DDR2 1066 vs. 800

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J1M

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I want to build a new PC soon with 4GB of memory. I'm wondering what the performance difference between 1066 and 800 mhz ddr2 memory would be like. 800 seems like it would be cheaper to buy, but I'm willing to spend extra if the performance difference is there.

Also, any difference between getting 2x2GB vs. 1x4GB of memory in terms of performance? (I don't plan to ever upgrade the RAM in this computer)
 
I dont think the performance difference between 800 and 1066 is very much.

4*1GB should perfrom better than 2*2GB.
 
The difference is minimal, but ddr2 is so cheap right now there isn't much reason not to get 1066. That's what I just did. Just a thought.

Are you wanting performance ram or value? If you are going for performance, go 1066 just for that little extra. Otherwise I guess I would try and save cash and just go with the 800.
 
rsgunter said:
The difference is minimal, but ddr2 is so cheap right now there isn't much reason not to get 1066. That's what I just did. Just a thought.

Are you wanting performance ram or value? If you are going for performance, go 1066 just for that little extra. Otherwise I guess I would try and save cash and just go with the 800.
Click to expand...

I disagree. Assuming you're buying for an Intel machine, the speed of the RAM you purchase should be dictated by the processor you get and your desire to overclock. Remember that the effective speed of your RAM is tied to the speed of your FSB and processor, and that faster RAM is only beneficial when OCing your proc when it has a low max multiplier.

The best way to understand this is to understand that rated RAM speed is 2x it's actual speed (due to the fact that it's DDR/double data rate.) Similarly, a rated FSB speed is 4x it's actual speed, considering that it's quad pumped. Your RAM's speed and FSB's speed are designed to run in sync (or 1:1.) Now, many Intel boards allow you to run RAM out of sync, allowing you to run 1066 RAM at 1066mhz despite not having your FSB at 533mhz (which is only obtainable on P35 and some P965 boards.) However, running RAM unsynced does not result in any performance benefit. While you RAM may technically be running at 1066mhz, it's performing only as fast as the FSB. Therefore, if you know you'll never need to reach a 533mhz FSB for your OC, there is no need for 1066mhz RAM. It's a waste of money.

The processor you choose should determine if you need 1066mhz RAM.

For an E6750, E6550, or any Allendale chip, 1066mhz RAM will come in use if you are OCing. For an E6850, Q6600, any Extreme chip, or any older Core 2 with a proc multiplier of x9 or higher, than all you will need is PC-6400 / 800mhz RAM. If you don't plan to OC at all, then all you will need is 667mhz RAM for a 1333mhz FSB processor, or 533mhz RAM for a 1066mhz processor. Keep in mind that PC-6400 / 800mhz is the most common speed for DDR-2 RAM. Even if you're not going to OC, it still pays to get 800mhz RAM because slower RAM is not as plentiful and not much cheaper (if at all.) 1066mhz RAM, on the other hand, does carry an (often significant) price premium.

If you're going AMD, then the rules are a little different. I haven't built an AMD machine in several years, and I've never built an AM2 machine (most recent was 939.) I'm not the best person to advise on AMD RAM pairings.

Mark.
 
I'm planning on getting a e6750 with some 1066 curcial memmory and insane overclocking. I forgot where I read it but how much would I have to overclock the cpu to make the memmory run at a 1:1 ratio?
 
Wendig0 said:
I'm planning on getting a e6750 with some 1066 curcial memmory and insane overclocking. I forgot where I read it but how much would I have to overclock the cpu to make the memmory run at a 1:1 ratio?
Click to expand...

4264MHz
 
Abu Som3a said:
4264MHz
Click to expand...

Don't look at it that way. That's what it'll take if you don't do anything with the divider or strap.

You can underclock the RAM and lower the latencies and achieve the exact same bandwidth. You can run 1:1 with ANY processor clock speed.
 
