Suggestions on OCZ Memory

[Dreadnort]

First off, a hello to everyone on these boards.

I've just finished an PC upgrade and all that's left is some RAM.
I currently have 2x 512Mb Corsair XMS Xpert, that was given to me by a friend, when he upgraded his own memory.

Here's my current specs.

Abit 3rd Eye AV8 UGuru Motherboard - This was also given to me, so it pretty much defined my upgrade path, video card wise at least.
Ram as said above
AMD64 4000+ (San Diego Core) CPU
2x WD 250GB SATA II HDD's
BFG 7800GS OC AGP Video card
Antec NeoHE 550w PSU

Sounds card and case aren't really important in these specs. My aim was to create a system that was as future proof as it could be within the confines of
the motherboard and my budget.

The idea being that when the time comes to go PCI-E, I won't really want to have to spend a whole lot of cash to do it properly. In theory, I'll just need to get a MB and Video card.

To that end I've been looking at replacing my current memory with 2gb. I've looked around on various websites, and forums such as Guru3D and here. I've pretty much decided I'd like to get OCZ PC3200 Dual Channel Platinum Series EL-DDR CAS2. The friend who gave me his RAM, replaced it with this and has been very very happy with it.

But before I go ahead, I'm interested in any advice or any possible complications I might encounter should I choose this memory. I've heard that there can be some compatibility problems between certain Ram and motherboards. I've checked and confirmed that the new motherboard is running the most up to date Bios available.

Thankyou in advance.

 

[jbloggs]

I've just purchased 2Gbs of this Ram, I think it is good stuff, as I am not overclocking I was interested in tighter timings, ie 2-3-2-5, which gives good performance.

I don't think you will run into compatability issues with this Ram, but do check with your mobo manufacturer regarding the compayability of it with this it t to be on the safe side.

Some other Ram which is considered to be very good is the G.Skill 2GB DDR ZX PC3200 (2x1GB) CAS2 Dual Channel Kit (F1-3200PHU2-2GBZX) (MY-007-GS), or if you are going to overclock the OCZ 2GB (2 x 1GB) PC4000 Dual Channel Platinum Series EB-DDR CAS3 (OCZ5002048EBPE-K) (MY-058-OC).

 

[smids]

Welcome to the forums .

Your friend made an informed choice. A64's benefit more from tight timings than high frequency RAM. TBH, It all depends on whether you overclock or not. The tight timing stuff is ESSENTIAL for running at stock, but if you clock, then sometimes the high frequency stuff is good.

Then again, A64's can run on dividers (memory and FSB running at a different ratio), i.e. not the standard 1:1 ratio of FSB:RAM i.e. when you clock the FSB to 250, your RAM also clocks to 250mhz. Dividers allow for say 250mhz FSB with 208mzh RAM with no performance hit.

The one good thing about the OCZ Platinum EB PC4000 is that it can run at tight timings CAS2-3-2-5 at 200mhz and the clock all the way to 280mhz on a good set -the best of both worlds but the EB's are £225 compared with the ~£165 of the Gold XTC (which your friend has).

I notice you have a 4000+ which has a multiplier of 12x. You might as well stick with the tight timing stuff as using the 12x multi will mean you won't need a high FSB.