Patriot or Corsair?

[Euclid]

I can chime in on this.

I bought the PDC2G3200LLK Patriot 2 x 1Gig PC3200 Low latency memory from Monarch for my DFI-SLR motherboard with Athlon FX55 (Rev Cg). This memory would not run 2-3-2-5-1T as advertised. The best I could get that was stable (lots of testing here) was 2.5-3-2-5-2T. I spent a ton of time with PDP tech support and they had me RMA the memory. They RECEIVED my memory for RMA on 5/17/05.
It is now 06/13/05 and they STILL have NOT shipped my memory back.

I would go any other route based on my experience with their Tech support. It is unacceptable that they can't ship me new memory in 4 weeks! (they've had the memory for 4 weeks, it took a few days to get to them, so my system has been Idle for over a month!) I think I'm going to buy some OCZ platinum or titanium 2x1gig sticks and then ebay my patriot memory.

I don't care how cheap the memory is, it isn't worth the hassle of bad support. Unfortunately, Corsair & Mushkin don't offer any 2x1g sticks with reasonable timings., So OCZ seems the only option.

 

[Gerbil333]

Glad I got the Corsair then I suspected that Patriot's timings were for Intel since Corsair and many people on various forums tell that Intel systems can run at tighter timings than AMD systems. Hence, the Corsair TWINX was rated 2-3-3-6 for Intel and 2.5-3-3-6 for AMD. Mine's running great.

 

[birdpup]

Is there not a general rule to purchase what you need for now and not what you will need in the future? This would imply purchasing 1GB for now since that is what is needed, and the second 1GB (for 2GB total) can be purchased later when prices have dropped even more (assumption) and the brand of memory has been tested in your system.

I have the PDP Patriot PDC1G3200LLK DDR400 (PC3200) 2-3-2-5-1T (2x512MB) in an ASUS A8N-E board and the memory works without any problems. This memory was able to overclock to 225MHz stable and is currently running with 2-2-2-5-1T timings and a 2/3 memory divider.

 

[Gerbil333]

Normally, that would be true. However, I don't plan to ugprade for four years. I could already tell that I needed it. Before the upgrade, HL2 took about 10-15 seconds to exit even with my 74 GB Raptor. It's now exits under a second. I'm sure it'll be more helpful in a year or two, but I do notice some improvements now.

But yeah, you're correct. Except in my case.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333
Glad I got the Corsair then I suspected that Patriot's timings were for Intel since Corsair and many people on various forums tell that Intel systems can run at tighter timings than AMD systems. Hence, the Corsair TWINX was rated 2-3-3-6 for Intel and 2.5-3-3-6 for AMD. Mine's running great.

This is a VERY UNFAIR assessment of Patriot's memory. See BIRDPUP's post. He is having NO PROBLEMS running the PDP Patriot PDC1G3200LLK DDR400 (PC3200) (2x512MB) memory at 2-3-2-5-1T on an ASUS A8N-E. He even is able to overclock to 225MHz STABLE.

Gerbil you should be ashamed of your BIAS; that is not like you. :disgust:

Greg

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Euclid
I can chime in on this.

I bought the PDC2G3200LLK Patriot 2 x 1Gig PC3200 Low latency memory from Monarch for my DFI-SLR motherboard with Athlon FX55 (Rev Cg). This memory would not run 2-3-2-5-1T as advertised. The best I could get that was stable (lots of testing here) was 2.5-3-2-5-2T. I spent a ton of time with PDP tech support and they had me RMA the memory. They RECEIVED my memory for RMA on 5/17/05.
It is now 06/13/05 and they STILL have NOT shipped my memory back.

I would go any other route based on my experience with their Tech support. It is unacceptable that they can't ship me new memory in 4 weeks! (they've had the memory for 4 weeks, it took a few days to get to them, so my system has been Idle for over a month!) I think I'm going to buy some OCZ platinum or titanium 2x1gig sticks and then ebay my patriot memory.

I don't care how cheap the memory is, it isn't worth the hassle of bad support. Unfortunately, Corsair & Mushkin don't offer any 2x1g sticks with reasonable timings., So OCZ seems the only option.

