Best ram for A7N8X

[jmebonner]

Well, Newegg rma'd my msi today, waiving the restocking fee, so I'm going to get an a7n8x deluxe. I need to know for certain, like from someone who owns one, what's some pc3200 that's going to work. I know the nForce boards are very picky. I'm shipping this computer out, so I can't afford to be down for long with something like a ram problem. I want to overclock it, but I don't want to spend $150 for ram, so if you can, give me some pointers.
The sooner the better too, because I must order it tonight along with the board.

James

[Telexen]

I like my Corsair RAM, but I have to change the memory timings the first time it's setup or when I have to clear the CMOS....which means I have to put in my older Crucial RAM...kinda a pain, but I haven't tried any other PC3200 RAM

Maybe PC2700 would work better.

[jmebonner]

How much potential performance do I lose by going w/ 2700? I like the price better on the 2700, but if I'm going to do it, I'd rather do it right.

[rourkchris]

I believe you get better performance running the CPU/RAM in synch 166/166 than if you ran them 166/200.

[Telexen]

Well you will get better performance with PC2700...here's why.

You probably won't be running the RAM at 200mhz (which you can do)...that forces the CPU and memory to be out of sync, causing buffers, which will ruin performance.

You'll run just fine with the PC2700 at 333mhz, which is what you should run PC3200 at with a 333mhz FSB CPU.

It's faster because PC2700 runs at a lower latency now than PC3200...it's proven in many, many benchmarks.

So if you don't plan on getting a 400mhz FSB CPU, then go with the PC2700. I wish I had.

[jmebonner]

Okay, let me add another question then. I'll be running the CPU at 266 since I've got a 1700 T-bred, so do I just need to stick with the 2100???

[Telexen]

The PC2700 RAM will increase your system's performance over the PC2100.

While it's not a necessary upgrade, it will make your system faster. If you're willing to spend the money then buy the PC2700.

[jmebonner]

Okay, thanks. So do I go for Kingston Hyperx or corsair or geil or what. Again, I've heard of compatability issues, so if someone has any experience w/ the board, please let me know what you're running. Is that what you have Telexen, the A7N8X using corsair?

Thanks!

[Telexen]

Yes, I have the A7N8X Deluxe, but with Corsair XMS PC3200 RAM.

I honestly won't buy anything but Corsair if I want peformance from my RAM again...it's excellent RAM...definitely worth the price.

I have heard good things about Kingston's extreme RAM though.

[jmebonner]

Okay, done deal, I'll check out the corsair.
Thanks again for all the help.