Which memory to match a C2D8500?

Scrubydoo · 10 Sep 2008 at 16:32

Having used Athlon CPU's for years, I'm now putting together an Intel based machine to replace my old games computer.

However I'm not sure what sort memory speed I should be looking at in order to match the CPU (probably be getting a Gigabyte GA-EP45-DS5 motherboard) :confused:

Do I get PC2-6400 and hope to overclock it, or play safer and fork out the extra dosh needed for PC2-8500?

Any recommendations as to which memory brand I should be looking at - have used Corsair in the past, but I've got no preference at all at the moment.

Cob · 10 Sep 2008 at 16:41

2gb or 4gb?

PC2-6400 should be more than enough for an E8500, unless you're looking to get well over 4ghz.

Scrubydoo · 10 Sep 2008 at 16:50

I'll be going for a 4 Gb pair of sticks - mainly because at first I'll be sticking with XP Pro.

I installed Vista in my brothers computer - had a nightmare with drivers, mainly with WiFi and soundcard.

I'll probably move to Vista eventually, but I'm not looking forward to it!

Cob · 10 Sep 2008 at 16:58

Vista is usually grand. Tho some hardware manufacturers are lazy when it come to writting proper drivers for it.

The OCZ PC2-6400 Dual Channel Vista Gold kit would do the job, tho the extra few quid for their CAS 4 Reaper HPC kit is worth it if you're looking to clock the CPU as far as you can.