RAM for Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6

[phytoplankton]

Hi, another work in progress rig question. This is what I've decided on so far but I'm unsure about the MoBo RAM combination. I can't find 2 GB sticks of PC9600 RAM. Should I use 4 X 1 GB or don't use PC9600 at all?

CPU Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550
MoBo Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6
RAM 4 GB PC9600 DDR2 1200 MHz
GPU Sapphire Radeon 4870X2
Monitor Asus MK241H
HDD WD VelociRaptor
OS Windows Vista Premium 64-bit
Case
PSU

Thanks in advance

 

[Proximon]

Do you understand that there is no performance gain to be had from DDR3?
You could save yourself some money here.

Having said that, why do you think that is the correcet memory at all?

As far as I can see, the board supports 1333. The CPU is a 1333 CPU.

Therefore:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231179

If you insist on going that route you should get PC10600 RAM.


Now, it makes more sense performance-wise to get:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128331
and some 800Mhz DDR2.

 

[phytoplankton]

I'm a bit confused about coordination of the FSB frequency vs the RAM frequency. This MoBo only runs DDR2 RAM so I'm not looking for DDR3 RAM. I just assumed that I should get DDR2 1200 MHz because the specs state this as "Memory Standard".

Supported CPU
CPU Socket Type LGA 775
CPU Type Quad-core / Core 2 Extreme / Core 2 Duo / Pentium
FSB 1600/1333MHz
Chipsets
North Bridge Intel X48
South Bridge Intel ICH9R
Memory
Number of Memory Slots 4×240pin
Memory Standard DDR2 1200
Maximum Memory Supported 8GB
Dual Channel Supported Yes

Skimming this forum it seems that running 2 x 2 GB RAM requires: (Minumum RAM freq) = (FSB Freq) / number of RAM sticks

In my case that would be: 1333 MHz / 2 = 667 MHz

Is that about right or did I completely misunderstand it?

 

[Proximon]

Sorry! Not used to seeing the PC9600 designation.

The whole "Memory Standard" thing is just a statement of the highest memory speed supported. It's not a reference to what memory you need or even what would be best.

You will not get any performance gain from 1200Mhz RAM. You are correct in that what you actually NEED is 667mhz RAM. It's best just to get 800Mhz (PC6400), unless you are going to overclock a great deal.

The frequency of your RAM has nothing to do with the number of sticks you can run. It's possible that the rated voltage might have some bearing on the matter.

2x2 DDR2 6400 will work quite well for you.

 

[phytoplankton]

Thanks that helped a lot.

What RAM should I use in case of overclocking?

 

[Proximon]

800Mhz RAM will be fine for a moderate OC. Anything more and you might want 1066.

Your CPU: 333 FSB (x8)

If you were able to OC to 400 FSB: 3.2 Ghz

400 x2 = 800Mhz RAM

So, you only need 1066 RAM if you think you will clock over 400 FSB.

 

[phytoplankton]

The MoBo in question supports a rated FSB of 1333/1600 MHz which means it's bus actually can run at 333/400 MHz which should allow for the OC you suggested without having to change the CPU multiplier?

Thanks for the help Proximon

 

[Proximon]

Yes! Good question.

The P45 chipset is the better overclocker at a better price. Do you plan to get a second 4870X2?

 

[phytoplankton]

Yes! Good question.

The P45 chipset is the better overclocker at a better price. Do you plan to get a second 4870X2?

Not right now but later, yes

 

[Proximon]

Ok then, stick with the x48.

 

[whkjr4]

USE DDR2-1200 PC9600! READ the board specs.......