Should I...

[MrE]

Buy 2x Hynix 512mb DDR2-667 to add to my existing 2GB (end result 3GB) for R375..
or
Buy Corsair DDR2-667 2GB (2x1GB) XMS2 Twin2X Memory Module Kit for R410.. (either add it to make 4GB or just run the 2GB by itself and see how far I can OC it)

Keeping in mind I'm not migrating to Vista, and I know XP only really uses 3GB.
The Corsair just seems like a really low price! Couldn't find a review, anybody know how it would compare to my Hynix? Can't OC the Hynix for crap.
Thanks.

 

[The_Techie]

That is quite cheap for the Corsair, I saw that Rectron lowered the Corsair range's prices.

I'd probably buy the 2GB RAM at that price difference, though.

Oh, and I have a buddy running the 667MHz Corsair modules comfortably at 800MHz.

 

[MrE]

That is quite cheap for the Corsair, I saw that Rectron lowered the Corsair range's prices.

I'd probably buy the 2GB RAM at that price difference, though.

Oh, and I have a buddy running the 667MHz Corsair modules comfortably at 800MHz.

Ye I thought so too!

Niice, that's what I want to do with the Corsair, get it running 800.
Now if you were me would you:

a) add the Corsair to the Hynix, and obv. it would run at the Hynix speed, but I would have 4GB (with XP using like 3GB)..?
..or..
b) replace the Hynix 2GB with the Corsair 2GB and run it at 800..?

 

[The_Techie]

Ye I thought so too!

Niice, that's what I want to do with the Corsair, get it running 800.
Now if you were me would you:

a) add the Corsair to the Hynix, and obv. it would run at the Hynix speed, but I would have 4GB (with XP using like 3GB)..?
..or..
b) replace the Hynix 2GB with the Corsair 2GB and run it at 800..?

You can never have too much RAM So I'd probably do option a) and overclock in any case

 

[MrE]

You can never have too much RAM So I'd probably do option a) and overclock in any case

Thing is, those Hynix sticks do NOT OC at ALL (work great tho).. so the Corsair would be running at The Hynix timings, ..
So 4GB of ram with slower timings is better than 2GB of faster ram?

 

[The_Techie]

Thing is, those Hynix sticks do NOT OC at ALL (work great tho).. so the Corsair would be running at The Hynix timings, ..
So 4GB of ram with slower timings is better than 2GB of faster ram?

That'll probably depend on how much RAM your applications require. If you use a lot of RAM-intensive applications you're probably better off with more RAM than faster RAM

 

[MrE]

That'll probably depend on how much RAM your applications require. If you use a lot of RAM-intensive applications you're probably better off with more RAM than faster RAM

So if I run the 4GB at 667 and can only take advantage(OC) of the Corsair when it's alone (2GB), ..maybe I should just buy the 2x512mb sticks and save some cash, since 32-bit only uses little over 3GB..?

 

[The_Techie]

So if I run the 4GB at 667 and can only take advantage(OC) of the Corsair when it's alone (2GB), ..maybe I should just buy the 2x512mb sticks and save some cash, since 32-bit only uses little over 3GB..?

For that price difference you might as well get the Corsair RAM which you can later use in another (suitable for overclocking) PC if you so choose

 

[MrE]

True true.. shot dude.

 

[sn3rd]

Hynix is the world's second largest producer of semiconductor memory, isn't it? More mainstream, so not for OCing, but great for business or budget use. And now with a lifetime warranty!

 

[SanchoP]

Or... Sell the old RAM and then buy 2GB of cheap DDR2-800 RAM, which is probably cheaper than either of your first ideas, plus you gain a bit from selling the old RAM... Or does your mobo not support DDR2-800?

 

[MrE]

Thing is, the cheapest specials on DDR2-800 I've seen are like R499 for Kingmax, or Mushkin Value type stuff. R410 for Corsair XMS2 seems pretty attractive to me, and I went ahead and ordered it.
Plus there is no discernable difference between 667 and 800 anyway.
And if I really want to I can OC the Corsair.

Bt thanks, ..I'm gonna see how my system performs with 2GB of either and then 4GB all together, and maybe I'll sell my old ram if 4GB doesn't offer any pros.

 

[SanchoP]

Hmmm. Maybe you're right. A single stick of 2GB DDR2-800 at pcint is about R414 INCL. Or 2x 1GB DDR2-800 will come to about R430... And that's both Hynix.

So here's the Q for those in the know.
Which is better? Higher frequency, budget RAM, or lower frequency good (Corsair) RAM?
I'd think the higher frequency would be better but I don't know too much so ya...

 

[MrE]

Hmmm. Maybe you're right. A single stick of 2GB DDR2-800 at pcint is about R414 INCL. Or 2x 1GB DDR2-800 will come to about R430... And that's both Hynix.

So here's the Q for those in the know.
Which is better? Higher frequency, budget RAM, or lower frequency good (Corsair) RAM?
I'd think the higher frequency would be better but I don't know too much so ya...

Ye, ..but you can easily OC the Corsair to 800 (would have to test timings), or run it at 4-4-4-12 at 675, 1.9v guaranteed.