PC2-9600 or PC2-8500

kearneyTaaffe

New Member
Hello,

I'm attempting to make a computer. Over the past 2 wks parts have been trickling in (I'm so excited). Anyways, I got everything from newegg, Well, I was talking to one of my friends and he just upgraded his computer to a Core i7.

I take it he's trying to recupe some of his losses because he's piece-meiling his old computer parts (it was actually a nice one) he was unable to use.

Anyways, I digress. The question is, should I buy his RAM or use the one I got from newegg. He is trying to sell me his old (by like 30 days) RAM. His RAM is 4GB of OCZ Flex EX PC2-9600 (DDR2-1200); I bought from newegg OCZ Blade Series 4GB PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066).

The price difference is $10 in newegg's favor (I paid $70 he wants $80). Would I notice an huge difference or would I get better performace, cooler temperature by running the PC2-9600 over the PC2-8500? He swears the machine will last longer with a higher RAM running slower. I've looked at these forums for the last 4 hours before finally deciding to post.

Here's what I currently have (I will not be overclocking this system btw):

SIGMA MONSTER SP850C 850W Continuous @ 40C http://tinyurl.com/lxoch2
DFI LP DK P45-T2RS PLUS (LGA 775 Intel p45) http://tinyurl.com/muz7vf
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 http://tinyurl.com/4fhbzv
Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W http://tinyurl.com/4465c2
OCZ Blade Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) http://tinyurl.com/mkehxz
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler http://tinyurl.com/bgmqmb


if this question is answered in another thread, please forgive me. I simply wasn't smart enough to figure out the search criteria or what question to ask.

Basically, I don't want to destroy the RAM by running it at a lower speed nor have the RAM destroy my new beauty.

Thank you advancer
 
Hello,

I'm attempting to make a computer. Over the past 2 wks parts have been trickling in (I'm so excited). Anyways, I got everything from newegg, Well, I was talking to one of my friends and he just upgraded his computer to a Core i7.

I take it he's trying to recupe some of his losses because he's piece-meiling his old computer parts (it was actually a nice one) he was unable to use.

Anyways, I digress. The question is, should I buy his RAM or use the one I got from newegg. He is trying to sell me his old (by like 30 days) RAM. His RAM is 4GB of OCZ Flex EX PC2-9600 (DDR2-1200); I bought from newegg OCZ Blade Series 4GB PC2-8500 (DDR2-1066).

The price difference is $10 in newegg's favor (I paid $70 he wants $80). Would I notice an huge difference or would I get better performace, cooler temperature by running the PC2-9600 over the PC2-8500? He swears the machine will last longer with a higher RAM running slower. I've looked at these forums for the last 4 hours before finally deciding to post.

Here's what I currently have (I will not be overclocking this system btw):

SIGMA MONSTER SP850C 850W Continuous @ 40C http://tinyurl.com/lxoch2
DFI LP DK P45-T2RS PLUS (LGA 775 Intel p45) http://tinyurl.com/muz7vf
SAPPHIRE Radeon HD 3870 512MB 256-bit GDDR4 PCI Express 2.0 x16 http://tinyurl.com/4fhbzv
Intel Core2 Quad Q9400 2.66GHz LGA 775 95W http://tinyurl.com/4465c2
OCZ Blade Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) http://tinyurl.com/mkehxz
ARCTIC COOLING Freezer 7 Pro 92mm CPU Cooler http://tinyurl.com/bgmqmb


if this question is answered in another thread, please forgive me. I simply wasn't smart enough to figure out the search criteria or what question to ask.

Basically, I don't want to destroy the RAM by running it at a lower speed nor have the RAM destroy my new beauty.

Thank you advancer

You won't see any noticeable difference in the RAM. Not only that but you motherboard supports 1066MHz so if you get the 1200MHz. You will still have to overclock it to get your motherboard to read it as 1200MHz. So really it is not worth it.

Also have you already ordered all of your parts you can get a much better build then that for about the same price.
 
Fatback,

First, thank you so much for your help.

yes, I have ordered all the parts already. I know I could get something better cheaper, but I'm following this article. http://tinyurl.com/ltfuu5

For some reason, I cannot seem to get building this machine out of my head. LOL! I guess you can say I want to drink the kool-aid in a different way.
 
