Really Quick Memory question

[stizzleomnibus]

I'm having trouble selecting memory for my new build. The last time I sat down to build a PC, AMD ruled the world, and we were all using DDR. I haven't really kept up since.

I'm going to be using a Q6600, with a FSB of 1066. I don't plan on overclocking. I can't figure out what DDR2 I want for this build. The motherboard supports DDR2-1200, but I don't think that that will give any advantage on a non-overclocked 1066 FSB.

Could someone suggest the proper memory? And perhaps provide a link to a comprehensive guide to understanding memory ratings? Thanks!

 

[scr1p7]

If you want DDR2 that matches your mobo, there is a good deal at newegg for 2gigs of crusilix ram running at 1066mhz. The timing is set at 5-5-5-15 I think. Maybe faster. If you google newegg and look for the specs i told u you will see them. They sit at a decent price 2 ($99)

 

[DrMaV]

It's beem shown, that there is little advantage from PC2-5300, PC2-6400, and PC2-8000, and timings for real world.

Same as front side bus with the core 2s.

It's clock speed that matters.

for your Q6600, your fsb is 266 quad pumped. since memory is 2xfsb, then your needed memory would be PC2-4500 only to run 1:1.

Regardless, Corsair XMS2 DDR2-667, PC5400 is fine. You don't need to spend on fast memory, just get 4 gigs instead of 2gigs. More memory is better than fast memory in my book. It can be found here.

http://www.ncix.com/products/index.php?mode=productreviewread&product_id=18582

if you do decide to overclocking your Q6600 to 3.0, then the PC5400 will run 1:1 - perfect.

I use 4 gigs of this memory with the Q6600 at 3.0, and here's a summary of my review.

Summary
I got 2 kits and received the Promos ICs (XMS5402v7.1). I placed them in my new Asus Maximus Formula mobo (2 sticks at a time in the white slots), and they did DDR-1066 (4 hour prime v25.5 stable), at 6,5,5,15 with 2.2v (asus probe 2 sees 2.26v).

I have 4 sticks in an ASUS Maximus Formula at DDR2-900 with Q6600 B3 3.3 prime stable. I'm very happy. My B3 did 3.6 at 450x8 and DDR2-900 (5,5,5,15), prime stable. Superpi was 14.555s.

Testing proves the following with this memory in an Asus Maximus Formula with Q6600 B3 (stock intel heatsink and a 120mm fan on the memory - open case).

DDR2-667 at 3,2,2,6
DDR2-800 at 4,3,3,9
DDR2-900 at 5,4,4,12 (4 sticks tested)
DDR2-1002 at 6,5,5,15 (prime stable)
DDR2-1066 at 6,5,5,15 (4hr prime stable)

with cpuid validation of DDR2-800 at:
http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=259582

and cpuid validation of DDR2-1002 at:
http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=259481

And cpuid validation of DDR2-1066 at
http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=259493

Note, cpuid was testing high memory frequency, not high cpu frequency.

Hope this answer your questions.