I need some advice as well.
What would you recomend for EVGA's nForce 680i SLI 775 A1 + Intel Core Duo Extreme 6800? I'm planing to buy first 1x2G and another 2G in the future, as my memory budget is some 250-300 quids. As for OS - dual boot Vista Ultimate (32)/XP Pro
I was thinking about Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-8500 but they come only in 1G... :(
 
You will need a 64-bit OS in order to utilize four gigs of RAM. Otherwise, the most your OS will be able to see and use is around 3.2-3.5 gigs (or less if you have an SLI setup.) Note that this applies to all versions of 32-bit Windows, including Vista.

With that in mind, consider Vista x64 over XP-64, which is an odd duck. XP-64 is based on Server 2003, and is more of a tech demo with very limited usefulness rather than a full fledged alternative to XP-32. Compatibility and support for XP-64 is very poor, especially when used as a desktop gaming OS. Vista x64, on the other hand, is a far more mature, supported, and compatible platform than XP-64.

With a 680i board, my advice is to seek 2x2gig instead of 4x1gig. Many 680i users report not being able to POST when running 4x1gig setups, mostly due to the RAM they purchase not being able to run in 2T mode on first boot (needed for 4x1.) If you do get 4x1 working, I think you'll find that four dimms should OC quite reasonably (consider my 4x1 setup as an example.) There's just no guarantee that you won't have a problem. Besides, 2x2 now leaves room for 2x4 later.

All you need for a 680i / 6850 setup is PC-6400 RAM. You can run RAM unlinked (not 1:1) on a 680i board... In fact, you have much more flexibility with RAM speed on 680i boards than on most intel chipset boards. However, as stated above, you'll see almost no performance benefit from running RAM anything faster than what 1:1 would provide at your given processor and FSB speed.

Check out PC-6400 RAM with Micron D9 chips (such as the Crucial Ballistix, if they're still on sale for a reasonable price.) These DIMMS are known to OC very easily to 1000 and beyond (supporting a 6850 OC to 4ghz.) Also note that timings make very little (we're talking almost near zero noticeable) difference in gaming or app performance. There is no need to pay a premium for extra speed or tighter timings when you won't realize any benefit.

Mark.
 
hey marky you seem knowledgable, maybe you can help me...

i'm trying to decide between these two different memory module sets.


how do you think these CORSAIR XMS2 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory compare to these one's OCZ 4GB(2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory

The voltage on the corsair's is 1.8v instead of 2.1 volts, does that make a big diff.

is corsair the better quality/more reliable, i know corsair was pretty much tops five years ago. The rebate on the corsairs brings it to basically the same price as those OCZ ones, so which of these two would be the better option here.

or i could go with 4x1gb of these OCZ Gold 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory that users have said they got to work in their 680i's with 4gb

I'll be going with a Q6600 setup with either the EVGA 680i A1 or a p35 setup using either the Asus P3k delux or gigabyte p35 dq6

I'm having a tough time deciding on which mother board to go with lol.

i don't know if i will overclock (as i currently am not up to speed on how to do so) but i would like to have some option there if i choose to overclock.

thanks
 
There's no reason to go 4x1 when 2x1 (for 2x2 in two sets) is easily affordable ($20-$30 more per set.) This avoids any potential problems you may experience with 4x1 and affords you room to grow w/o replacing your existing RAM.

Before jumping on a 2x2 4 gig set, compare prices for 2x1 sets. On Newegg alone, I found that getting two packages of G.Skill's 2x1 DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) F2-6400CL5S-2GBPQ RAM will come out to ~$210. Also keep in mind that newegg doesn't always have the best price. Shop around.

Any major RAM brand will serve you well. Consider G.Skill, Crucial, OCZ, Corsair, and Patriot. My current rig has g.skill RAM and I've been buying G.Skill for others lately, as I've been very happy with their quality. I know that Crucial had a bad batch of D9 chips sent to newegg recently, but I believe this has been resolved. Corsair has indeed made a name for themselves in the high-end enthusiast market. They make excellent RAM, but many will tell you (myself included) that their Dominator series is very much overpriced and not worth the money. On the other hand, XMS can be a good buy at times.

Btw, the P5K Deluxe and the DQ6 are very expensive boards. The best P-35 board on the market is the Abit IP-35 PRO (or the E for ~$90 less if you don't need all of the Pro's features.) Consider the 680i only if you're going SLI. Only go SLI if you have a monitor resolution of 1920x1200 or higher and can drop a grand on two GTX or Ultra cards. Otherwise the benefits of SLI will not be realized and a lot of money will be wasted for what is essentially idle horsepower.

