My new game machine...

TQ · 04-30-2008, 07:05 PM

It's really more of an upgrade than something all new, but May is the month and I plan to order parts in the next couple of days.

Here's what I have planned:
An Intel DX48BT2 motherboard, an E8500 and a 2x2GB kit of some kind of DDR3.
There's the rub...I don't know exactly what DDR3 I want to purchase but it's pretty much down to some Corsair or OCZ PC3 12800. Much as I love Mushkin they're just too pricey right now. I'd certainly love to hear from anyone who has an opinion on RAM choice.
I'm going with Vista Business (64-bit) and I'll keep my Creative Elite Pro, the eVGA 8800GTX and the Antec case.

ATINUT · 04-30-2008, 09:05 PM

Good choice going with the Intel DX48BT2 motherboard, and should you decide at some point to use the onboard sound, it has the same soundchip that is on my 975XBX2, and has the IDT control panel with Dolby Surround Sound Decoding.

I've noticed that Intel motherboards are far more stable than anything I've used before for a motherboard. Not one hiccup out of my 975XBX2, and I'll probably be putting my Vista 64 Ultimate back on one of these days.

traveler · 04-30-2008, 10:07 PM

Hurray!!!!!!!

Upgrade time!!!!!!!

Congrats TQ.

I wish they would make the motherboard I'm after - Republic of Gamers Asus X48 Rampage Extreme.

Closest to it ATM is the X38 Maximus Extreme. And look at the great reviews on it -

Here's the review from TweakTown - Look at the summary quote.

ASUS ROG Series X38 DDR3 Maximus Extreme :: TweakTown

TQ · 04-30-2008, 10:30 PM

So, you guys have any thoughts on a DDR3 choice?

Here's what I'm looking at now:
OCZ 2x2GB Platinum and the CorsairTwin3X4096-1600C7DHX ...

ATINUT · 04-30-2008, 10:54 PM

Since you're probably not an overclocker, I'm going to say go with Corsair. From my understanding most of OCZ's memory is overclocking memory.

TQ · 05-01-2008, 08:04 AM

True, it is, but I have always purchased the best memory I can afford for the game machine because I know I'll have that extra margin of performance.
So, I'm not adverse to buying that level of memory just against overpaying for it.

ctal · 05-01-2008, 08:25 AM

I haven't looked at these memory choices in any detail, or looked for reviews on them, but projecting (cautiously) from my experiences with and research on Corsair and OCZ DDR and DDR2: My general impression is that Corsair tends to fine-tune their memories to optimize latencies at rated speed, while OCZ tends to be more flexible and to be able to run with reasonable latencies over a wider range of clock speed. That's consistent with ATINut's characterization of OCZ as being more oriented towards overclocking. Of course none of that may hold true for specific models; so you'll probably want to look around for reviews if you haven't already.

Also, you're probably aware of this, but just to be sure I noticed a user comment on your mobo at NewEgg, that indicated that only 2 memory slots support DDR3-1600. So it's good that you are going with 2 x 2 gB, rather than 4 x 1 GB.

Good luck with it!
-- Al

ATINUT · 05-01-2008, 08:36 AM

Don't believe everything you read for reviews on Newegg, on this board. I've noticed in most cases, the people writing those reviews don't know how to properly configure a motherboard.

For example, I'm running 4 1GB DIMMS on my Intel board without any problems what so ever.

XJ. · 05-01-2008, 08:56 AM

The specs are about the same TQ - so it's a matter or who you prefer. I haven't used OCZ memory. I've never had any trouble with G.Skill, Cosair or Muskin.

TQ · 05-01-2008, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctal

I haven't looked at these memory choices in any detail, or looked for reviews on them, but projecting (cautiously) from my experiences with and research on Corsair and OCZ DDR and DDR2: My general impression is that Corsair tends to fine-tune their memories to optimize latencies at rated speed, while OCZ tends to be more flexible and to be able to run with reasonable latencies over a wider range of clock speed. That's consistent with ATINut's characterization of OCZ as being more oriented towards overclocking. Of course none of that may hold true for specific models; so you'll probably want to look around for reviews if you haven't already.

