Best RAM for a Asus P4C800-E ???

RADARADA Apple Valley, CA Member
edited November 2003 in Hardware
Hi guys,

I'm taking my first step into the wonderful world of Overclocking. I'm piecing together components as my banker (aka wife) alows me to. :bawling:

Here's what I have so far:

Asus P4C800-E MoBo

Asus Radeon 9800 XT Vid Card

Audigy 2 ZS Sound Card

Cooler Master ATC-111C-SX2 Case

Lite On LTR-52327S Black 52x32x52 CD-RW Drive, 2MB

My main question is with memory company should I go with? I know I need matched memory to get the most out of the MoBo, but who to go with? Kingston or Corsair are my two choices, but I've heard that some memory works better in certain boards.

Enlighten me!! Oh great minds of the Short Media Forums!!

:D


Thanks,

-RADA-

Comments

  • croc_croc_ New
    edited November 2003
    I chose Corsair over Kingston because of the reviews I read, and the overwhelming support for Corsair on these forums. You shouldn't have any problems with either product though.

    I use 2x256MB Corsair XMS PC3700.

    Oh btw ... don't ever use a dell psu. *picture of smoking p4c800*
  • RADARADA Apple Valley, CA Member
    edited November 2003
    Thanks Croc,

    BTW, read your post about using a Dell PS. GASP! Cringe! Oh, the Pain!

    I plan to go with either a high end Antec or a PC Power and Cooling PS in the 500W range. Leaning towards PC P & C due to their quality level. Figure is I've spent $478 on a vid card, what's another $185 on a PS!
  • croc_croc_ New
    edited November 2003
    I ordered an Enermax 460w for $78, but had to cancel due to rent. Now they are $85. *cries*
  • SimGuySimGuy Ottawa, Canada
    edited November 2003
    The PC Power & Cooling TurboCool 510W is THE best PSU available for ATX-based computers today. Period. No if's, and's or but's. No other PSU has won more awards for its' legendary performance and reliability than this bad little sucker.

    On my old P4C800-E, I used Corsair's TwinX XMS3700 (2x256 MB). However, when that motherboard's MCH failed, I utilized the same RAM in the new ABIT IC7-MAX3.

    At 2.9V on the MAX3, I'm able to get the XMS3700 running at DDR500 speeds, timings at 3-4-4-7. Unfortunately, the P4C800-E can only support a VDIMM of 2.85V, which is just a smidgen underneath what that XMS3700 needs to reach DDR500 performance levels. :(

    As well... it depends on if you will be doing any hardcore overclocking with the P4. If you are going to crank the bus speed to around the 215-220 MHz range, go for some lower-latency Corsair or Kingston PC3500 with timings in the 2-3-3-6 or lower range.

    However, if your CPU is a great overclocker and you plan on running it with an FSB of 240 or higher, go for the highest rated DDR SDRAM you can afford. The Corsair XMS3700, XMS4000, Kingston HyperX 3700 or OCZ EL PC4000 memory will offer superior bandwidth and allow you to run the memory bus at a ratio of 1:1 with the front side bus, which is the optimum performance configuration. :)
  • croc_croc_ New
    edited November 2003
    SimGuy, is that vdimm limitation hardware based or will it be adressed in a later BIOS update? Not that I need it, I don't think I will be getting near 250FSB with my 3.2c (4ghz) on air.
  • SimGuySimGuy Ottawa, Canada
    edited November 2003
    AFAIK, the VDIMM limitation is both hardware and BIOS based.

    I don't know if Asus has the proper equipment onboard the P4C800 or P4C800-E to deliver over 2.85V of stable, clean, reliable electricity to the memory banks.

    If they did, I don't see any reason for Asus not to issue a BIOS update that allows higher VDIMM's to be selected, especially now that ABIT markets the IC7-MAX3 on it's ability to provide 3.3V of VDIMM (which is not reliable over 2.9V anyways, but that's another story......)
  • ketoketo Occupied. Or is it preoccupied? Icrontian
    edited November 2003
    Echoing SimGuys statement above, my P4C800-E Deluxe fluctuates up to .05V BELOW what is set in bios, dependant very much on what load is on the computer - so, Asus' ability to deliver consistent power is questionable. That's not a slam on the mobo, it's a very solid and fast piece in my experience.

    RAM recommendation - Depends entirely on the cpu speed. If a 2.4-2.6, again it depends. Unlimited budget and want to run 1:1 @ very high 250+ fsb? PC4000 or 4200, Corsair or OCZ. Willing to run @ 5:4 ratio, then find memory modules made with BH5 memory modules, off hand it doesn't come to me who that is right now though Mushkin PC3500 is a solid yes and highly recommended tho expensive. The current Corsair XMS3500 is CH5 chips, not quite as good as BH5. The older version of above is on BH5's, I have that and it rox.

    For a 3.0 chip, your fsb is going to be more limited so excellent PC3500 is the way to go, anything more is a waste of money. Again, current thinking is Corsair/OCZ with Mushkin in a slight lead tho with a cost premium.
  • qparadoxqparadox Vancouver, BC
    edited November 2003
    Sorry to hijack the thread, Sim do you know where to get the PC Power and Cooling PSU in Canada? I haven't had luck finding it.

    That system looks pretty sweet, add my vote for Kingston or Cosair.
  • SimGuySimGuy Ottawa, Canada
    edited November 2003
    qparadox had this to say
    Sorry to hijack the thread, Sim do you know where to get the PC Power and Cooling PSU in Canada? I haven't had luck finding it.

    That system looks pretty sweet, add my vote for Kingston or Cosair.

    QParadox, I've been looking for nearly 2 years for a Canadian distributer and have had no luck. I once found a dealer at Toronto's ComputerFest who was carrying them, but he wanted almost $400.00 CDN for the bloody thing, nearly $70.00 more than the cost from PC P&C.

    The ONLY people I know that will sell PC Power and Cooling products to Canadian addresses is PC Power & Cooling themselves.
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