ram question

[nate313]

Hello,

I have 3 questions

1) what is the best ram I can get?

2) Whats the difference between 800, 1066 etc?

3) I've been told for a Digital Audio Workstation I need LOW latencey but not sure if that refered to the memory of something else?


MB- P5Q-E
CPU- Intel Q9550 quad core
HDD- 2 x 320gb western digital 7200 16cache
PSU- Corsair 520HX
case -Antec p182
OS- as of now I have windows xp home/ probably will buy vista ultimate 64bit

thanks

 

[nate313]

also looking to buy a Scythe zipang 1000 ultra low noise heatsink

not sure If I'll be overclocking in the future for editing/recording digital audio etc. but am future proofing as much as possible.

 

[blackwidow_rsa]

Get a good quality 800MHz RAM like ocz or corsair. Keep the memory divider @ 1:1. Good RAM can overclock to atleast 1000mhz if you apply more voltage
1066 is technically overclocked RAM since most run @ 2.1v and the default is 1.8v

 

[nate313]

Would you say corsair is the best then?
Sorry for dumb question what exactly do you mean by "Keep the memory divider @ 1:1"?

no comments on the low latency?

thanks

 

[Zorg]

The brand of ram, within reason, is not important. Do some searching to find out how your particular choice fairs, you will probably find diverse comments. Take the plunge.

The latency issues are no issue at all with the core 2 architecture. Get RAM that runs at 1.8v-1.9v at 800. the reasoning behind that is the lower heat generated from the lower voltage.

1:1 means that the RAM runs at the same speed as the FSB. 1333 FSB is actually 333 base clock so the RAM would need to be 667 (333 x 2[DDR] = 667). At a 400 FSB (DDR2 800) you get a CPU speed of 400 x 8.5 = 3400 or 3.4G. If you want to push it beyond that you will be OCing DDR2 800 RAM and will need 1066 or better 800.

Do you understand?

 

[Zorg]

You don't need to run at 1:1 you can run the FSB at 333 and the RAM at 800 with a 5:6 memory divider or a setting of 2.4 on a Gigabyte mobo.

Or you can run the RAM at 667 with tighter timings, it won't make that much, or any, difference in real world applications.

 

[nate313]

thanks for the details

 

[nate313]

Is this a good option w/ vista 64bit? and are these compatible

CORSAIR 8GB (4 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 800 (PC2 6400) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory
Model
Brand CORSAIR
Model TWIN2X4096-6400C5
Type 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM
Tech Spec
Capacity 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Speed DDR2 800 (PC2 6400)
Cas Latency 5
Timing 5-5-5-18
Voltage 1.9V
Heat Spreader Yes

ASUS P5Q-E LGA 775 Intel P45 ATX Intel Motherboard
Memory
Number of Memory Slots 4×240pin
Memory Standard DDR2 1200
Maximum Memory Supported 16GB
Dual Channel Supported Yes

 

[Zorg]

I don't have an answer for you with regard to compatibility, but both parts are good AFAIK. Someone that is more familiar with ASUS mobos might have more insight.

I would check the RAM compatibility list (QVL) for that mobo. I have just installed Gigabyte mobo with some Geil RAM that was not on the list and it worked flawlessly, so not being on the list doesn't mean it won't be good.

I suspect, unless you find information to the contrary, that you are good to go. Google is your friend, well, they are not your friend, but usable.

 

[Zorg]

By the way, I know that 4 sticks can be a problem on the P35, but I haven't been paying attention as to whether that has been solved with the P45 or not. I suggest installing the OS with 1 or 2 sticks.