DDR2 vs DDR3

fastdude

fastdude

Active Member
As some of you may know, I'm building a new rig in the new year, most probably with a H55 Chipset and a core i3/G6950. Anyway, I don't really anticipate this thread getting many replies, but a simple option A / option B answer will suffice, backed up with a reason. Here's my dilemma. Should I get the Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2 Intel H55 Motherboard (£55) and 8GB of Kingston 2GB stick 800MHz/PC2-6400 Memory (£120)
or
The Asus P7H55-M Intel H55 Motherboard (£65) and 4GB of quick DDR3 (£100)

I am perfectly aware that DDR3 is better and more modern, and all my intuition tells me I should go with the DDR3+mobo combo, but I know somebody with 8GB of 800MHz DDR2 RAM, who scored much higher on Memory Benchmarks than someone else who I know, with 4GB of DDR3 RAM @1333MHz. I am very confuzzled :confused: The DDR3 would also be better because it's cheaper, and it would leave more room to upgrade. Help me, Computer Forum!:o
OK, it's over now.
 
I do not believe that any H55 motherboard supports DDR2, and I am positive that the Gigabyte GA-H55M-S2 does not. If you are going with an H55 chip set motherboard, you will have to get DDR3 memory.

Andrew
 
i have ddr3 2gb ram and my friend has 4gb ddr2 800mhz and i think mine is faster seriously.

so i'd get ddr3 for sure.
 
I had 8GB PC2 6400, now have 4GB PC3 12800, and there isn't any difference in performance, at least not noticable difference. Benchmarks mean naff all, it is real world performance that matters, and the difference is negligable. Size

I would go for DDR3, will be better for upgrading in the future so you can take it with you to your next large upgrade

=EDIT=

check your prices too. I can't find 8GB 800MHz DDR2 for less than £120, and I can find 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 for less than £100
 
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Aastii said:
I had 8GB PC2 6400, now have 4GB PC3 12800, and there isn't any difference in performance, at least not noticable difference. Benchmarks mean naff all, it is real world performance that matters, and the difference is negligable. Size

I would go for DDR3, will be better for upgrading in the future so you can take it with you to your next large upgrade

=EDIT=

check your prices too. I can't find 8GB 800MHz DDR2 for less than £120, and I can find 4GB 1600MHz DDR3 for less than £100
Click to expand...

OK, thanks for all the advice guys.

@Aastii - DDR2 PC2-6400: http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...b_IJiUwAXvp5mgBQ&sa=title&ved=0CBkQ8wIwAzgA#p
4 of those sticks comes to under £120. I can find DDR3 1600 for under £100:
http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...7iCZSYwQWdhPz1BQ&sa=title&ved=0CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

I was trying to use those prices as rough estimates, which didn't go well :P

@toolcrib - the one I stated does support DDR2.
 
fastdude said:
OK, thanks for all the advice guys.

@Aastii - DDR2 PC2-6400: http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...b_IJiUwAXvp5mgBQ&sa=title&ved=0CBkQ8wIwAzgA#p
4 of those sticks comes to under £120. I can find DDR3 1600 for under £100:
http://www.google.co.uk/products/ca...7iCZSYwQWdhPz1BQ&sa=title&ved=0CAcQ8wIwADgA#p

I was trying to use those prices as rough estimates, which didn't go well :P

@toolcrib - the one I stated does support DDR2.
Click to expand...

Aaah I see, I was looking for matched sets rather than inidividual DIMMs
 
toolcrib said:
According to Gigabyte'e site, the GA-H55M-S2 supports DDR3 memory. If I am mistaken please provide a link to where the H55 Express chip set coupled with either a Pentium G6950 or i3 supports DDR2 Memory.

Gigabyte site with specs for GA-H55M-S2:
http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3509#sp

Intel site with specs on G6950:
http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=43230

Andrew
Click to expand...

Aastii said:
Aaah I see, I was looking for matched sets rather than inidividual DIMMs
Click to expand...

@toolcrib - http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=H55 DDR2&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wf

Second result down:cool:

@Aastii - don't worry, I was just looking for total Memory, not matched sets.
 
Thanks for providing the link. You are correct in that the second link down takes you to a retailer that lists it as supporting DDR2. If you then click on the specifications tab on that page and look at memory you see the following information:

MEMORY
RAM Installed / Max Capacity 0 GB / 16 GB
RAM Slots 2 x DDR3 DIMM
Supported RAM Technology Dual Channel DDR3
Supported RAM Speeds DDR3 1666 (O.C.)/1333/1066/800

I would trust Gigabyte's website for specifications on their own product over a vendor who contradicts themselves. In any case, that motherboard only has two DIMM slots, so to get 8Gb of memory total you would need 2x4Gb modules.

I just do not want to see you buy 4x2Gb of DDR2 memory that you will have to return.

Andrew

fastdude said:
@toolcrib - http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=H55 DDR2&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wf

Second result down:cool:

@Aastii - don't worry, I was just looking for total Memory, not matched sets.
Click to expand...
 
The GA-H55M-S2 is a DDR3 board. Getting 4gb. DDR3 would be better depending on what your doing with the computer. If you are never using more then 4gb. The other 4 are just sitting there looking pretty.
 
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StrangleHold said:
The GA-H55M-S2 is a DDR3 board. Getting 4gb. DDR3 would be better depending on what your doing with the computer. If you are never using more then 4gb. The other 4 are just sitting there looking pretty.
Click to expand...

or you insert other stuff there you know what i am saying hehe
 
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