Good luck,

Mark.
 
I have 2 EVGA's e-GeForce 8800GTX 768MB KO ACS3 for my SLI and I'll ordered Dell's 24" so I'm covered on this end.
 
Markyip1 said:
I disagree. Assuming you're buying for an Intel machine, the speed of the RAM you purchase should be dictated by the processor you get and your desire to overclock. Remember that the effective speed of your RAM is tied to the speed of your FSB and processor, and that faster RAM is only beneficial when OCing your proc when it has a low max multiplier.

The best way to understand this is to understand that rated RAM speed is 2x it's actual speed (due to the fact that it's DDR/double data rate.) Similarly, a rated FSB speed is 4x it's actual speed, considering that it's quad pumped. Your RAM's speed and FSB's speed are designed to run in sync (or 1:1.) Now, many Intel boards allow you to run RAM out of sync, allowing you to run 1066 RAM at 1066mhz despite not having your FSB at 533mhz (which is only obtainable on P35 and some P965 boards.) However, running RAM unsynced does not result in any performance benefit. While you RAM may technically be running at 1066mhz, it's performing only as fast as the FSB. Therefore, if you know you'll never need to reach a 533mhz FSB for your OC, there is no need for 1066mhz RAM. It's a waste of money.

The processor you choose should determine if you need 1066mhz RAM.

For an E6750, E6550, or any Allendale chip, 1066mhz RAM will come in use if you are OCing. For an E6850, Q6600, any Extreme chip, or any older Core 2 with a proc multiplier of x9 or higher, than all you will need is PC-6400 / 800mhz RAM. If you don't plan to OC at all, then all you will need is 667mhz RAM for a 1333mhz FSB processor, or 533mhz RAM for a 1066mhz processor. Keep in mind that PC-6400 / 800mhz is the most common speed for DDR-2 RAM. Even if you're not going to OC, it still pays to get 800mhz RAM because slower RAM is not as plentiful and not much cheaper (if at all.) 1066mhz RAM, on the other hand, does carry an (often significant) price premium.

If you're going AMD, then the rules are a little different. I haven't built an AMD machine in several years, and I've never built an AM2 machine (most recent was 939.) I'm not the best person to advise on AMD RAM pairings.

Mark.
Click to expand...

My plan is to get a Q6600 and overclock it to 3.0Ghz. If I understand what you are saying I should get 800mhz ddr2. Correct?
 
Markyip1 said:
I disagree. Assuming you're buying for an Intel machine, the speed of the RAM you purchase should be dictated by the processor you get and your desire to overclock. Remember that the effective speed of your RAM is tied to the speed of your FSB and processor, and that faster RAM is only beneficial when OCing your proc when it has a low max multiplier.

The best way to understand this is to understand that rated RAM speed is 2x it's actual speed (due to the fact that it's DDR/double data rate.) Similarly, a rated FSB speed is 4x it's actual speed, considering that it's quad pumped. Your RAM's speed and FSB's speed are designed to run in sync (or 1:1.) Now, many Intel boards allow you to run RAM out of sync, allowing you to run 1066 RAM at 1066mhz despite not having your FSB at 533mhz (which is only obtainable on P35 and some P965 boards.) However, running RAM unsynced does not result in any performance benefit. While you RAM may technically be running at 1066mhz, it's performing only as fast as the FSB. Therefore, if you know you'll never need to reach a 533mhz FSB for your OC, there is no need for 1066mhz RAM. It's a waste of money.

The processor you choose should determine if you need 1066mhz RAM.

For an E6750, E6550, or any Allendale chip, 1066mhz RAM will come in use if you are OCing. For an E6850, Q6600, any Extreme chip, or any older Core 2 with a proc multiplier of x9 or higher, than all you will need is PC-6400 / 800mhz RAM. If you don't plan to OC at all, then all you will need is 667mhz RAM for a 1333mhz FSB processor, or 533mhz RAM for a 1066mhz processor. Keep in mind that PC-6400 / 800mhz is the most common speed for DDR-2 RAM. Even if you're not going to OC, it still pays to get 800mhz RAM because slower RAM is not as plentiful and not much cheaper (if at all.) 1066mhz RAM, on the other hand, does carry an (often significant) price premium.

