Memory Tug-o-War

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   As my frequent research as revealed that ddr2 vs ddr3 is at an impass, I have a different memory based question that I hope could put opinions and preferences aside. (or at least substiantiate said opinons)

If i run the gamut when it comes to computer games, (FPS to strategy, to MMO's to snood) and do not do anything else (photoshop, c++, editing). Which is the better way to go. (keeping in mind I most enjoy rpgs)

8gigs of ddr2  800mhz ram oc'd
or
4ghz of ddr3 1333mhz ram oc'd

Both corsair, both overclocked both aiming for maxium lifespan against beefy new titles..

To this I add the question: Where is gaming heading?

Should I get a ddr3 mobo with ddr3 ram to "future proof" my rig or stock up on the cheaper/slower ram to remain loaded.. 

My build/buy date is rapidly approaching and I'm investigating on do it yourself repair and upgrading. 

All things considered, I'm sure a friendly DSO representative would be glad to help me out, but I'd like to approach my rig with as much info and price ideas as possible.

estimated buy date (8/8/08) 
estimated price (3000-3500)
Thanks for your help
bjt

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ArmourBrad Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 14 Jun 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 80	Quote Reply Topic: Memory Tug-o-War Posted: 30 Jun 2008 at 1:23pm
	As my frequent research as revealed that ddr2 vs ddr3 is at an impass, I have a different memory based question that I hope could put opinions and preferences aside. (or at least substiantiate said opinons) If i run the gamut when it comes to computer games, (FPS to strategy, to MMO's to snood) and do not do anything else (photoshop, c++, editing). Which is the better way to go. (keeping in mind I most enjoy rpgs) 8gigs of ddr2 800mhz ram oc'd or 4ghz of ddr3 1333mhz ram oc'd Both corsair, both overclocked both aiming for maxium lifespan against beefy new titles.. To this I add the question: Where is gaming heading? Should I get a ddr3 mobo with ddr3 ram to "future proof" my rig or stock up on the cheaper/slower ram to remain loaded.. My build/buy date is rapidly approaching and I'm investigating on do it yourself repair and upgrading. All things considered, I'm sure a friendly DSO representative would be glad to help me out, but I'd like to approach my rig with as much info and price ideas as possible. estimated buy date (8/8/08) estimated price (3000-3500) Thanks for your help bjt
	bjt

Tyler Lowe Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 May 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 0	Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jun 2008 at 1:31pm
	Personally- I have come to believe that until the Nehalem CPU's are released, DDR3 is not neccesary. You can make use of it to push your CPU clocks to insane heights with exotic cooling, but IMO only the next generation of CPU's with their true parallel processing will actually need all of that bandwidth. Since these new CPU's will not be LGA 775, I see no point in going with DDR3 in a current build. I would look at 4GB of 1066. The RAM will be speed binned, garanteed to run at that clock, and will lend itself well to overclocking in a 2x2GB setup.

skyR Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Digital Storm Apprentice Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2220	Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jun 2008 at 1:50pm
	High-end DDR2 is better in price:performance than low-end DDR3. There's only about 1% difference between 800MHz to 1066MHz and 1066MHz to 1333MHz. Speed only matters when overclocking or you have money to spend... You won't make much use of 8GB for just games alone. 4GB DDR2 of any speed would do fine atm and if you find yourself needing more in the future, you can easily get another 4GB for $80. The majority of upcoming games won't be recommending 4GB+ of ram... most won't even recommend anything over 2GB of ram. At least not until DDR3 prices drop to where the DDR2 prices are currently at.
	The only thing that keeps me wishing on a wishing star.

SunfighterLC Members Profile Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List DS Veteran Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Online Status: Offline Posts: 1527	Quote Reply Posted: 30 Jun 2008 at 1:59pm
	Im with Tyler on this one, Though if you dont plan on getting a nef CPU in the next 5 years or so, DDR3 isnt too bad to pick up, as it will allow you some elbow room at least in the memory department. Its really up to you. All i can say is I had 2GB of 1333 and it was plenty enough even with V64. 4GB would be just gravy. 4GB of 1600 feels about the same as 4GB of 1333. The only reason i got it was i wanted 4GB and i wanted it to run 1:2 with my 1600FSB. Plus the CAS on my 1600 was lower then the CAS that came with my DS 1333 ram. It was CAS9 vs CAS7. Also note that DDR3 prices will do nothing but come down. 2x2 1600 has dropped 30 bucks in price over the past month. Still about 300 bucks though.
	E8500@ 4.03Ghz XFX 790i Ultra 1000W Corsair HX 2 280 GTX EVGA FTW 4GB OCZ Reaper 1800Mhz 250-80-300GB VR HD Logitech Z-2300 2.1 Speakers Asus Xonar 7.1 Hanns-G HG 281D 28" HDMI Monitor

Memory Tug-o-War

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