I'm sorry; I though you were running the PDC1G3200LLK 1GB (2 X 512MB - not the PDC2G3200LLK ) so I'll just leave my post to "I'm sorry that you're experiencing problems with Patriot's RMA department". As an owner of the PDC1G3200LLK 1GB (2 X 512MB ) I'm disappointed to hear that about Patriot's RMA department.

Greg

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333
Normally, that would be true. However, I don't plan to ugprade for four years. I could already tell that I needed it. Before the upgrade, HL2 took about 10-15 seconds to exit even with my 74 GB Raptor. It's now exits under a second. I'm sure it'll be more helpful in a year or two, but I do notice some improvements now.

But yeah, you're correct. Except in my case.

I apologize for ribbing you Gerbil333 !!!

You've been a LOT of help to ME and MANY OTHERS at this forum; I just lost my head a few minutes ago; again; I'm sorry.

It's interesting though, that as of the time I write this the poll is Corsair 26 and Patriot 25 - a VERY CLOSE race !!! And it must be an accurage count because I've wanted to vote MORE than once and I can't, lol

 

[Gerbil333]

Originally posted by: Fisher999
I'm sorry; I though you were running the PDC1G3200LLK 1GB (2 X 512MB - not the PDC2G3200LLK ) so I'll just leave my post to "I'm sorry that you're experiencing problems with Patriot's RMA department". As an owner of the PDC1G3200LLK 1GB (2 X 512MB ) I'm disappointed to hear that about Patriot's RMA department.

Greg

I stand by what I said because that's the reason I posted this thread (the timings seemed too good to be true for AMD systems). If his replacement RAM works, I'll revoke my statement.

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Gerbil333

Originally posted by: Fisher999
I'm sorry; I though you were running the PDC1G3200LLK 1GB (2 X 512MB - not the PDC2G3200LLK ) so I'll just leave my post to "I'm sorry that you're experiencing problems with Patriot's RMA department". As an owner of the PDC1G3200LLK 1GB (2 X 512MB ) I'm disappointed to hear that about Patriot's RMA department.

Greg

I stand by what I said because that's the reason I posted this thread (the timings seemed too good to be true for AMD systems). If his replacement RAM works, I'll revoke my statement.

You won't retract your statement, eh ???

Hmmmm.... let's see, Birdpup right in this thread is having no problems running the Patriot PDC1G3200LLK at 2-3-2-5-1T on his Asus A8N-E and Rike at this forum is having no problems running his Patriot PDC1G3200LLK at Patriot's rated timings or at "looser" timings when he overclocks on his Asus A8N-SLI BBBBBUUUUUUTTTTT........ Euclid who had problems with his Patriot RAM and had to RMA it has a DFI board.

I wish I could remember Gerbil.... who was it that told me that the DFI nf4 boards are VERY RAM PICKY and just don't "like" a LOT of brands of RAM ???

Yes, WHO was it that told me that ???

 

[Gerbil333]

Ah, good point. I missed that somehow. Then I stand down and I'm back on the fence again, just like the poll.

 

[birdpup]

Maybe forget about both and go with Crucial. :laugh:

 

[Gerbil333]

We should forget about this thread. After all, I bought the RAM weeks ago.

 

[Euclid]

I think the thread is important for those who are having trouble on deciding what to buy for 2x1gig configurations
I must say, I wish I had just kept the memory instead of RMA'ing it. The 2.5-3-2-5-2T timings that I did get stable are STILL better than those ADVERTISED by any other ram company selling 2x1gig memory. However, I am very peeved about PDP tech support's position on the whole matter which is "Gee, it takes us a long time time to RMA your memory. So what?". Uh, "so what?" is that I have a $1500 system sitting idle while you guys twiddle your thumbs! sheesh

 

[Firsttime]

i would say corsair

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Euclid
I think the thread is important for those who are having trouble on deciding what to buy for 2x1gig configurations
I must say, I wish I had just kept the memory instead of RMA'ing it. The 2.5-3-2-5-2T timings that I did get stable are STILL better than those ADVERTISED by any other ram company selling 2x1gig memory. However, I am very peeved about PDP tech support's position on the whole matter which is "Gee, it takes us a long time time to RMA your memory. So what?". Uh, "so what?" is that I have a $1500 system sitting idle while you guys twiddle your thumbs! sheesh

Euclid:

Are you saying you STILL don't have your RAM back from Patriot yet ???

