of Redline!

[CasheKicker]

Right now I am leaning towards Crucial Ballistix (BL2KIT12864AA1065) 2G kit (1GBx2) DDR2 PC2-8500 5-5-5-15 2.2V EPP (MFG Lifetime) 119.00

I am interested in the Redline as well but can't justify the x-tra $$$ for them...

I am also left to wonder.... 2 gig kit @ 8500 vs 4 gig @ a lower speed, which is superior


Comments?

[sswilson]

Originally Posted by CasheKicker

Right now I am leaning towards Crucial Ballistix (BL2KIT12864AA1065) 2G kit (1GBx2) DDR2 PC2-8500 5-5-5-15 2.2V EPP (MFG Lifetime) 119.00

I am interested in the Redline as well but can't justify the x-tra $$$ for them...

I am also left to wonder.... 2 gig kit @ 8500 vs 4 gig @ a lower speed, which is superior


Comments?

What OS are you going to run? Only a 64bit OS can take full advantage of 4G otherwise you're limited to around 3.5.

I'm currently running 4G with XP, but that's more so that I can offer a good chunk of memory to two instances of VMware for folding. I don't think more than two gig offers much performance boost over just running two sticks.

You might want to chose a motherboard first, and then come back to see what kind of luck folks have had with different memory... some boards play better in the sandbox when paired with specific mem.

Looking forward to seeing you complete this build.... That'll give me 5 months to drag you kicking and screaming over the the "dark side" of liquid cooling..... :)