If you're going AMD, then the rules are a little different. I haven't built an AMD machine in several years, and I've never built an AM2 machine (most recent was 939.) I'm not the best person to advise on AMD RAM pairings.

Mark.
Click to expand...
I am getting ready to build my first intel machine. Right now I am thinking about:
EVGA nForce 680i mobo
C2D E6850
Dominator DDR2 800

From what I have read, am I right at saying?

If memory is 2x the actual speed and the FSB is 4x. For a 1333, the actual speed would be 333.3, the memory would be at 667, resulting in the 1333 FSB

I plan on using DDR2 800 memory. To keep 1:1 and run my memory at 800 MHz, I would have to use 400, to get my memory to 800, and the FSB would be 1600. I could use 8x multiplier for my CPU and run my 3.0 at 3.2.

I am thinking right, if so. Would a 1600 FSB be reasonable? I will be air cooling for now and maybe later go to liquid.

Thanks in advance.
 
J1M said:
My plan is to get a Q6600 and overclock it to 3.0Ghz. If I understand what you are saying I should get 800mhz ddr2. Correct?
Click to expand...


Correct. PC-6400/800mhz RAM is all you need. Anything extra is a waste of money.

Mark.
 
spin02 said:
I am getting ready to build my first intel machine. Right now I am thinking about:
EVGA nForce 680i mobo
C2D E6850
Dominator DDR2 800

From what I have read, am I right at saying?

If memory is 2x the actual speed and the FSB is 4x. For a 1333, the actual speed would be 333.3, the memory would be at 667, resulting in the 1333 FSB

I plan on using DDR2 800 memory. To keep 1:1 and run my memory at 800 MHz, I would have to use 400, to get my memory to 800, and the FSB would be 1600. I could use 8x multiplier for my CPU and run my 3.0 at 3.2.

I am thinking right, if so. Would a 1600 FSB be reasonable? I will be air cooling for now and maybe later go to liquid.

Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Your math is absolutely right. However, an E6850 can easily reach 3.6 ghz with a 400mhz base FSB (1600mhz quad,) even with stock voltage in many cases. In fact, most 6850s have no trouble at all going above 4ghz. Note that there is absolutely no need to reduce the multiplier on an E6850. Just make sure you have a good cooler: i.e. Tuniq Tower or Thermalright Ultra 120.

Btw, don't waste your money on Dominator RAM. That fancy heat sink does nothing in the end. If you think you'll want to OC your proc above 4ghz, look for Crucial Ballistix RAM, or any other PC-6400 / 800mhz RAM with Micron D9 chips (these OC above 800mhz very easily.) Otherwise, buy the cheapest PC-6400/800mhz RAM you can find from a reputable vendor (OCZ, G.Skill, Corsair, AData, Patriot, Crucial, Mushkin, etc.) and don't pay extra for tighter timings either -- the premium isn't worth it.

Mark.
 
Markyip1 said:
Your math is absolutely right. However, an E6850 can easily reach 3.6 ghz with a 400mhz base FSB (1600mhz quad,) even with stock voltage in many cases. In fact, most 6850s have no trouble at all going above 4ghz. Note that there is absolutely no need to reduce the multiplier on an E6850. Just make sure you have a good cooler: i.e. Tuniq Tower or Thermalright Ultra 120.

Btw, don't waste your money on Dominator RAM. That fancy heat sink does nothing in the end. If you think you'll want to OC your proc above 4ghz, look for Crucial Ballistix RAM, or any other PC-6400 / 800mhz RAM with Micron D9 chips (these OC above 800mhz very easily.) Otherwise, buy the cheapest PC-6400/800mhz RAM you can find from a reputable vendor (OCZ, G.Skill, Corsair, AData, Patriot, Crucial, Mushkin, etc.) and don't pay extra for tighter timings either -- the premium isn't worth it.