Fatback,

Hey, i just noticed this, but you said I'd have to overclock my mobo to read the RAM at 1200MHz, but, what if I just want to run the RAM at 1066Mhz?

See, that's what my friend is saying; don't run the RAM at the recommended speed, run it at a slower speed, and its better for the RAM, runs the system cooler. Is he correct or is he mistaken?
 
Fatback,

Hey, i just noticed this, but you said I'd have to overclock my mobo to read the RAM at 1200MHz, but, what if I just want to run the RAM at 1066Mhz?

See, that's what my friend is saying; don't run the RAM at the recommended speed, run it at a slower speed, and its better for the RAM, runs the system cooler. Is he correct or is he mistaken?

Yes if you use 1200MHz your mobo will read it at 1600MHz. You will have to overclock the RAM back to 1200MHz. If the RAM is meant to run at that speed then it is not going to hurt it or the computer. If the RAM is unstable then that might be do to the wrong timings or voltages on you motherboard just change that and you going to go. High end RAM like the one you are talking about have heatsinks on them. This helps keep the RAM cool by dispersing the heat away from the RAM. It would be a wast of money to buy 1200MHz RAM and run it a 1066MHz. Now if you won't to get the 1200MHz and overclock it read as 1200MHz then that's fine. You will probably be able to overclock the 1066MHz RAM to get near 1200MHz or close to it.

Sounds to me like your friend is telling you lies so you will buy his RAM. Also take into account new RAM will come with a warranty. If any thing happens then just send it back for new one. If anything happens to your friends RAM after you get it your screwed I doubt he will give you your money back.

Side Note: Overclocking RAM will void your warranty
 
Yes if you use 1200MHz your mobo will read it at 1600MHz. You will have to overclock the RAM back to 1200MHz. If the RAM is meant to run at that speed then it is not going to hurt it or the computer. If the RAM is unstable then that might be do to the wrong timings or voltages on you motherboard just change that and you going to go. High end RAM like the one you are talking about have heatsinks on them. This helps keep the RAM cool by dispersing the heat away from the RAM. It would be a wast of money to buy 1200MHz RAM and run it a 1066MHz. Now if you won't to get the 1200MHz and overclock it read as 1200MHz then that's fine. You will probably be able to overclock the 1066MHz RAM to get near 1200MHz or close to it.

Sounds to me like your friend is telling you lies so you will buy his RAM. Also take into account new RAM will come with a warranty. If any thing happens then just send it back for new one. If anything happens to your friends RAM after you get it your screwed I doubt he will give you your money back.

Side Note: Overclocking RAM will void your warranty

Thank you!

I don't think my friend is lying I think he's just doesn't know and is pretending to know. Or he maybe trying to get some of his money back that he spent on building his new i7.

Anyways! Thank you so much for the help.
 
Yes if you use 1200MHz your mobo will read it at 1600MHz. You will have to overclock the RAM back to 1200MHz. If the RAM is meant to run at that speed then it is not going to hurt it or the computer. If the RAM is unstable then that might be do to the wrong timings or voltages on you motherboard just change that and you going to go. High end RAM like the one you are talking about have heatsinks on them. This helps keep the RAM cool by dispersing the heat away from the RAM. It would be a wast of money to buy 1200MHz RAM and run it a 1066MHz. Now if you won't to get the 1200MHz and overclock it read as 1200MHz then that's fine. You will probably be able to overclock the 1066MHz RAM to get near 1200MHz or close to it.

Sounds to me like your friend is telling you lies so you will buy his RAM. Also take into account new RAM will come with a warranty. If any thing happens then just send it back for new one. If anything happens to your friends RAM after you get it your screwed I doubt he will give you your money back.

Side Note: Overclocking RAM will void your warranty
OCZ Doesnt void for overclocking, nor do a few other manufacturers.

Also, 1200mhz memory at 1066mhz might be able to run lower voltages or tighter timings at 1066mhz, but its not worth it. Also, the flex is really meant to be run under water for lowest temps, while the blade series is meant for air cooled systems. Although, not that it matters since unless you have absolutely no fans whatsoever DDR2 dimm's do not get very hot anyhow.

