Originally posted by: So
The ram market is fairly simple at the moment (much easier than the days when we had SDRAM, DDR, and RDRAM going at the same time)
i cannot really say that it is that 'simple'.
There are countless choices for PC3200 already (latencies etc.), PC3500 upto PC4400. If it were that simple i wouldn't sit here for days JUST finding out the right ram for my (soon to be) A64 PC.
I am talking OVERCLOCKING here - no question you dont need expensive low latency ram if you dont plan to overclock.
But the article is missing something, ie. how important is it REALLY to have memory capable of running at 1:1 divider (for an A64 system).....assuming that a CPU would be capable of running a HTT ("FSB") of 270 and (cheaper) memory, maybe only 215.
Its missing the information how important (performance wise) "faster" (well overclockable) ram is compared to pushing the CPU.
In other, real life terms:
Assuming my CPU COULD (proven) run 2.74 Ghz (eg. A64 3500+), 11 x 250 HTT. But the memory could NOT, meaning you cannot run at 1:1 divider but need 5:6 divider to run the ram at 205 instead because it does not go higher.
Would you get a noteable perofrmance gain in paying twice as much money (see main AT page memory reviews) for loq latency PQI, OCZ, Corsair etc. which *can* run up to 300 mhz ????
If the memory speed is proven totally neglectible (?) since ONLY the CPU mhz really matter in terms of total system perrormance then we could put the memory discussion to an end once and for all. We weould all know that its totally fine to use value ram, maybe use a lower divider and let the CPU run at its limit and the (cheaper) ram.
But..i still do NOT have this proof - i still dont know whether it is really worth spending a lot more money on low-latency ram or just get value ram.
(Eg. does a 1:1 divider really matter ?! I mean, the A64 boards all have the option to downclock the memory...and thats exactly what you do in case you get cheaper ram. Does it matter to have ram capable of 280 HTT/"FSB" or are you better off saving your money and be happy with the "CPU only" overclock.
Also, according to anandtech mainpage the high-end ram then would (probably) also need a extremely good PSU, they say they had problems with a well-known brand 430W PSU already.
This is an additional factor...you might easily spend $300++ or more for the high-end PSU and the high-end ram....and then you wonder if its really worth it ?