Help me choose DDR2 for new AM2 pc

[DigeratiPrime]

Hello fellow MSFN'rs looking for some input on choosing some DDR2 ram for the new system I am planning.

Motherboard/Barebones : Shuttle XPC SK22G2

Processor/CPU : AMD64 X2 Dual-Core 3800+ Socket AM2 (65W)

DDR2 : ???

Video : onboard for now, hopefully mid-range DX10 PCI-E card soon.

Optical Drive : LITE-ON 16X DVD±R DVD Burner Black SATA Model SH-16A7S-05 - OEM

I am hesitant about purchasing DDR2 ram because I am not sure what I need.

I obviously want DDR2-800 PC6400 but what about E.P.P. and S.L.I.? EPP sounds like it is just a simple overclocking tool. But I thought SLI was only for GPUs?

Also what are the best theoretical timings/latencies for DDR2? I notice on Newegg that the top selling stuff generally has a CAS latency of 5, but the modules with CAS latencies of 4 are newer and cheaper Any reccomended DDR2 benchmarks?

[ripken204]

you dont need sli memory, nothing really special about it. how much ram u want? 2x1? 2x512? and is this for anything special? you against a value type of ram?

[DigeratiPrime]

I am thinking 1x1GB so I can add a second stick later for 2GB if I want to do so.

Although I do intend to overclock the cpu a little I dont like to increase voltages so I doubt I will OC the ram.

This is for my new "modest" pc. My current pc uses 2x512MB DDR400 Corsair XMS.

modules I am considering:

http://www.directron.com/khx6400d2ll1g.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16820211063

[edit] however it sounds like I would need to increase the voltages in order to get the advertised timings.

[jcarle]

Anything by OCZ is my recommendation.

[puntoMX]

Get 2x 512MB if you want 1GB, so you can use it in 128bit, 1 stick will give you 64 bit only. I personaly like A-DATA.

[DigeratiPrime]

I was ignoring the impact that Dual Channel makes, so I will probably go with 2x512MB and maybe in the future buy 2x2GB

Dual Channel support depends on the CPU no?

btw I saw this, but it might be bs

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=33094

[puntoMX]

The article indeed is bullsh*t, I think some one was bored so made it. It will not give you much but throughput of the RAM will be like 10% better as far as I know, so all the bits help I think .

Dual Channel indeed depends on the CPU with AMD, as you remember AMD has a build in MEM-controller...

[DigeratiPrime]

Well after a 2 day break from this topic, i did some more research.

The difference between DDR2 633 and 800 is insignificant.

AMD system experienced around a 1% increase in FPS. http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2741

Intel system experienced around a 1% increase in FPS. http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2862

However it appears that when the system is overclocked right below instability, the cpu then needs the extra bandwidth. Otherwise the cpu does not utilize the extra memory bandwidth. This theory also explains the claim that memory in Dual Channel configuration has no significant affect on performance, perhaps until the cpu is overclocked. Problem is I do not understand at what point this benefit is realized.

Another thing I have observed is memory companies have what appears to be the same memory sold as two or more different products, the only difference being the more expensive model has the V increased and the timings reduced. If this is accurate then there is no difference between buying the cheaper model and overclocking it yourself. However as I mention earlier this increase in Volts, Watts, and heat may not be worth it. And the money is probably better invested in a better cpu or video card.

I read some other articles, but those two were the most relevant. Please correct me if I am not understanding something

[DigeratiPrime]

BTW I went and ordered the Kingston memory I was considering earlier:

Kingston 1024MB HyperX DDR2 Memory KHX6400D2LL/1G, DDR2-800 (PC2-6400)

I figured it must be very good memory because it is achieving the low latency timings with lower voltages than other memory.

I also thought that was a good deal and had a extra coupon I'll get the second 1x1GB later when I need it.

[puntoMX]

The difference between DDR2 667 and 800 is insignificant.

But prices are almost the same and most of the time you can use the 800 with lower timings then the 667.

64 or 128 bit RAM usage makes up to 3 whole % , not that much but it’s something.

I´m sure that you will buy the other stick soon .

[DigeratiPrime]

The difference between DDR2 667 and 800 is insignificant.

But prices are almost the same and most of the time you can use the 800 with lower timings then the 667.

64 or 128 bit RAM usage makes up to 3 whole % , not that much but it’s something.

I´m sure that you will buy the other stick soon .

Yeah the prices were so close I decided to go for quality and efficiency which is important in a SFF PC.

I will probably get more memory after I get the gfx card; doubt I am going to be satisfied with the IGP.