Do you already have that power supply? If you havent ordered it yet stay away, sigma is crap. A 650W or 750W corsair, pc power and cooling, or OCZ would EASILY power that rig. Sigma units are roughly the same quality as rosewill, which have crappy power regulation, poor voltage control, and even worse quality control. That is the one part of a computer you dont want to fail, as if it fails it can spike a high voltage and fry other components(and that is not covered under the parts warranty).
 
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OCZ Doesnt void for overclocking, nor do a few other manufacturers.

Also, 1200mhz memory at 1066mhz might be able to run lower voltages or tighter timings at 1066mhz, but its not worth it. Also, the flex is really meant to be run under water for lowest temps, while the blade series is meant for air cooled systems. Although, not that it matters since unless you have absolutely no fans whatsoever DDR2 dimm's do not get very hot anyhow.

Do you already have that power supply? If you havent ordered it yet stay away, sigma is crap. A 650W or 750W corsair, pc power and cooling, or OCZ would EASILY power that rig.

Didn't know that. I thought as long as it was under a 5% overclock then the warranty would still be good. Anything over that would void it.
 
Didn't know that. I thought as long as it was under a 5% overclock then the warranty would still be good. Anything over that would void it.
OCZ even lets you over volt memory, mine is rated for 1.7 and they keep your warranty as long as you dont go over 1.9V.

The blade low voltage has a 1.8v stock voltage, and you can go up to 1.85V on it and keep the warranty.
 
OCZ even lets you over volt memory, mine is rated for 1.7 and they keep your warranty as long as you dont go over 1.9V.

The blade low voltage has a 1.8v stock voltage, and you can go up to 1.85V on it and keep the warranty.

So you get to keep your warranty to a certain extent after that it voids it.
 
So you get to keep your warranty to a certain extent after that it voids it.
For voltage yes.

Frequency, no. If you got a good set of memory that overclocks say, 20% on stock voltages, then your warranty is fine.


Other manufacturers are alot less complicated for warranties.
 
For voltage yes.

Frequency, no. If you got a good set of memory that overclocks say, 20% on stock voltages, then your warranty is fine.


Other manufacturers are alot less complicated for warranties.

Cool when I use OCZ RAM of a costumer build I might start ocing it.
 
Cool when I use OCZ RAM of a costumer build I might start ocing it.
OCZ is actually one of the bottom choices of memory, as corsair does warranty as long as there is no physical damage, etc.

For cheaper builds i prefer PNY or Wintech(best value ram imo for ddr3, their ddr2 isnt that great though) over ocz, ocz just isnt the best quality memory these days. DDR2 they had great memory, DDR3 is really slipping though(Ive regretted by purchase for quite awhile).
 
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OCZ is actually one of the bottom choices of memory, as corsair does warranty as long as there is no physical damage, etc.

For cheaper builds i prefer PNY or Wintech over ocz, ocz just isnt the best quality memory these days. DDR2 they had great memory, DDR3 is really slipping though(Ive regretted by purchase for quite awhile).

Yea I don't buy much DDR3 from OCZ any more since the couple of DOA's and errors I have been getting from them. I usually stick to G-Skill, Corsair, or Crucial for DDR3. For DDR2 I like Kingston, OCZ, and G-Skill. PNY and A-Data are pretty good cheap brands. I haven't had so much luck with Wintech in the past.
 
OCZ Doesnt void for overclocking, nor do a few other manufacturers.

Also, 1200mhz memory at 1066mhz might be able to run lower voltages or tighter timings at 1066mhz, but its not worth it. Also, the flex is really meant to be run under water for lowest temps, while the blade series is meant for air cooled systems. Although, not that it matters since unless you have absolutely no fans whatsoever DDR2 dimm's do not get very hot anyhow.

Do you already have that power supply? If you havent ordered it yet stay away, sigma is crap. A 650W or 750W corsair, pc power and cooling, or OCZ would EASILY power that rig. Sigma units are roughly the same quality as rosewill, which have crappy power regulation, poor voltage control, and even worse quality control. That is the one part of a computer you dont want to fail, as if it fails it can spike a high voltage and fry other components(and that is not covered under the parts warranty).