I didn't know that about those "philosophical" differences between OCZ and Corsair. Great info and I'll keep that in mind as I read reviews.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctal

Also, you're probably aware of this, but just to be sure I noticed a user comment on your mobo at NewEgg, that indicated that only 2 memory slots support DDR3-1600. So it's good that you are going with 2 x 2 gB, rather than 4 x 1 GB.

I didn't know that either. I need to confirm this.

ctal · 05-01-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATINUT

Don't believe everything you read for reviews on Newegg, on this board. I've noticed in most cases, the people writing those reviews don't know how to properly configure a motherboard.

For example, I'm running 4 1GB DIMMS on my Intel board without any problems what so ever.

In this case it appears to be true. See page 14 of the manual:

http://download.intel.com/support/mo...2741601_en.pdf

Regards,
-- Al

TQ · 05-01-2008, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctal

In this case it appears to be true. See page 14 of the manual:

http://download.intel.com/support/mo...2741601_en.pdf

Regards,
-- Al

Yep. It's there.

TQ · 05-01-2008, 09:40 AM

Man, am I glad you pointed that out. If I had installed the memory in anything other than DIMM 0 and DIMM 1 of channel B and it didn't boot I'd be pulling my hair out.

Maybe I should reconsider getting DDDR31600...

ATINUT · 05-01-2008, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctal

In this case it appears to be true. See page 14 of the manual:

http://download.intel.com/support/mo...2741601_en.pdf

Regards,
-- Al

There is a new bios, out for the board that looks like it fixes this problem. Bios 1521 looks like it fixes this problem, as it adds updated support for 1600MHZ memory.

http://downloadmirror.intel.com/1564...leaseNotes.pdf

TQ · 05-01-2008, 09:44 AM

I wonder of those particular DIMMS are 1600Mhz exclusive? That is to say 1333Mhz DIMMS won't work in them.

This pretty much makes me have second thoughts about getting the X48. I may just get an X38 instead.

