Which DDR memory should I get? (For overclocking..., is OCZ stuff any good?)

[SunnyD]

Looks like I'm in the right forum. I've just put together a machine, first DDR board I've had to play with (aside from the ECS K7S5A which lasted in my possession for 2 weeks before I had to get rid of it).

I've got to get some RAM in the door, and I haven't a clue what's good aside from Crucial which is way over priced right now.

256 meg module size.

#1 - Currently on the list, from what I've read, Corsair PC2700 XMS module is the best out of the box. It is however the most expensive at $98 + shipping.

#2 - Samsung PC2700 is supposed to be pretty good, and happens to be the cheapest on pricewatch at around $65.

#3 - Crucial PC2700 for around $100. It's gotta be pretty good, right?

#4 - OCZ PC3200... I figure if I'm going to spend around $100, might as well go for something tested at PC3200 (I know, it's not a spec...). But is OCZ stuff any good? I've heard people think it sucks. 256 meg of OCZ PC3200 is actually cheaper than the Corsair stuff.

I'm really interested in the OCZ stuff. But I don't know if it's any good or not.

Basically, what I'm looking for is something absolutely ROCK SOLID STABLE at the fastest timings at PC2100. I also want some room to overclock too. This stuff will be going in an MSI K7N415-Pro.

Thanks!

SunnyD

 

[MilkPowderR]

You left out Mushkin DDR.

I have a stick of Mushkin PC3200 DDR(256mb). I have a mobo that insures high fsb.
It does maximum timing: CAS 2.0 Turbo 1T Command@ upto mid 190's FSB. At 200 FSB and Up, you have to do CAS2.5 Fastest setting 1T Command. Of course... that's cauze it's rated to run 200fsb@ CAS 2.5

 

[pillage2001]

Crucial Pc2700?? Where do you find that?

 

[Aragorn992]

Ive heard bad things about OCZ ram too. I own some Kingmax (TinyBGA) PC2700 and its great.

 

[Geoffrey]

I recommend Mushkin DDR PC2700...I've been using a stick of 512MB for about 2 months while overclocking and I haven't had any problems.

 

[SunnyD]

<< Crucial Pc2700?? Where do you find that? >>



Right here...

 

[pillage2001]

<<

<< Crucial Pc2700?? Where do you find that? >>



Right here... >>



99 bucks?? You're better off with Kingmax.

 

[gothictech]

I too would say to go with Mushkin, I have been using their memory for the past 4yrs. and have never been disapointed.

 

[exp]

<< I own some Kingmax (TinyBGA) PC2700 and its great. >>

I'll second that. Mine does 190MHz no problem.

 

[SunnyD]

Okay - muskin you all say - what part number/model/etc?

I need just 1 256meg part currently, as I can't afford 2. Do I get the PC2700, PC3200, or what? The only thing that confuses me is that mushkin rates all their parts 2.5-3-3. Corsair XMS memory is rated 2-3-3 1T.

I appreciate all the help here.

SunnyD

 

[MilkPowderR]

First of all, how bad are u planning to oc your FSB?
I'm assuming you want to run the memory at good, fast setting.. If you are not going to do real high FSB, then you don't have to get the Mushkin PC3200. Otherwise go with the PC3200.

Mushkin PC3200 is rated to run 200mhz FSB@ CAS 2.5-3-3 like you have said.

Mushkin PC3200 "should" be able to do CAS 222 Turbo 2T-5T-2T 1T Command at below 200FSB. Mine does it at around 190s fsb on an Epox 8K3A with a Duron 1Ghz. Of course.. there's no guarantee for others to do this but likely do-a-ble if you have a good mobo.

Btw, they come with violet heatspreader.

 

[panhead49]

no one said samsung!!!!......the 2700 scored first in a recient review......

 

[SunnyD]

<< no one said samsung!!!!......the 2700 scored first in a recient review...... >>



I asked. I also read somewhere, the Samsung memory absolutely wouldn't do anything other than 2.5CL. I could be wrong.

Anyway, I think it's either going to be Corsair or Mushkin at this point. My plans for overclocking aren't extremely excess at this point - I have a MSI K7N415-Pro (nForce), and I'm not entirely certain as to how well the nForce will overclock. CPU is a Duron 1.0ghz. If I can get it to do 1.33GHz I'll be happy. (10x133)

Then, after I find the stable point of the board, I'll go do some serious overclocking to see what it could do.

SunnyD

 

[panhead49]

the latest review at vr-zone says.........cas2......209 fsb...something like that.....it was the winner of all reviewed....

 

[Ryan abandoned account]

I think there's misinformation in here: The Samsung PC2700 is supposedly the best out of Crucial, Corsair, etc.

 

[tboneuls]

You should do the best with Crucial ram. Muskin is also good.

 

[dazedunconfused]

I've also seen the tests on pc2700 and samsung did in fact have the highest FSB. I just wish I could remember what site I saw it on.

 

[iihrjin]

No matter what you guys are saying, SAMSUNG is the best.

See this !
SAMSUNG PC2700 reach 220 MHz.

 

[dazedunconfused]

yea that's the one I saw. ty

 

[SunnyD]

Just ordered 256meg of Samsung true PC2700 from newegg.

Before you say "Samsung is cheaper elsewhere on pricewatch...", BUYER BEWARE. Most of the pricewatch vendors that say Samsung PC2700 are indeed using samsung PC2700 chips on them - but the pc board is also an important factor, and most of the vendors out there are using generic boards. I checked, in fact, and one that looked remotely close I emailed for a manufacturer part number and the chips came back as TCB3's, but the prefix was 24 not 68. More than likely, this was a different board.

Newegg has actual samsung parts.

I'll let you know how far my nForce decides to go. Hopefully my Duron 1.0 will take the 33% OC without fighting.

SunnyD