Dang! I almost opened the power supply today but work kept me late! Good thing I didn't.

Hmmm. so yeah, I'll see what I can do about returning the PSU to newegg tomorrow.

OK, this is probably a dumb question, but what would you recommend? I actually had a hard time even figuring out which PSU to get.

Do I need to get a 20+4 Pin or 24pin? I'm guessing a 24 pin but i could be so wrong.
 
Dang! I almost opened the power supply today but work kept me late! Good thing I didn't.

Hmmm. so yeah, I'll see what I can do about returning the PSU to newegg tomorrow.

OK, this is probably a dumb question, but what would you recommend? I actually had a hard time even figuring out which PSU to get.

Do I need to get a 20+4 Pin or 24pin? I'm guessing a 24 pin but i could be so wrong.

Most are 20+4pins now which is what you will need. Good brands to look at are PC Power and Cooling, Corsair, Seasonic, Xclio, FSP, Silverstone, Antec, Cooler master, Thermaltake, etc. I'm sure bomerboysk will have some to add on. The best is PC Power and Cooling they make the best PSU around there a little pricey but will last you forever.
 
Yea I don't buy much DDR3 from OCZ any more since the couple of DOA's and errors I have been getting from them. I usually stick to G-Skill, Corsair, or Crucial for DDR3. For DDR2 I like Kingston, OCZ, and G-Skill. PNY and A-Data are pretty good cheap brands. I haven't had so much luck with Wintech in the past.

YIKES! I remember PNY and the dude at best buy saying it was as good as it gets. (this was back in 2003 before I knew of newegg) and then 2 months later the computer said it only have 512 instead of 1GB cuz 2 of chips went bad after about 4 months.

I've hated both BestBuy and PNY ever since
 
YIKES! I remember PNY and the dude at best buy saying it was as good as it gets. (this was back in 2003 before I knew of newegg) and then 2 months later the computer said it only have 512 instead of 1GB cuz 2 of chips went bad after about 4 months.

I've hated both BestBuy and PNY ever since

PNY is pretty low on the quality scale but is decent. Like any computer brand some models are good some are bad. Take the seagate hard drives for example. The 7200.11 hard drives are terrible and have like a 80% fail rate. There 7200.12 hard drives are some of the best out. Its all just depends on how they are manufactured.
 
Most are 20+4pins now which is what you will need. Good brands to look at are PC Power and Cooling, Corsair, Seasonic, Xclio, FSP, Silverstone, Antec, Cooler master, Thermaltake, etc. I'm sure bomerboysk will have some to add on. The best is PC Power and Cooling they make the best PSU around there a little pricey but will last you forever.


I hate to make someone else do research for me, but if you'd be so kind do you think this one would work?
http://tinyurl.com/37afw6

I see that it has a SATA connector and an PCI-Express connector, but I don't know if that's what I'm supposed to be looking at or if I just need to find something that will plug into the board with enough juice that will run everything off the board.
 
I hate to make someone else do research for me, but if you'd be so kind do you think this one would work?
http://tinyurl.com/37afw6

I see that it has a SATA connector and an PCI-Express connector, but I don't know if that's what I'm supposed to be looking at or if I just need to find something that will plug into the board with enough juice that will run everything off the board.
Cant go wrong with corsair, great units for the price.

I personally would recommend this unit however, slightly better internals(Seasonic, vs channelwell in the corsair TX):
http://search.zipzoomfly.com/search.aspx?SI=aad7756b-e2fc-4619-a7a2-663785800e63&Action=14&AXD=http%3a%2f%2fwww.zipzoomfly.com%2fjsp%2fProductDetail.jsp%3fProductCode%3d10005611%26prodlist%3dcelebros%7e10005611%7ePC+Power+and+Cooling+S75QB+Silencer+750W+Quad+Power+Supply+(Black)+Retail%7e118.99

Or if you dont mind it being red, same unit just $7 cheaper:
http://search.zipzoomfly.com/search...ER+750W+QUAD+S75CF+Power+Supply+Retail~111.99
 
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