Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Memory Specs

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Hello..

Just had a question about memory support for the motherboard I am buying.
The motherboard specs say:
1. 4 x 1.8V DDR2 DIMM sockets supporting up to 16 GB of system memory
2. Dual channel memory architecture
3. Support for DDR2 1366+*/1066/800/667 MHz memory modules

The chips people are buying and installing though show Voltage specs of using: 2.0V - 2.1V
such as these popular kits:

* G.SKILL 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 PC2 8500
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231166

*mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146785&Tpk=Model%20996599

Question:
Even though motherboard specs say 1.8v, it is ok to run memory that have voltage specs of 2.0 - 2.1 Volts?

Just wanted some clarification on that...

Thanks

Zorg · Dec 28, 2008

Yes it is ok, the mobo will handle it no problem. The 1.8V that is quoted is the JEDEC standard and that's why it is called out. Although the 2.1V is harder on the RAM making them hotter and more prone to failure, even though they are spec'd for that voltage.

Unless you need the 1066 speed in order to OC the chip beyond 400 (1600) FSB, then I recommend DDR2 800 that runs at 1.8-1.9V. They won't be as prone to failure and there is very little real world difference between 800 and 1066 otherwise.

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Thank you Zorg,

I would much rather not risk failure by running at a cooler and more stable voltage... I Think I will just go with the Corsair brand that they have available with the DDR2 800 specs...

I have completed my new computer build list and am just trying to fine tune my choices now to make sure everything is compatible and assure I made the right choices..

Thanks again for your help

aznguy0028 · Dec 28, 2008

G.SKILL PI BLACK

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209

these are the type of ram zorg was talking about. 4-4-4-12 at 1.8-1.9v. definitely worth looking into!

aznguy0028 · Dec 28, 2008

btw, excellent choice on board. i got the same one when i built my friend his new comp, great great board! fancy multi-color leds when u boot up! 😛

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Thank you... . I've sure done a lot of research. Just when I think I feel comfortable and made the right choices, other factors come to mind and make me change things around

.

So here are my (2) choices for ram now:
54.99
CORSAIR 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory - Retail
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145184

49.99
* G.SKILL PI Black 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop
New DDR2 800 CL4 @ 1.8v~1.9v
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231209

The only other thing that has been bugging me is the processor.
I thought that the E8500 was the way to go and was agreed in many of my discussions on the forums. But after further research and reading various benchmarks, I think I am better suited with the Quad Core.
At the minimum I think the Q6600 would be a better processor for me. Since the quad provides better multitasking and some software is optimized to make better use of it.. With this chip even though it is 2.4Ghz I can overclock it easy to 3 something and it would be equal to or greater than the duo core.. What do you think? And what would your recommendation be. Also checkout this article I read here...
http://www.cpu3d.com/article/4210-3/dual-core-vs-quad-core-which-is-better/comparison-charts.html

aznguy0028 · Dec 28, 2008

if you're gonna do multi-tasking and just general heavy CPU usage, and want the best bang for the buck, get the Q6600. if you're gonna game, people would advise you to stick to the duo.

Q6600 can easily be OC to 3.0ghz. i would get the quad for multi-tasking in your case. and i'd push it to around 3.2ghz or so 😀 just cuz.

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

I thought the same until I seen that benchmark...
They showed Crysis testing and the Quad was equal to or greater than every benchmark during their gaming tests...

Here was his final words...
Final Words

I have merely scratched the surface on these comparisons but to me there is only one clear winner, the Quad core. Windows and games may not fully utilize quad cores yet, but just look how quickly dual core became mainstream and steadily grew. If i was building a new PC i would settle for nothing less than a Quad. It's like a juggler having four arms instead of two. He can handle more things at a time and it frees him up for more things; not the best example but you get the idea.

If you are thinking of going SLI or Crossfire you will need a powerful CPU and opting for a Dual core will severely bottleneck the cards, unless of course you are overclocking a serious amount, in which case you would most likely need watercooling.

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Yes, I think the Q6600 would be the best deal... I will definitely OC that baby to a good 3.2Ghz 😀

Plus I think that motherboard has a combo deal with that cpu that saves another 10 or 15 bucks 😀

aznguy0028 · Dec 28, 2008

yea crysis is a little bit diff. from the rest. it takes advantages of the extra core, so that is why the benchmark was higher.

generally, as of present time, there are only limited # of games optimized or semi-optimized for quad cores. majority of the games benefit more from higher frequency (hence why ppl would recommend a duo) personally, i'll take the quad for the multi-tasking abilities as well.

list i can think of atm that are quad optimized - Microsoft FSX, Crysis, Supreme Commander, Left 4 Dead, and Team Fortress 2 to a certain extent.

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Ok then... I think it is settled... Quad for me.. Unless I can get a faster one for the money it looks like it will be the Q6600. I hear you can OC the hell out of those.

I checked corsair website and plugged in my motherboard and they had (3) chips they recommended .. the DDR 800 they had ran at 2.1 volts.. And that was what they recommended for the board. If you look at the qualified memory specs straight from Gigabyte ...I think their list kinda sucks. There are all these weird brands and few popular...

Zorg · Dec 28, 2008

The Q6600 rocks. Get the XIGMATEK HDT-S1283 120mm Rifle CPU Cooler with the XIGMATEK ACK-I7751 Retention Bracket and easily OC it to 3.2G (400 FSB x 8 multi) and run your RAM at 1:1 800.

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Zorg · Dec 28, 2008

Looks good except the PC Power & Cooling S75CF 750W EPS12V is better IMO and at a ridiculously, and I mean ridiculously, cheap price right now.

I can't even believe how cheap it is.

Original Price: $249.99
You Save: $140.00
$109.99
($69.99 after $40.00 Mail-In Rebate)

aznguy0028 · Dec 28, 2008

holy god, zorg, that is a great price!

Zorg · Dec 28, 2008

It's killing me, I payed $129.00 for a Silencer 610, albeit 6 months ago.

aznguy0028 · Dec 28, 2008

lol it happens 2 the best of us >_> damn technology deals! dont feel too badd, my 3870x2 was 530 when i got it....its what? ~180 now? pwned

ironwarrior · Dec 28, 2008

Damn Yeah... it is 30.00 cheaper than the Corsair with the mail in rebate..

Thanks a lot for the tip!

Zorg · Dec 28, 2008

It's also made by Seasonic instead of Channel Well Technology. Nothing against CWT, we all forgive them for the Fuhjyyu caps they put into the Antecs a few years ago, but I would rather have the Seasonic.

Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3P Memory Specs

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