Max Builds a PC Series Part IV: RAM

I've been recommending the GA-X38-DQ6, which is DDR2, I still stick by that. Here is the link non open box http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128066

With that any brand of DDR 2 really, I'd get a brand name, like these Gskill or Kingston. I am sure crucial is good too. There is OCZ, of which I'd recommend the OCZ2N10662GK  (link doesn't work newegg doesn't have them in stock) and Patriot as well. I chose DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) because I didn't think we planned and overclock on this board, so we didn't need anything faster, plus DDR2 1066 is "officially supported on the board".

Honestly whatever you choose, it wont make that much difference in a non overclocked system. But overall I'd probably go with the Patriot memory. I've read that a lot of people actually under volt it to save power while retaining stability and performance, plus they look cool . They were also one the first to introduce 1066 check out anandtech for that. Oh and get 4gigs, why not? Vista's superfetch loves memory, feed it, and it will reward you. Even if you put a 32bit OS on there, for whatever eason, at least more than 3 gigs will be available, but if you go 64bit, it will all be there.

Man, I posted and I thought it didn't post....ignore this. Look above.

apparently with gigabyte they are offering 2 motherboards based on what users are looking for.

"The T denotes Three, or in other words it supports DDR3, while the non-T version of the board supports DDR2"

this means that you have to decide which one you want to use. Its also the reason i wanted the asus since they all support DDR2 and DDR3 natively.

since we have choosen the GA-x38T-DQ6 , we will be wanting something with as low a latency as possible. the Corsair so far has some of the lowest latency speeds.

- here is newegg link to the Corsair Dominator TWIN3X2048-1800C7DF . http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145187&Tpk=Corsair%2bDominator%2bTWIN3X2048-1800C7DF

this memory module has a reported latency of 7-7-7-10  with pirce $554

the next best choice will be

Kingston HyperX 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1800

newegg link - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134551

has latency of 8-8-8-24  and price $449

another choice will be OCZ Platinum Edition 2GB (2 x 1GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3

newegg link - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227254

latency of 8-8-8-27 for price of $520

*please note price quoted above is all for 2 gb

as much as i want 4 gb on this system, right now with this ddr3 system i think 2 gb will be enough, mainly because of price consideration. I still want it to run on a 64 bit os though.

Also the main problem with the gigabyte board is that you are forced to deciding which Ram you plan on buying today. the board is future proof in terms of Processor but in terms of Ram unless you choose the DDR3 model you are basically stuck with DDR2 limit.

"

The Asus Maximus Extreme wins in average game performance for both overclocked and default speeds, and even correcting for its 0.2% default-speed overclock leaves it leading the slowest board by 1.12%.

Gigabyte's stronger overclock wasn't able to overcome Asus' performance superiority, even though both boards used the same looser CAS 7 memory timings when overclocked."

First off did anyone notice platinum's new avatar?  Very slick.

Second, I personally wanted to hold back but I agreed with platinum that Asus was the way to go (even Tom's Hardware backed it up) but I think a lot of you were pushing for Gigabyte so I am going with your recommendations on this one and trying something new

And to reiterate Trix's point, yes I would get the DDR2 board if we decide DDR2 is a better choice.  And again in my opinion, DDR2 is the way to go but I will yield to "the mob" if you guys can convince me.

hey.. i just linked my gamertag with the profile. Got to say it was pretty much seamless, nice work max and all those that worked on the website.

With respect to DDR3 vs DDR2, like i said DDR2 is the best choice right now but if i was building a system to be used for the atleast the next 6 months i might probably stick with DDR2. If looking for a longer lasting system, DDR3 capable motherboard will be way to go. also timing latency really for DDR3 is not noticeable unless you start to overclocking as of right now overclocking is not part of our situation. Besides were we not building the "baddest" system on the block. i have no problem sticking with the DDR3 version mother board but if we fall back to DDR2 i will recommend getting the Asus. for 2 reason.

1 . It will last way way longer than the gigabyte version in terms of future ram hardware,

2. We could max out the mobo on DDR2 ram with basically the same price range as 2 GB DDR3 ram

And Trix sorry if it seems like i am attacking you it just seems me and you are the only onces duking it out.