Considering memory for new [gaming/general] build

[Onus]

Seeing that RAM prices are going up, I would like to buy the RAM for my new system sooner rather than later.
I will probably get an Intel C2Q, but if the budget tightens up I may end up with an e6600 or an AMD 6000+ instead. I may not be able to finalize that decision for another three weeks, but I am wondering if there is a definite best memory choice in any event.
Overclocking, if any, will be slight (making the 6000+ viable vs. a C2D). My biggest concern is about compatibility with regard to voltages; I can see that the timings of my choices are different.

Here are the choices I am considering. Please note that my case is a Micro-ATX:

MOBO:

If AMD:
BIOSTAR TA690G AM2 Socket AM2 AMD 690G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard With HDMI Port - $90
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813138057

If Intel:
GIGABYTE GA-G33M-DS2R LGA 775 Intel G33 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - $135
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813128053

RAM:
1. mushkin 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $100
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820146118
2. G.SKILL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $90
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820231098
3. SUPER TALENT 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - $106
http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16820609026

Whatever I choose I'll want to be compatible with either board. If I go Intel, I'm pretty set on that Gigabyte; if I go AMD I'm open to suggestion.

Any suggestions are appreciated. Mods, please feel free to move to General Home Built, but this is mostly a RAM question. Thanks for your patience.

 

[f61]

MoBo for AMD processor and nVidia Graphx: look into this one before going straight AMD/ATi. One bad, its out of stock right now. 🙁

Memory: spend $5 for 4-4-4-12 GSkill PC6400. But it might boot-up as 5-5-5-15 @ 1.8V. Just set to 1.95V and 4-4-4-12 in BIOS (NOT windows!).

Due to memory/FSB/HT timings, I'd go with the AM2 5600 @ 2.8GHz over the 6000. As you may or may not know, the E6600 has a hidden feature if you use a P35 board (Gigabyte preferred). Just change the 4x266 FSB to 4x333, and you get a free upgrade to an E6750. There is a small graphx improvement by doing it (2-4%), and a larger operations improvement (5-8% depending on apps). Some of the P35 boards are reasonably priced, and if you save $50 over your original choice, then you can afford a Q6600 with the same little secret.

Unfortunately, due to crappy heatsinks all of these CPU's neet a better cooler. If you're willing to take a performance hit consider the AMD Brisbane 4000, these can be o/c from 2.1GHz normal to 2.67 GHz using the included heatsink/fan. A $5 tube of Artic Silver 5 will make this ideal. If the case you pick has good airflow try for 2.80 GHz. It has been done. Choosing the AMD Brisbane 4000 will save you $80 compared to the 5600 (which can't o/c to save its life) and about $140 over the E6600 that can go upto 3.40 GHz with coolers, fans, more case fans, etc.

Its good to be king.

f61

 

[Onus]

Thanks for the links. The RAM definitely looks good; I may order it later today.
I'm using the X-QPACK2 case: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16811144140
...which has front and rear fans. I will be getting an aftermarket cooler (need to recheck the case for fit; probably a 7000 series Zalman or one of the shorter Zerotherm tower-style); the AS-5 is already waiting for it.
For a PC I expect to last a few years, I am not willing to take a performance hit. I really hope the Q6600 is in my budget.
The only P35 boards I saw were ATX, which is not an option in my case.
I see that MSI has a new G33 board now; cheaper than the Gigabyte but with 2 more USB and 2 eSATA ports; I may switch to that:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130120
Still, I like Gigabyte's reputation. We'll see.

 

[Onus]

I decided to go with this RAM:
GeIL 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820144062
Timings were the same, but I observed the manufacturer responded in Newegg's review entries. It was $107 with a $25 MIR.