04-30-2008, 07:05 PM	#1
TQ You gonna throw that? Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8,302	My new game machine... It's really more of an upgrade than something all new, but May is the month and I plan to order parts in the next couple of days. Here's what I have planned: An Intel DX48BT2 motherboard, an E8500 and a 2x2GB kit of some kind of DDR3. There's the rub...I don't know exactly what DDR3 I want to purchase but it's pretty much down to some Corsair or OCZ PC3 12800. Much as I love Mushkin they're just too pricey right now. I'd certainly love to hear from anyone who has an opinion on RAM choice. I'm going with Vista Business (64-bit) and I'll keep my Creative Elite Pro, the eVGA 8800GTX and the Antec case. __________________ If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give her only two of them... Daywalker Studio: Software: Adobe Audition 3.0/Pro Tools LE 7.4/Acid Pro 6.0/Multiple VST, DirectX and RTAS plugins/Kontakt 3 Sampler/Windows XP Professional PC Hardware: D975XBX2-504/E6600/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-6400/Sapphire X1950XT/HP f1905 19" flat panel/Echo Audio Gina24 Sound Card/2 Maxtor 6B300SO's/1 Maxtor STM500AS/1 Western Digital WD2500JD/PleXwriter Premium/Plextor 716A/Samsung LightScribe DVD burner/Logitech Revolution MX/Antec P-180b/PPC&C Silencer 610/Zalman CNPS9500 HSF Recording Hardware: Mbox 2 Factory Pro/Mackie SR24.4VLZ Pro Console/M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller/Audio-Technica 4033a microphone/Symetrix 528E/PreSonus Eureka/Tannoy Reveal 6 Passive Monitors/QSC Audio RMX 2450 Power Amp Game Machine: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6/E8400/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-8500/eVGA 8800GTX/HP f2105 21" flat panel/Creative Labs X-Fi Elite Pro/Maxtor 6H500F0/Maxtor STM3320/Western Digital WD4000KD/Plextor 760A/Toshiba DVD-ROM/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec P-180/Ideazon Merc Stealth keyboard/Vista Business64 SP1
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04-30-2008, 09:05 PM	#2
ATINUT Just Plain Crazy! Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,140	Re: My new game machine... Good choice going with the Intel DX48BT2 motherboard, and should you decide at some point to use the onboard sound, it has the same soundchip that is on my 975XBX2, and has the IDT control panel with Dolby Surround Sound Decoding. I've noticed that Intel motherboards are far more stable than anything I've used before for a motherboard. Not one hiccup out of my 975XBX2, and I'll probably be putting my Vista 64 Ultimate back on one of these days. __________________ Intel D975XBX2 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 8GB's of Mushkin HP2 6400 memory(DDR2 800) Visiontek Radeon 3870X2 videocard HT Omega Claro(Cmedia 8788HD chip) 120GB&200GB&320GB Western Digital harddrives LG DVDROM & LG DVDBURNER HP Deskjet 920C Logitech X-540 speakers Viewsonic VG2030wm 20inch Widescreen LCD Windows Vista 64 Ultimate Who'se the fool that approved the design for this place. - The Dwarf, Sacred Underworld.
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04-30-2008, 10:07 PM	#3
traveler Where to next? Join Date: May 2001 Location: South Florida Posts: 17,782	Hurray!!!!!!! Upgrade time!!!!!!! Congrats TQ. I wish they would make the motherboard I'm after - Republic of Gamers Asus X48 Rampage Extreme. Closest to it ATM is the X38 Maximus Extreme. And look at the great reviews on it - Here's the review from TweakTown - Look at the summary quote. ASUS ROG Series X38 DDR3 Maximus Extreme :: TweakTown
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04-30-2008, 10:30 PM	#4
TQ You gonna throw that? Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8,302	Re: My new game machine... So, you guys have any thoughts on a DDR3 choice? Here's what I'm looking at now: OCZ 2x2GB Platinum and the CorsairTwin3X4096-1600C7DHX ... __________________ If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give her only two of them... Daywalker Studio: Software: Adobe Audition 3.0/Pro Tools LE 7.4/Acid Pro 6.0/Multiple VST, DirectX and RTAS plugins/Kontakt 3 Sampler/Windows XP Professional PC Hardware: D975XBX2-504/E6600/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-6400/Sapphire X1950XT/HP f1905 19" flat panel/Echo Audio Gina24 Sound Card/2 Maxtor 6B300SO's/1 Maxtor STM500AS/1 Western Digital WD2500JD/PleXwriter Premium/Plextor 716A/Samsung LightScribe DVD burner/Logitech Revolution MX/Antec P-180b/PPC&C Silencer 610/Zalman CNPS9500 HSF Recording Hardware: Mbox 2 Factory Pro/Mackie SR24.4VLZ Pro Console/M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller/Audio-Technica 4033a microphone/Symetrix 528E/PreSonus Eureka/Tannoy Reveal 6 Passive Monitors/QSC Audio RMX 2450 Power Amp Game Machine: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6/E8400/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-8500/eVGA 8800GTX/HP f2105 21" flat panel/Creative Labs X-Fi Elite Pro/Maxtor 6H500F0/Maxtor STM3320/Western Digital WD4000KD/Plextor 760A/Toshiba DVD-ROM/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec P-180/Ideazon Merc Stealth keyboard/Vista Business64 SP1
