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OCZ Gold XTC PC2 6400 crappy RAM ?

Raizy

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For a waiting newb overclocker like myself, it should work for me I hope. But are they good RAM?

These sticks got a lot cheaper it was around $50 a pair over at NCIX but now they are around $75 per. I've been browsing around other forums and searching some threads and I have come across some people asking for recommendations on RAM, and rarely did the replies ever mention OCZ. It was usually Crucial or G.Skill that got mentioned.

I got these 2 pairs (4GB -- another mistake since I didn't order/wanted a 64-Bit OS) for 90 bucks so I guess it doesn't really matter since you get what you pay for, in this case a pretty good deal...I think.

What opinions have you folks got about OCZ RAM? Also, do you think they sold off the RAM so cheap (used to be like 20 bucks with rebate) to make quick bucks off their "bad batches"?
 
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ddr2 is so cheap cos they made tooo much of the stuff.. they all thought the world would go vista and everyone would buy more ram.. the world didnt buy vista and the market got flooded with the stuff.

its all give away compared with what it used to cost.. take advantage of it while it lasts.. it wont last for ever.. forums parrot the same old brand names.. take no notice..

trog
 

CDdude55

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I love my OCZ Gold XTC RAM, they work fine. But i have not overclocked them.
 
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When picking RAM for OCing you cant be completely worried about the brand.
You should look more into the chips that are used for the RAM.
Currently there are three types of chips used in RAM.
They are listed below:
1. PROMO chips: These are the cheapest set of chips available. They are usually
used in cheaper and generic RAM and do not OC well.
2. Epilida chips: These chips are the mid range chip. They OC decently. However,
these chips do not OC more when raising the voltage, limiting its OC
ability.
3. Micron D9 chips: These chips are the best OCer. They OC very well and respond
well when you raise the voltage. These are obviously used in higher
priced brand named RAM

The OCZ Gold sticks use PROMO chips I believe, hence, why you cant OC that well.
I believe the only line that doesnt used PROMO chips for OCZ are the Titanium series (which uses Epilida)
 

Raizy

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Educate the newb

Next time I buy RAM, how can I find out which type of chips will be used in the product I buy? Is there a website that has an entire database?

I am starting to worry now because I've been reading that using up all the memory banks on any motherboard is not a good idea, especially for overclocking.

If I don't plan on running the RAM over 800 Mhz, does the above statement still matter to me?

For example: Overclocking an E2180 with a P35 DS3L motherboard using cheap OCZ Gold RAM (PC26400). The CPU bus speed is 800 mhz with a multiplier of 10 (I think). That means when I install this CPU in my MOBO the FSB will be set at 200 Mhz, correct? So If I set my RAM divider to 1:1 my RAM will be running at 400 Mhz. If I OC to 10x333 my RAM will be underclocked to DDR2 667. Would having the RAM speed underclocked reduce the stress on my MOBO's memory controller? And since the RAM frequency is underclocked, does that mean I could quicken the timings?
 

Wile E

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When picking RAM for OCing you cant be completely worried about the brand.
You should look more into the chips that are used for the RAM.
Currently there are three types of chips used in RAM.
They are listed below:
1. PROMO chips: These are the cheapest set of chips available. They are usually
used in cheaper and generic RAM and do not OC well.
2. Epilida chips: These chips are the mid range chip. They OC decently. However,
these chips do not OC more when raising the voltage, limiting its OC
ability.
3. Micron D9 chips: These chips are the best OCer. They OC very well and respond
well when you raise the voltage. These are obviously used in higher
priced brand named RAM

The OCZ Gold sticks use PROMO chips I believe, hence, why you cant OC that well.
I believe the only line that doesnt used PROMO chips for OCZ are the Titanium series (which uses Epilida)
OCZ Reapers and Flex XLC are usually D9.

And I think you have Promos and Epilida chips confused. Couple of examples, some of the Corsair Dominators use promos, and they have some high clock speeds.

I also had a set of G.Skill HK, which are Promos, iirc, and they clock well. 1150 was no problem on a kit rated 800 4-4-3-5.
Next time I buy RAM, how can I find out which type of chips will be used in the product I buy? Is there a website that has an entire database?

I am starting to worry now because I've been reading that using up all the memory banks on any motherboard is not a good idea, especially for overclocking.

If I don't plan on running the RAM over 800 Mhz, does the above statement still matter to me?

For example: Overclocking an E2180 with a P35 DS3L motherboard using cheap OCZ Gold RAM (PC26400). The CPU bus speed is 800 mhz with a multiplier of 10 (I think). That means when I install this CPU in my MOBO the FSB will be set at 200 Mhz, correct? So If I set my RAM divider to 1:1 my RAM will be running at 400 Mhz. If I OC to 10x333 my RAM will be underclocked to DDR2 667. Would having the RAM speed underclocked reduce the stress on my MOBO's memory controller? And since the RAM frequency is underclocked, does that mean I could quicken the timings?
You pretty much have it summed up correctly. And at those settings, running 4 sticks of ram should be no issue at all. But if those are the setting you want, you may be better off looking for a 667MHZ CAS3 kit. Perhaps these? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146567
 
Last edited:

Raizy

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Processor Intel Pentium E2180 @ 2.8 Ghz @1.33v
Motherboard Gigabyte P35 DS3L
Cooling AC Freezer 7 Pro5
Memory G.Skill F2-8000CL5D-4GBPQ PC2-8000 4GB 2X2GB DDR2-1000 CL5-5-5-15
Video Card(s) XFX GeForce 8800 GT 512 MB
Storage Seagate Barracuda 320 MB
Display(s) Ilo 32" HDTV 1366 x 768 native
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Ahh what a shame, newegg still doesn't ship internationally. The same ram is 90 bucks at the place where I am buying my parts.
 
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