DDR3: Worth it?

[Dracheschreck]

I'm currently assembling this new computer:

Intel Core2Duo E8400
Asus P5E Deluxe
2x2Gb DDR2 1033 (OCZ)

Ati HD4890
... and other stuff

The question is: Is it worth changing the setup to DDR3 ?? I have seen the price is very similar... would I have to change the motherboard to a more expensive one? Which would you recommend?

Thanks

[PC_User]

Probably not worth it unless you're planning on going with a 1366 chipset (i7) + DDR3. If you're keeping the E8400, just stick with 4GB of quality DDR2 800 or even DDR2 1000 RAM.

[Dracheschreck]

There are non-i7 chipset (socket 775) that can reach 1333 and also 1600 (Asus Rampage Extreme for example)

[Mike Clements]

Probably not worth it unless you're planning on going with a 1366 chipset (i7) + DDR3. If you're keeping the E8400, just stick with 4GB of quality DDR2 800 or even DDR2 1000 RAM.
It's not really frequency that PC-User is referring to. He's referring to real world differences. Faster (DDR3) makes much less impact on socket 775 based systems than on 1366 systems due to the differences in the memory controllers. What gear in your list do you already have?

[Dracheschreck]

I have bought nothing as of now.

[Mike Clements]

If it was my setup and I was going with an 8400, I'd decide solely based on price. Once you build it and seal it up inside a case, you'll NEVER be able to tell with the naked eye if you bought DDR2 or DDR3 due to the limits of the memory controllers. If you intend to OC, you'll get just as much CPU speed on a DDR2 MOBO as you will with a DDR3 MOBO.

The DDR3 will provide a bit more bandwidth and top end memory performance. It's up to you to decide if 2-5% is worth whatever price difference in board+RAM is worth it.

[KILLER_K]

Agreed, dd3 is still just too hyped right now. But if you are moving to a new platform then yes go with it then as you don't have much choice. But if you already have a dd2 system, then as already said no need to go with dd3.

Good Day

[Torquemada XP]

I got a 775 board with DDR3 because I wanted everything running 1:1.

[Mike Clements]

I got a 775 board with DDR3 because I wanted everything running 1:1.

You can do that with DDR2 easily at least up to a 533FSB and DDR2 1066. Not many board and CPU combos easily go past 533.

[Torquemada XP]

You can do that with DDR2 easily at least up to a 533FSB and DDR2 1066. Not many board and CPU combos easily go past 533.

I meant without overclocking or messing around with any BIOS settings.

[Mike Clements]

You can't run 1:1 without adjusting the BIOS and OCing once you pass FSB400 on the CPU and MCH and DDR800 on the RAM.

[Torquemada XP]

You can't run 1:1 without adjusting the BIOS and OCing once you pass FSB400 on the CPU and MCH and DDR800 on the RAM.

I guess I'm quite dumb, then. I always thought having a 1333 MHz CPU (E8500) with 1333 MHZ DDR3 running all at stock would make it 1:1.

Just when you think you know things...

[Mike Clements]

LOL...it's a common mistake. Read up on Intel and quad pumped busses. A 1333 CPU actually operates on a bus speed of 333 x 4. DDR1066 memory has an actual frequency of 533mhz with 2 data transfers per cycle for DDR1066.

[Danny Bui]

Just to help out a little:
Stated FSB/4 = Actual FSB
Actual FSB x 4 = Stated FSB
Multiplier x Actual FSB = CPU Speed
1:1 Ratio: 2 x Actual FSB = RAM Speed
1:1 Ratio: FSB = 1/2 RAM speed
1:1 Ratio: DRAM = 1/2 RAM Speed

E8400:
Multi x Actual FSB, Stated FSB, RAM Speed = Clock Speed
9 x 333Mhz, 1333Mhz, DDR2 667 RAM = 3.0Ghz <== Stock Speeds
9 x 400Mhz, 1600Mhz, DDR2 800 RAM = 3.6Ghz <== Easy OC
9 x 450Mhz, 1800Mhz, DDR2 900 RAM = 4.0Ghz <== Excellent OC
9 x 500Mhz, 2000Mhz, DDR2 1000 RAM = 4.5Ghz <== If you're EXTREMELY lucky