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04-30-2008, 10:54 PM	#5
ATINUT Just Plain Crazy! Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,140	Re: My new game machine... Since you're probably not an overclocker, I'm going to say go with Corsair. From my understanding most of OCZ's memory is overclocking memory. __________________ Intel D975XBX2 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 8GB's of Mushkin HP2 6400 memory(DDR2 800) Visiontek Radeon 3870X2 videocard HT Omega Claro(Cmedia 8788HD chip) 120GB&200GB&320GB Western Digital harddrives LG DVDROM & LG DVDBURNER HP Deskjet 920C Logitech X-540 speakers Viewsonic VG2030wm 20inch Widescreen LCD Windows Vista 64 Ultimate Who'se the fool that approved the design for this place. - The Dwarf, Sacred Underworld.
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05-01-2008, 08:04 AM	#6
TQ You gonna throw that? Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8,302	Re: My new game machine... True, it is, but I have always purchased the best memory I can afford for the game machine because I know I'll have that extra margin of performance. So, I'm not adverse to buying that level of memory just against overpaying for it. __________________ If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give her only two of them... Daywalker Studio: Software: Adobe Audition 3.0/Pro Tools LE 7.4/Acid Pro 6.0/Multiple VST, DirectX and RTAS plugins/Kontakt 3 Sampler/Windows XP Professional PC Hardware: D975XBX2-504/E6600/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-6400/Sapphire X1950XT/HP f1905 19" flat panel/Echo Audio Gina24 Sound Card/2 Maxtor 6B300SO's/1 Maxtor STM500AS/1 Western Digital WD2500JD/PleXwriter Premium/Plextor 716A/Samsung LightScribe DVD burner/Logitech Revolution MX/Antec P-180b/PPC&C Silencer 610/Zalman CNPS9500 HSF Recording Hardware: Mbox 2 Factory Pro/Mackie SR24.4VLZ Pro Console/M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller/Audio-Technica 4033a microphone/Symetrix 528E/PreSonus Eureka/Tannoy Reveal 6 Passive Monitors/QSC Audio RMX 2450 Power Amp Game Machine: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6/E8400/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-8500/eVGA 8800GTX/HP f2105 21" flat panel/Creative Labs X-Fi Elite Pro/Maxtor 6H500F0/Maxtor STM3320/Western Digital WD4000KD/Plextor 760A/Toshiba DVD-ROM/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec P-180/Ideazon Merc Stealth keyboard/Vista Business64 SP1
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05-01-2008, 08:25 AM	#7
ctal Eschews Obfuscation Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Connecticut, USA Posts: 1,012	Re: My new game machine... I haven't looked at these memory choices in any detail, or looked for reviews on them, but projecting (cautiously) from my experiences with and research on Corsair and OCZ DDR and DDR2: My general impression is that Corsair tends to fine-tune their memories to optimize latencies at rated speed, while OCZ tends to be more flexible and to be able to run with reasonable latencies over a wider range of clock speed. That's consistent with ATINut's characterization of OCZ as being more oriented towards overclocking. Of course none of that may hold true for specific models; so you'll probably want to look around for reviews if you haven't already. Also, you're probably aware of this, but just to be sure I noticed a user comment on your mobo at NewEgg, that indicated that only 2 memory slots support DDR3-1600. So it's good that you are going with 2 x 2 gB, rather than 4 x 1 GB. Good luck with it! -- Al __________________ "I didn't say I didn't say it. I said that I didn't say that I said it. I want to make that very clear." -- George Romney, in 1968, while campaigning for the Republican nomination for President of the United States.
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05-01-2008, 08:36 AM	#8
ATINUT Just Plain Crazy! Join Date: Apr 2002 Posts: 3,140	Re: My new game machine... Don't believe everything you read for reviews on Newegg, on this board. I've noticed in most cases, the people writing those reviews don't know how to properly configure a motherboard. For example, I'm running 4 1GB DIMMS on my Intel board without any problems what so ever. __________________ Intel D975XBX2 Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 8GB's of Mushkin HP2 6400 memory(DDR2 800) Visiontek Radeon 3870X2 videocard HT Omega Claro(Cmedia 8788HD chip) 120GB&200GB&320GB Western Digital harddrives LG DVDROM & LG DVDBURNER HP Deskjet 920C Logitech X-540 speakers Viewsonic VG2030wm 20inch Widescreen LCD Windows Vista 64 Ultimate Who'se the fool that approved the design for this place. - The Dwarf, Sacred Underworld.
(Offline)

