What RAM should I buy?

[buddhafest]

Hi I am currently building a new machine and would like to know what ram i should consider getting, because I've been out of the loop for quite some time about all this DDR dual channel, single channel etc.

Asus A7N8X-E Deluxe
AMD 2500+ Mobile

Now, I know the potential out there for overclocking this sucker, but I'm not really intending on pushing the limits.

I will do some slight overclocking.

So the question for me comes down to the RAM,
I heard that for AMD systems, lower latency is better.
Also heard that you can still run Dual Channel using Single channel ram sticks as long as I am running 2 sticks of equal size and speed instead of having to go out and buy those TWIN matched pairs.

1. Is any of this true? Should I bother with the special enhanced rams or can I just get by with regular standard DDR?

2. What speeds should I consider? Should I go above PC3200?

3. I have a choice between only two Manufacturers, Corsair or OCZ Tech?

I heard that the higher I go withe PC speed, the higher the latency which isn't a good thing with AMD systems. But then I read somewhere that the higher latencies might not be significant if I am increasing bus speeds?

Any type of insight would be most plentiful.

Oh and I'm not too conscious about the price, but it would definately love it if I don't have to fork out unncessary money.

Thanks guy

[DanGrease]

1. I would go for DDR Memory, since they are pretty standard nowadays and not expensive (sometimes cheaper than SDRAM) Its also better.

2. PC3200 is just fine in my opinion. I dont think you need more, but thats up to you I guess.

3. Between those two brands, I would definetely go for OCZ memory. They are extremely expensive though (at least here) but have the best performance in my opinion. If you dont want the best, Corsair is just fine. Or why not Crucial, Kingston, or Mushkin? There are no big difference between all the brands after all.

dan

Well, depending on how fast you plan on going...

I like to recommend Kingston's HyperX stuff. I've got their CAS2 512MB chip and it's been great. It's only 2700, but I've had it as high as 200Mhz with no problems. Plus it's CAS2 and super-fast.

But you can't go wrong with Corsair or OCZ, or Mushkin I hear. It's getting to the point where RAM is pretty much all the same. If you're not going to get extreme about overclocking, pretty much anything will do. Kingston just happens to have one of the best latency scores at 2 2 2 5 1T. My experience with Corsair is limited to SDRAM, and it worked well for that, although I prefer Crucial's CAS2 there.

As far as I know, you don't need specially matched chips to run dual channel. I plan on picking up another stick of these Kingston soon and giving dual channel a go.

[buddhafest]

I can only choose between OCZ and Corsair is because the compter store that I gonna be shopping from only carry those two brands.

Well I could consider Kingston if I go to this other store.

[DanGrease]

If you only have the option between Corsair and OCZ and you have the sufficient money, trust me, go for OCZ memory.

dan

[teengeek88]

would you try newegg.com

[buddhafest]

nah, i've looked at newegg and I don't really save any money because I live in Canada, so the conversion rates and the shipping and what not really doesnt make it cheaper for me.

[ExSuS]

Originally posted by DanGrease
If you only have the option between Corsair and OCZ and you have the sufficient money, trust me, go for OCZ memory.

dan

Im with dan.Im running OCZ Pc 3200 and I love it.

[buddhafest]

Okay, but the question now still remains

Should I go above 3200?

And Do I need the special Enhanced kinds or can i go with Regular?

[DanGrease]

I dont think you need to go above PC3200, but thats me. Its up to you.
I also believe its just fine going with Regular DDR Memory.

dan