ChrisB

Killing some time by spec'ing a Shuttle XPC again

NForce version is still top of my list, so want to run dual channel DDR. Looking at prices from Overclockers.co.uk:

Crucial 256MB DDR PC2700 CAS2.5 - £39.50+VAT
TwinMOS 256MB DDR PC2700 CAS2.5 - £29.50+VAT
Samsung 256MB DDR PC2700 CAS2.5 - £44.30+VAT

TwinMOS 512MB DDR PC2700 CAS2.5 - £59.20+VAT
Samsung 256MB DDR PC2700 CAS2.5 - £90.00+VAT

TwinMOS 256MB DDR PC3200 CAS2.5 - £40.20+VAT

1) Not bothered about OC'ing, so is it worth the extra 70p for PC3200 stuff? What is the best RAM speed for the NF? 2700 or 3200?

2) I've always stuck with Crucial for all my recent PCs - is TwinMOS too cheap?

TIA,

Chris.

stevem2k

O'clockers aren't reccommending the Corsair 2700 DDR for nforce boards - there is a note in the product description. I have mailed them to find out why, but not got a response.

Steve

ChrisB

Maybe trying to push you towards the "Twin X" kits with paired modules for a few quid more?

Corsair 512MB DDR XMS2700LL Low Latency Platinum CAS2 - £116.65 + VAT

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

Right, chances are that those TwinMOS PC3200 sticks are the ones that feature Winbond chips on them, but there are non winbond variants around too that are a little cheaper. The Winbond versions of these sticks actually are highly regarded in overclocking circles for the speeds that they can reach. I know you said not overclocking, but bear with me

Now, as I have mentioned in another recent post, I bought a batch of these early chips last year. The were not the TwinMOS versions, they were from Microdirect on generic PCB's I was not impressed with them at all. Other people also expressed their disappointment with them too. However, The TwinMOS PCB's couple with these 5ns chips seemed to be far better when they came to market.

I personally have NOT tried them yet tho. Now, the reason I say go for the fastest natural chip is that since you will most likely be running the ram on a 133 or 166 mhz bus, not a 200 bus, you can more aggressive timings on the ram without have to run anything more than standard voltage through it/them. The VIA and Nforce chipsets respond well to running more aggresive timings if the ram is good.

I would ring Overclockers and ask them to check if their TwinMOS pcbs are fitted with the Winbond -5ns chips or not. If not, then I would avoid. Komplett actually have them and the standard ones and state the winbond bit in their product description.

Saying all of that tho, if it was me, I would stick to using the uber expensive corsair, as it takes the guesswork out of it imo. I have 2 512 mb xms3200 c2 sticks and 1 of them I am using in a kt400 abit board (known for very aggresive memory timings) running DDR333 (PC2700) ultra perfomance, 5,2,2,2 timings with the 1T command rate also enabled. This is at default 2.5V. Absolutely rock solid and cranks out over 2550MB/S on Sandra 2003's memory benchmark for you to compare.

Hope this helps

Cheers,
Nick

ChrisB

Excellent - many thanks Nick.

No need to ring Overclockers... they're only five minutes from home I've got to get some Crucial sticks for a work job from them, so work will pay the mileage to

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

Cool, see what they say about the TwinMOS sticks, feel free to show them what I posted on here and see what they say.

Cheers,

Nick

ChrisB

Couldn't be arsed to get off my *** , so mailed them.

Reply is:

"The ones we have in stock have Twin MOS 5ns memory chips."

Avoid then?

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

So they aren't prepared to go look?

Boooooooo, but not the first time they have been less than helpful in my experience

Phone one of the gimps up and ask them to go see

I cannot say yey or nay m8 if they are not the winbond chips. Down to you at the end of the day.

Cheers,

Nick

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

Sorry, misread, but I would really ring them anyway

ChrisB

TwinMOS just assemble then? Never heard of them as a DRAM manufacturer.

They obviously couldn't be arsed to get off their seat either.

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

I cannot remember, it has been sooo long since I dealt with any TwinMOS stuff. If you are interested in trying the Winbond pc3200 versions of their stuff, then I recommend going to Komplett. Most of the people behind the phones at overclockers are fecking useless imo

Cheers,

Nick

ChrisB

Ahh, borrocks to it.

Going to get one of the Corsair TwinX PC2700 sets

ChrisB

Nick,

What's it like to be right?

Just crossed TwinMOS off my list completely.

Mr Footlong

iTrader: (7)

You or me?

Shame that nowhere in that post do they mention if they are the Winbond 5ns chip versions or not. Corsair is my fav as I have zero issues with this

Cheers,

Nick

ChrisB

You Sir

I've just reg'd for OC, so I'll post and ask if they have WinBond chips or not.

stevem2k

Might want to get the Corsair 3200DDR instead of the 2700DDR. The 2700 isn't 'recommended' for nforce boards. should only be a few quid difference and you get some future proofing if you want to buy a barton in the future.

Steve

ChrisB

I was thinking about that, what with Intel going DDR400 on their new chipsets later this year.

Hey, it's only another £20