Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

[andyxxl]

Hi,


I have Gigabyte EP45-DS3R Based system that currently has 2GB of RAM. I'd like to increase this to 4GB of memory that is fast enough to support
a mild overclock of my CPU and still give me some flexibility on memory timing ratios etc.

The memory i currently have is 2GB Corsair CM2X1024-6400C4D as 2x1GB sticks (matched pair in dual channel). Works great but runs out of timing headroom quickly when overclocking!

I have tried Corsair 4Gb (2x2GB) DDR2 1066MHz/PC2-8500 XMS2 Memory CL5 (5-6-6-18) 2.1V but was unable to get it running anywhere near stable in my motherboard, Even by playing with voltages and timings using the advice given to others in this group. I realise now that I should have asked for help I thought it was so far from being stable that it wasn't worth it.

So, my question is which RAM (manufacturer/model) whould I get to suit this motherboard and give me a good chance of stable operation. I'd prefer to get 4GB of the faster stuff (say 1066MHz/PC2-8500) to give me the aforementioned fexibility with timings.

Has anybody got any suggestions please?

[Chike]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

Mine do 1066 5-5-5-15 tRD 5 at 333MHz FSB (not tested for stability.)
Voltage is set to 2.1v in BIOS but actual is ~2.14v.
Not suggesting to add a mached pair, 2x2GB is better way to go.

[profJim]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

G.Skill DDR2 memory seems to be the most popular memory in the forum.
Many have had good results with Crucial Ballistix memory.
My Mushkin 996599 DDR2-1066 has been excellent.
Keep in mind that some memory heat-sinks are tall and might have fitment problems with your cpu cooler.
DDR2-800 memory with 4-4-4-12 timings will often overclock nearly as well as DDR2-10666 memory 5-5-5-15 memory timings.
Don't buy memory that has "non standard" memory timings, such as 5-6-6-18 or 800MHz memory with looser 5-x-x-x- ratings.
Avoid the marketing hype and don't get sucked in with names like gold, platinum, gaming, etc.
You should confirm that you're buying high quality memory by reading reviews from reputable websites.
Use the forum search feature and check out threads that deal with similar hardware setups (cpu and/or motherboard).

Check out Lsdme's Crucial Ballistix User Guide/Review and you'll see that you can often get the best overall performance with 900 - 1000MHz memory speeds with tighter memory timings.

Add a detailed hardware list to your forum signature so that we can better help you:
--> User CP tab (upper left corner of web page)
--> select Edit Signature
--> enter your hardware components (brand, model, etc.)
--> include your bios version
--> preview
--> Save when complete
Be sure to include your bios version, motherboard version, power supply, cpu heatsink/fan setup and the model numbers of all components.

[andyxxl]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

Hi Guys,

Thanks for your replies.

Profjim, I found your comments interesting. Taking your advice about brand/timings/reviews I found the following memory on the UK ebuyer website :

Crucial 4GB (2X2GB) DDR2 800MHz/PC2-6400 Ballistix Memory CL4 2.0V CL4 ( 4-4-4-12 )

The reviews (18 in all) are all positive and the timings standard. Several reviewers have Gigabyte mobo's. Somebody has also got them running at 1066 by loosening the timings. Do you think they are worth a go?

Andy.

[profJim]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

In general, high quality 2x2GB 4-4-4-12 800MHz memory should o/c to 1066 speeds using 5-5-5-15 timings.
My older Ballistix 2.2v 800MHz memory was stable at 1200MHz using 3GB on my P35-DS3L mobo (2x1GB + 2x512MB).
Keep in mind that your optimal setup system setup might be with slightly lower memory speeds with tighter memory timings.

If you need any help with your overclock settings, add your hardware setup to your forum signature and post your bios settings using this generic bios template.

Glad to help out, good luck with your upgrade.

[kick]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

It depends on what cpu you are trying to o/c and how far as well.
My memory is ok ,I wouldnt class it as 1066 capable ,,more like "800 mountaineer who just gets his fingers over the 1066 edge but below 1000 its done all that was asked of it.
The thing that annoys me tho is the convergence between ddr2 and ddr3 memory prices.
My ram is almost twice as expensive as when I bought it a year ago.
Ie its not just that ddr3 memory prices have come down,ddr2 has gone back up again.
Smells suspiciously of marketing strategy to me.
Intel will be able to get rid of all the "old" ddr2, using cpus thru dellapackard machines which only have generic value ram anyway.

"Enthusiasts" who want to clock up 775 the cpus will have to pay closer and closer to ddr3 prices for their good ddr2 ram.

What I mean is i7/i5 and now i3 gear is looking a better deal now than it was a year ago in price terms, if not in absolute performance.

Oh well thats the way the system works.Can anyone recommend(remember) some good DDR1 memory ? chuckle

[profJim]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

Do you think they are worth a go?

Sorry for not giving an answer....yes, the Ballistix 800MHz memory should work fine with your system.

The thing that annoys me tho is the convergence between ddr2 and ddr3 memory prices.
My ram is almost twice as expensive as when I bought it a year ago.
Ie its not just that ddr3 memory prices have come down,ddr2 has gone back up again.
Smells suspiciously of marketing strategy to me.

These price changes occur when a newer generation of memory has become the new mainstream standard.
It happened with DDR --> DDR2 and now with DDR2 --> DDR3.

Marketing Strategy? Hardly.
Price fixing conspiracy? You betcha!

[andyxxl]

Re: Memory suggestions for EP45-DS3R?

Thanks for all your help guys 4GB of Crucial Ballistix memory is ordered and on its way !