Just recieved RMA store credit from crucal- larger than expected!

[Comdrpopnfresh]

So I was expecting ~$130 credit from crucial for my defunct DDR1 I rma'd, but I ended up getting credited with ~$165. So I'm a very happy camper right now. Now the volley of questions:

First off, I have the asus p5n-d motherboard. Asus has this on there website:

4 x DIMM, Max. 8 GB, DDR2 800/667/533 Non-ECC,Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel memory architecture * Refer to www.asus.com or user manual for Memory QVL (Qualify Vendor List) **When installing total memory of 4GB capacity or more, Windows 32-bit operation system may only recognize less than 3GB. Hence, a total installed memory of less than 3GB is recommended.

Crucial's memory scan also reports a maximum of 8gb of ram, and that my mobo can take 1066 too.
With my rma credit, I can buy 8gb of DDR2-800 @ 4-4-4-12 timings, in 2 2x2gb kits. Or, I can buy 2 2x1gb kits of 5-5-5-15 DDR2-1066.

I'm assuming have 8gb of 800 is superior to 4gb of 1066.
Here is a review of my future ram vs various other brands:
http://www.tomshardware.com/re...2-ram-memory,2079.html

Seems the 800 can reach 1066 speeds with a bit more voltage anyhow- though I'm unsure about overclocking abilities with all 4 dimms populated.

So, am I correct that I should go with the 8gb of 800?
Should I get the ballistix, or ballistix tracer? I've been told and read the tracer version doesn't overclock quite as far... though I'm unsure if it matters w/ 8gb of 800 with those timings- is that right?
Here are the links for the three 800mhz kits I'm looking at:
Ballistix kit
Ballistix Tracer (Black)
Ballistix Tracer (Red)

Besides the slight under-overclockability of the tracer version w/ possible additional heat too, is there any reason to choose the plain ballistix (I'll have to check if I'll have any clearance issues). Is there any difference between the red + black versions- voltage response, timing ability, overclockability?

I'm pretty excited, if my erratic post didn't already illustrate that. I'd like to make a decision soon, so I can place my order and have my bundle of transistor-joy waiting for me when I return home after my term ends next week.

thanks for any input!

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

Update: seems the only difference between the red and black is the color- same micron chips underneath

 

[JustaGeek]

They all have the same Micron chips - Tracers just add the LEDs.

I've been using a little older version of this RAM, rated for 2.2V, running at 2.0V on my MB (although at 667MHz, to keep the FSB:RAM ratio to 1:1).

Personally I don't like the idea of LEDs powered by the same source as the RAM chips, but it is just an individual preference...

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

have you experienced any ill effects because of the shared power? Interested to know

 

[JustaGeek]

I don't have the Tracers, and I do not know if anyone actually has experienced any problems.

It is just my impression that the LCDs might put some extra stress on the memory bus, but hopefully Crucial knows better...

 

[Comdrpopnfresh]

I certainly hope so too. lol

Stupid crucial... Are online stores supposed to charge taxes based on shipping or billing addresses? My home is in a tax-free state; school... not so much. I'd like to have the memory shipped here- seeing how it's finals week and all my programs are freezing and closing due to anorexic memory capacity... but the tax on the purchase takes me over my credit. They charged me taxes on the RMA credit too! even though it was shipped from my home state. smells of borderline illegel/bbc-worthy complaint. no?
w/ newegg I can ship things to my school address, and bill it to home (where my plastic originates)... and no undue taxation is incurred.