DDR3 Bundle - Is it worth it over DDR2 components?

Lovemonk · 25 Apr 2009 at 14:45

Have created a build based around the following:

AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720 Black Edition 2.8GHz
Asus M4A78 PRO AMD 780G (Socket AM2+/AM3)
Corsair XMS2 DHX 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2 PC2-6400C5 TwinX Dual Channel

This uses OcUK's cheapest AM3 mobo and DDR2 RAM.

However, was looking around and saw this bundle.

Advantages - Better mobo?, DDR3 RAM
Disadvantages - an extra £55-£60 cost

What would be the smart choice?

ConnectionFX · 25 Apr 2009 at 15:20

I would go for the bundle. Better board and although it will be a while DDR3 is becoming more and more popular as it drops in price. if your looking at upgrading in the future then DDR3 imo is your best bet.

Performance wise you wont see that much improvment. maybe a few % but its the upgradability and OC abilty that would push me for the bundle.

mp260767 · 25 Apr 2009 at 15:26

could knock some off the difference by going for a cheaper am3 mobo and cheaper memory so the difference could just be £30 ish.

KingZeddy · 26 Apr 2009 at 00:24

However, was looking around and saw this bundle.

Advantages - Better mobo?, DDR3 RAM
Disadvantages - an extra £55-£60 cost

What would be the smart choice?

The bundle, the mobo has the latest southbridge and support for faster memory and a PCI-E x 16 and one x8 slot.

Kennysevenfold · 26 Apr 2009 at 00:31

Or this tbh

Product Name Qty Price Line Total

AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720 Black Edition 2.8GHz (Socket AM3) - Retail £120.74
(£104.99) £120.74
(£104.99)

Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P (Socket AM3) PCI-Express DDR3 Motherboard £114.99
(£99.99) £114.99
(£99.99)

Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 10666C9 1333MHz TwinX Dual Channel (TW3X4G1333C9) £56.99
(£49.56) £56.99
(£49.56) Sub Total : £254.54 Shipping cost assumes delivery to UK Mainland with:
DPD Next Day Parcel
(This can be changed during checkout) Shipping : FREE VAT is being charged at 15% VAT : £39.61 Total : £293.65

Lovemonk · 26 Apr 2009 at 07:31

Yeah Kenny, that's the RAM I was looking at when I was trying to make a DDR3 system cheaper than that bundle. Thanks, could be a winner. Won't be buying yet for about another 2-4 weeks. Depends when a cheque comes in. Wish it was now.