I am concerned not only for you but for me if I ever have to RMA my 1GB (512MB X 2) PDC1G3200LLK :disgust:

Greg

 

[Euclid]

No. I still don't have my ram back yet. I am waiting patiently, 30 days and counting (ignoring shipping times and only counting the days they have had my ram in their hands). I'm wondering if they are having business trouble or if they are discontinuing the product or something. I can't imagine what would cause such a delay.

 

[Gerbil333]

That sure is an odd shift in the poll (30:25).

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: Euclid
No. I still don't have my ram back yet. I am waiting patiently, 30 days and counting (ignoring shipping times and only counting the days they have had my ram in their hands). I'm wondering if they are having business trouble or if they are discontinuing the product or something. I can't imagine what would cause such a delay.

That's a crying shame. REALLY !!!! :roll:

 

[arswihart]

update on your best RAM timings Gerbil? I'm looking at the Patriot RAM you passed up now at Monarch for $232 with free shipping.

I'm guessing this RAM should run @ 1t 3-3-3-6 up to 240-250mhz or so. Wonder how your RAM does in comparison to my rough guess. Thanks for any input from anyone.

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: Euclid
No. I still don't have my ram back yet. I am waiting patiently, 30 days and counting (ignoring shipping times and only counting the days they have had my ram in their hands). I'm wondering if they are having business trouble or if they are discontinuing the product or something. I can't imagine what would cause such a delay.

Ever get your RAM back.

I'm really curious if the Patriot will run CAS2 (or even 2.5) @1T.
If so this RAM is a steal at Monarch's price.

 

[hemiram]

I have to agree, lots of programs run much better with 1gig than 512K. I wouldn't think of running less. My new laptop has 512, and it's corking things up quite a bit, so a 1Gig stick is next on my list of stuff to get.

I've had great results from Patriot memory. I can't see paying any more for another brand..

 

[Fisher999]

Originally posted by: hemiram
... I can't see paying any more for another brand..

I'm too tired to provide links but Corsair isn't all but a couple of dollars more expensive for EQUIVALENT performance level DIMMS.

I just sold my UNOPENED Patriot PDC1G3200LLK Dual Channel 1 GB ( 512 X 2 ) PC3200 and was happy to place the order for CORSAIR 1 GB CMX1024-3200 C2PT for just a few dollars more than an equivalent stick of Patriot.

 

[SlitheryDee]

My patriot 1gb (2x512mb) runs fine at 1T 2-2-2-5 230 mhz (rated 2-3-2-5 200mhz).

 

[smthmlk]

Originally posted by: Tostada
If you honestly think that 2GB will be standard in 6 to 12 months, you need your head examined.

Originally posted by: rod
Why do you need 2GB? Even the newest games will run on 256MB, with 512MB the preffered option.

Ever play battlefield 2 (the actual game, not the demo) on 1GB or less and then throw in another GB? Obviously not. Whether 2gb becomes the standard or not, it will sooner or later. 6months? no. But who knows in a years time.

Of course, if you're not playing bf2, then sure, 1gb is the sweet spot. ... but 256/512? Absolutely retarded.

 

[Gerbil333]

Originally posted by: arswihart
update on your best RAM timings Gerbil? I'm looking at the Patriot RAM you passed up now at Monarch for $232 with free shipping.

I'm guessing this RAM should run @ 1t 3-3-3-6 up to 240-250mhz or so. Wonder how your RAM does in comparison to my rough guess. Thanks for any input from anyone.

I'm runnning stock at 2.5-3-3-11-1T @ 400MHz on my 3200+ Venice now. I haven't tried any higher.