DDR 3

[-sulan-]

Hello everyone!

I am - as many of you - contemplating the rig on which I'll play Blackshark.

I'm seeing DDR3 is quite affordable (both the mobo's and the modules)...

To DDR3 or not to DDR3, that's the question. What benefits could one expect using DDR3 with say, an E8600 and 4870 card do you thinks (if one intends to overclock alittle also)?

 

Was quite long since I built my current puter so I've kind of forgotten whats important to think about when matching components etc..

[TheMoose]

I'm seeing DDR3 is quite affordable (both the mobo's and the modules)...

 

LOL I think you answered your own question. Go with DDR3 :)

[-sulan-]

LOL I think you answered your own question. Go with DDR3 :)

 

hehe lol..

The thing is though, that I allready have 2gb 800mhz [whichever brand] ddr2.. and well, I suppose I can't sell the old machine without them so, yeah!! :D

 

Allthough it is alittle more expensive still, and I can't find any micro-ATX boards for DDR-3, and I like small cases :) So I must ponder some more..

[TheMoose]

It all depends on your budget and your intention with your old rig. If you plan only to upgrade only major components. Your DDR2 should be able to be compatible with your new motherboard. Should be sufficient for you needs, although depending on the brand you have as DDR2…

 

I have 4Gigs of HP2-6400 Mushkin 996533, settings of 4-5-4-11 2.1V default DDR2. It has a heatsink on it. Well I think they all do know right? Anyhow, I’m satisfied with that. As for overclocking mines are very stable. Although I don’t OC, don’t have much the need at this point. They are not “cheap” they are inexpensive. Quoting a Nissan car add I saw on TV ;). lol :D

Edited September 24, 2008 by TheMoose

[Kuky]

From what I read on DDR3 modules they will be overtaking the DDR2 but only once the FSB clocks start to go higher. DDR3 has got much higher latencies compared to DDR2 (same as DDR2 compared to DDR) and their bandwidth only starts to overtake DDR2 with higher clocks (as DDR2 modules can't go that much higher).

 

I think it's still early to switch to DDR3 unless you're doing a whole new system and you don't mind the extra price. Performance will be little bit higher compared to DDR2 but for me not enough to justify the extra price so it's up to you... if you can afford it, go for it... and report back please :D

[-sulan-]

Thanx alot for your insights guys, much appreciated!!! :thumbup:

 

I'm probably leaning towards DDR2 again then, since I want to use a micro-ATX board..

But between now and BS release; everything might change :D

[stealthtemplates]

Yeah I'd proberly hold off DDR3 until mid-late 2009 when it becomes more mainstream and worthwhile,

right now DDR2 is dirt cheap with great speeds

[Groove]

Here is a hint for BS: Get the RAM with the biggest bandwith.

 

CPU<--bandwith-->RAM

 

If you can wait, the wait til Nehalem is here, plus DDR3.

[-sulan-]

There are mainboards available that support both DDR2 and DDR3, like this one for example (dunno about Micro-ATX though):

 

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=proddesc&maincat_no=1&cat2_no=170&prod_no=1393

 

I have one for myself (not the above though). This way you can reuse your current DDR2 sticks and later upgrade to DDR3 if necessary. Just keep in mind that you won't be able to use both variants together, and that you get a mobo that supports high FSB/DDR3 clock speeds to be able to use the advantages of DDR3, as Kuky said.

 

Sweet!! Seems very nice me thinks, might make me drop my micro-ATX ideas.. Thx for the heads up!!! :thumbup:

 

 

Here is a hint for BS: Get the RAM with the biggest bandwith.

 

CPU<--bandwith-->RAM

 

If you can wait, the wait til Nehalem is here, plus DDR3.

 

I see!

I'll be able to wait until exactly a week before BS release..

At that time I must get it all together so that it's ready to be graced with BS on release day. :D