05-01-2008, 08:56 AM	#9
XJ. Will code for food... Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: NH, USA Posts: 5,883	Re: My new game machine... The specs are about the same TQ - so it's a matter or who you prefer. I haven't used OCZ memory. I've never had any trouble with G.Skill, Cosair or Muskin.
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05-01-2008, 09:40 AM	#13
TQ You gonna throw that? Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8,302	Re: My new game machine... Man, am I glad you pointed that out. If I had installed the memory in anything other than DIMM 0 and DIMM 1 of channel B and it didn't boot I'd be pulling my hair out. Maybe I should reconsider getting DDDR31600... __________________ If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give her only two of them... Daywalker Studio: Software: Adobe Audition 3.0/Pro Tools LE 7.4/Acid Pro 6.0/Multiple VST, DirectX and RTAS plugins/Kontakt 3 Sampler/Windows XP Professional PC Hardware: D975XBX2-504/E6600/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-6400/Sapphire X1950XT/HP f1905 19" flat panel/Echo Audio Gina24 Sound Card/2 Maxtor 6B300SO's/1 Maxtor STM500AS/1 Western Digital WD2500JD/PleXwriter Premium/Plextor 716A/Samsung LightScribe DVD burner/Logitech Revolution MX/Antec P-180b/PPC&C Silencer 610/Zalman CNPS9500 HSF Recording Hardware: Mbox 2 Factory Pro/Mackie SR24.4VLZ Pro Console/M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller/Audio-Technica 4033a microphone/Symetrix 528E/PreSonus Eureka/Tannoy Reveal 6 Passive Monitors/QSC Audio RMX 2450 Power Amp Game Machine: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6/E8400/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-8500/eVGA 8800GTX/HP f2105 21" flat panel/Creative Labs X-Fi Elite Pro/Maxtor 6H500F0/Maxtor STM3320/Western Digital WD4000KD/Plextor 760A/Toshiba DVD-ROM/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec P-180/Ideazon Merc Stealth keyboard/Vista Business64 SP1
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05-01-2008, 09:44 AM	#15
TQ You gonna throw that? Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 8,302	Re: My new game machine... I wonder of those particular DIMMS are 1600Mhz exclusive? That is to say 1333Mhz DIMMS won't work in them. This pretty much makes me have second thoughts about getting the X48. I may just get an X38 instead. __________________ If you think dogs can’t count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give her only two of them... Daywalker Studio: Software: Adobe Audition 3.0/Pro Tools LE 7.4/Acid Pro 6.0/Multiple VST, DirectX and RTAS plugins/Kontakt 3 Sampler/Windows XP Professional PC Hardware: D975XBX2-504/E6600/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-6400/Sapphire X1950XT/HP f1905 19" flat panel/Echo Audio Gina24 Sound Card/2 Maxtor 6B300SO's/1 Maxtor STM500AS/1 Western Digital WD2500JD/PleXwriter Premium/Plextor 716A/Samsung LightScribe DVD burner/Logitech Revolution MX/Antec P-180b/PPC&C Silencer 610/Zalman CNPS9500 HSF Recording Hardware: Mbox 2 Factory Pro/Mackie SR24.4VLZ Pro Console/M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI Controller/Audio-Technica 4033a microphone/Symetrix 528E/PreSonus Eureka/Tannoy Reveal 6 Passive Monitors/QSC Audio RMX 2450 Power Amp Game Machine: Gigabyte GA-X48-DQ6/E8400/4x2GB Mushkin XP2-8500/eVGA 8800GTX/HP f2105 21" flat panel/Creative Labs X-Fi Elite Pro/Maxtor 6H500F0/Maxtor STM3320/Western Digital WD4000KD/Plextor 760A/Toshiba DVD-ROM/Zalman CNPS9700/Antec P-180/Ideazon Merc Stealth keyboard/Vista Business64 SP1
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