DDR2 SLI Certified... what does this mean exactly?

[CoMarc]

Here's the preface:
I'm building a system using eVGA's 680i SLI motherboard with a Core 2 Duo E6400 CPU. Both the FSB and CPU run (or can run) at 1066Mhz, so I starting just looking at DDR2 800 (PC2-6400) memory. However, when reading the manual, it says that it can also take advantage of SLI memory of up to 1200Mhz. I then started looking at DDR2 1066 (PC2-8500) memory that was "SLI Certified" or SLI Ready.
However, my question is, what is "SLI Ready" memory, and is it worth getting for a system that won't yet be SLI, but will be in the future? Should I stick to DDR2 800 memory for now?

Thanks,
Marc

 

[locky28]

If ram is labbeled as SLI or Crossfire certified it just means that the marketing team wanted to have an early one so they made something up.

It's just marketing hype. If you want to overclock your computer to 3.xghz or so then get some DDR2800 (PC2 6400), preferrebly a well know brand like Corsair or OCZ. Also try and get ram with timmings around 4-4-4-X . If you don't plan to overclock any old DDR2 will suit you fine but I would recommend the DDR2 800 anyway in case you change your mind

 

[Datman]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enhanced_Performance_Profiles

Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP) is a memory technology for PC's delevoped by NVIDIA, primarily designed to make overclocking easier. It is a feature of the nForce 5 and nForce 6 chipsets. Corsair, along with NVIDIA, were the primary parties in developing the specification.

EPP will likely be available only for DDR2 memory modules. It requires support of both the motherboard and the memory module. It uses unused space on the SPD. EPP handles many factors, including memory timings to potentially improve performance. Data can be used by the motherboard's BIOS to automatically configure the system. EPP can handle clock speed, CAS latency, tRCD, tRP, tRAS, memory voltage, and command rate. In addition, a fully enhanced profile will be able to handle drive strengths, fine delays, setup times, write recover time, and tRC. It can also enable the user to overclock the computer's CPU and memory at the same time.

NVIDIA's name for EPP memory that has been qualified for performance and stability is "SLi-ready memory".

 

[CoMarc]

Okay, so it's a "marketing hype" then? Nothing really specially between "SLI Certified" memory and the same brand name memory of the same speed?
Alright, so my next question: what's better? 1 dimm (1Gb stick) or 2 dimms (2x512Mb) of DDR2-800?
Thanks,
Marc

 

[locky28]

Pretty much, though as datman pointed out it's the name the company uses for EPP technology, I'm not sure about the advantages of EPP technology in ram modules but I'm sure it won't effect you unless you plan to overclock quite seriously. The fact that they call it Nvidia SLI ready is hype though.

2 Dimms, having matched pair's of memory (2,4,8 ) means you can run dual channel, assuming you have a dual channel motherboard this should bring benefits memory wise of around 15% (correct?)

My knowledge of Dual channgel stops at DDR1 though so I'm not sure if there's something different regarding DDR2. So if anyone want's to explain this then go for it.

BTW Imo you would be far better off getting 2x1gb memory modules, with a machines setup like what you have so far you look like you plan to game so 2gb is almost a must have these days with some titles. Plus Vista is going to be on your list soon so it's good to be ready for it.