Mark.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the help Mark,

I was actually considering the GSKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231065

Today I found some Crucial Ballistix 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 for several dollars cheaper than the GSkill
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146565\

Since both of these use D9, is there a reason I would want to go with the GSkill when I can get the Crucial much cheaper?
 
No reason to get the G.Skill if the Crucial is cheaper. Get whatever is cheapest.

Mark.
 
Do not bother with FSB and memory frequencies. You will not notice a significant performance difference between DDR2-533 and DDR3-2000, nor between FSB-800 and FSB-2000.
The only reason you need high-frequency RAM is to allow for a higher maximum CPU overclock, since the RAM runs linked to the FSB in motherboards with Intel chipsets.
 
AeriaGloris said:
ah well in terms of the 4*1gb in mjust going by what eclipse said once.
Click to expand...

Higher denomination memory sticks tend to decrease overclockability. Larger numbers of sticks tend to decrease overclockability. Which one has how big of an effect first will vary.

2GB sticks tend to cost more than the same total memory in 1GB sticks. If your targeted capacity allows using smaller sticks, the price factor can be the key detail. Cheap is good!
 
I know one d00d on here overclocked a q6600 to 4.1ghz on 4 sticks i think. But it probably also depends on what type of mobo you have.
 
wow mark..
damn why didnt the post come 2 weeks earlier.. are you still around

i just bought all the stuff for my new build, with e6750, the crucial ballistic 2gb (2x1) 800mhz and this gigabyte P35-DS3R motherboard. (this is my first ever build)

im going to learn how to overclock later next year, so like how are these things so far, like what ghz speed should i aim for. i think the e6750 is 1333mhz right, so 333mhz compared to 400mhz of the ram... well i really dont know how this oc work yet, like which one i can change.

do you mind just comment on how the setup so far is? good for oc or no
 
If you want to get the highest oc for that cpu then ddr2 1066 memmory is better I heard..
 
The E6750 has the same OC headroom / capability of the E6850, which means that you should be able to reach speeds in excess of 4ghz with a good air cooler such as the Tuniq Tower 120 or a Thermalright Ultra 120. However, the E6750 has a max multiplier of x8 (compared to the 6850's x9.) Therefore, in order to reach a high OC, you'll need to run your FSB at a higher comparative speed which calls for faster RAM.

The above post has it correct. If you're looking for a high OC on an E6750, 1066mhz RAM is beneficial as you'll probably want to run a 533mhz FSB (resulting in a 4.2ghz E6750 -- likely achievable with good air.) However, with the E6850's x9 multiplier, 4.2ghz is achievable with a FSB set to 466mhz. A good set of PC-6400 RAM, such as RAM with D9 chips, should have no trouble overclocking to match that speed 1:1 (2x 466 = 932mhz.)

Mark.
 
crap.. that means i shouldve gotten a 1066mhz ram then...

well i guess im stuck with the 800mhz for now.. what speed can i aim for? 400x8 = 3.2ghz?

thanks for the quick reply sir
 
Hoboman, Just because its rated at 800mhz doesn't mean it won't go beyond that. There are two ways of getting an idea of how high your ram can overclock. Check the results of others with the same RAM, or test it yourself. 667 Micron D9's will overclock beyond 1000mhz in many cases. Cheapo 800mhz RAM may not got much beyond stock.

EDIT: I just saw that you got the ballistix PC2-6400 RAM. All Crucial Ballistix RAM are Micron D9, so you'll reach anywhere between 1000-1200mhz on your RAM with some tweaking and luck. 2 of my 4x1gb sticks are PC2-6400 Ballistix, and they have run at 1140mhz stable before. Your ram is not a limiting factor in your overclock at this point. Just give the sticks 5-5-5-15 and 2.2v and let the CPU and Motherboard determine your ceiling.
 
Indeed. I must have missed the point that you bought Ballistix RAM. These DIMMS have Micron D9 chhips, which means that they're very overclockable. Do as the above post says and you won't have any issues.

Mark.
 
oh.... that is awesome!

hah i never knew about that. thanks a lot guys, im definitely going to go into the OC later.
 
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