DDR Memory Comparison: Crucial, Corsair, Mushkin

[Ioman]

Memory has got to be one of the most important parts of a computer system. In recent days, the big names in memory manufacturers / resellers have been quick to introduce their own version of DDR400 memory, or otherwise known as PC3200 DDR memory, which of course, also happen to cost quite a bit more. We check out some Corsair XMS 3200, the very new Corsair XMS 3500, some Crucial PC2700, Mushkin PC3200 as well as throwing the Crucial PC2100 into the mix.

http://www.8ballshardware.com/articles/ddrcompare/page1.cfm

[ruri]

While piecing together parts for my current server/workstation, I checked into various memory providers, and concluded there's no difference among the top-end providers unless you planned on serious OCing.

I also concluded that the biggest bottleneck nowadays isn't the memory subsystem, it's the HD subsystem. This is especially true for video editing that I'm now experimenting with.

So I figure the biggest bang-for-the-buck is to load up on 1/2 GB of Crucial PC2100 and spend the money on the 120GB / 8MB cache 7200rpm WD drive.

I'm pretty sure I have a more responsive / faster computer going this route than buying those PC3200 DDR and a standard 7200rpm drive.

Comments?

[Ioman]

Originally posted by ruri
While piecing together parts for my current server/workstation, I checked into various memory providers, and concluded there's no difference among the top-end providers unless you planned on serious OCing.

I also concluded that the biggest bottleneck nowadays isn't the memory subsystem, it's the HD subsystem. This is especially true for video editing that I'm now experimenting with.

So I figure the biggest bang-for-the-buck is to load up on 1/2 GB of Crucial PC2100 and spend the money on the 120GB / 8MB cache 7200rpm WD drive.

I'm pretty sure I have a more responsive / faster computer going this route than buying those PC3200 DDR and a standard 7200rpm drive.

Comments?

I think that you are right on. Aren't there only a few memory manufacturers anyways? Samsung, Crucial, Hyundia, NEC any others? I think Corsair and Mushikin use Crucial memory modules? I have always bought Crucial memory or Samsung memory and I have not had any compatibility issues.

I do think that the HD is the bottleneck like you stated. I have a 30 GB and when that drive gets full, my system creeps it feels. So I can only imagine what a large HD with an 8mb cache is like. I cannot wait for Serial ATA now that I bought the Abit AT7 MAX2 motherboard!