[Update 25/11] 2GB of DDR2 for overclocking what to buy

[TeRm]

Then that means 1.8 = pc2-1111. Nice

[shimmishim]

Yes, it is. Crucial takes their own Micron ICs and bins them differently.
Whereas for instance normal D9GMH is 3 ns memory they use the following:

-2F indicates 2ns memory, equal to 500MHz (1000 ÷ 2) » PC2-8000.
-25F indicates 2.5ns memory, equal to 400MHz (1000 ÷ 2.5) » PC2-6400.

Generally, you will only find this type of marking on relabeled Ballistix ICs.

So would you be expected to find something like a -1.8F or -1.9F on the new 1066 modules?

[Rone]

Then that means 1.8 = pc2-1111. Nice

Actually the PC2 rating would be PC2-8888 but yes, 1.8ns equals 555MHz (DDR2-1111).

So would you be expected to find something like a -1.8F or -1.9F on the new 1066 modules?

Yes, Ballistix PC2-8500 has -18F markings on its ICs.

[zbomb5610]

Actually the PC2 rating would be PC2-8888 but yes, 1.8ns equals 555MHz (DDR2-1111).


Yes, Ballistix PC2-8500 has -18F markings on its ICs.

i bit on a 2gb set of the 8500 ballistix. Now i need to figure out what i want to do with my anni's.

[RealTelstar]

Who knows any good shops in Europe or American shops that sell to foreigners? (What is PGN where Realtelstar bought his stuff?)

I'm searching day and night for some DDR2 for my new system that I'd like to buy asap (with either a Gigabyte DS4 or Asus P5B DLX MB), but prizes in the Netherlands are so extremely high compared to those American shops. And they refuse to sell to foreigners.

I have about 150 euro to spend on some decent memory (or between 125 and 200). Which means any PC8... is far out of reach. The Ballistix offers (my dream) at either Mwave or Newegg would be exactly right . But unfortunately, I don't live in the US and I don't know anyone living there who could order it for me.

So I'm now looking at PC6400 CL4. But even that is a problem, because I'd prefer to have some D9's. And I have the strong impression that many of the brands that have sticks with prices dropped under 200 euro are switching to alternatives like Elpida or Promos.

When I look in Germany, Adata Vitesta extreme PC6400 would be an option. But according to R00N's list they contain either Micron or Promos. Maybe I could find some Mushkin HP or G.Skill HZ. (They would cost somewhere 175-185 euro) But if it would be true that even they might be switching to other IC's for most of the cheaper PC6400...

So my last option is to go the savest way, the Ballistix PC5300. They are better than the PC6400 version and at least I would have some real D9. And they cost the same for 182 euro. Or in that case I could go for the PC5300 Tracers. (189 euro) Because Micron would never decrease the level of their own Ballistix, or....?

Why is it so difficult to sell sticks for those prizes over here in Europe? $200-250 for the best sticks, just amazing. We just need a Newegg or Mwave operating here. Or at least accepting foreign orders. It really hurts my eyes and makes me sad that in the US they sell the best of the best almost cheaper than the older PC5300 or PC6400 here. And then those rebates...

http://www.priceguidenetwork.com/pro...oductid=124642
Here is where i bought my 2 kits. They have excellent price on the other ballistix (until stocks last). And they ship to Europe.

When I was shopping for ram, in Europe I found some decent deals (decent for the EU overpriced market). I can post for your benefit:

1) OCZ Titanium alpha for about €190 shipped:
http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/...45&cat=0&page=

2) A-data Vitesta WITH Micron D9 chips for 140+ship:
http://www.hpm-computer.de/assets/s2...elgoldxtc.html
(they may be picky in shipping to other EU countries if they have reached the "limit for vat -sounds like bull to me, whatever). They were available last week when i looked at.

3) G.Skill HZ for 183+ship:
http://www.pctweaker.de/product_info...l-Kit-CL4.html

Lastly, there are a couple of ballistix kits on ebay from european sellers.
BTW, prices in the NL are generally on the low side compared to other european countries.

[RealTelstar]

8500's module. I've been looking for reviews and came across a decent one finally. It's amazing how novice 95% of review sites are. Really pisses me off that they let idiots get free review samples! Just read a review on PC Freaks and geeks (aka PC Dipsh1ts and Dipsticks!) that refused to overclock them because they 'don't believe in overclocking!' THEY WERE COMPLAINING THAT THERE WAS NO VOLTAGE LABEL ON THE STICKS! OH MY GOD THEY ARE MADE FOR ENTHUSIASTS NOT CHUMPS!

I was also looking at reviews yesterday and i'm very disappointed.
First of all, almost nobody overvolted them
Second, no ONE comparison with pc-8000 (I can only suspect that they clock the same).

This review is pretty decent, but it still lacks some detail and comparison with previews ballistix:
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews.p...0_2gb_ddr2_kit

[RealTelstar]

i bit on a 2gb set of the 8500 ballistix. Now i need to figure out what i want to do with my anni's.

Which was the timing on the Anni?

[shimmishim]

Which was the timing on the Anni?

10th anni's are 3-3-3-8 @ 2.2 volts ddr2-667

but they are easily capable of 5-3-3-8 @ 2.35 volts ddr2-1200 which I've been able to run at with 32M superpi

[zbomb5610]

Which was the timing on the Anni?

I believe they are rated 3-3-3-8 667 @ 2.2v

but i have them running 1036 4-4-3-4 @ 2.2v

[Orange Power]

http://www.priceguidenetwork.com/pro...oductid=124642
Here is where i bought my 2 kits. They have excellent price on the other ballistix (until stocks last). And they ship to Europe.

When I was shopping for ram, in Europe I found some decent deals (decent for the EU overpriced market). I can post for your benefit:

1) OCZ Titanium alpha for about €190 shipped:
http://www.specialtech.co.uk/spshop/...45&cat=0&page=

2) A-data Vitesta WITH Micron D9 chips for 140+ship:
http://www.hpm-computer.de/assets/s2...elgoldxtc.html
(they may be picky in shipping to other EU countries if they have reached the "limit for vat -sounds like bull to me, whatever). They were available last week when i looked at.

3) G.Skill HZ for 183+ship:
http://www.pctweaker.de/product_info...l-Kit-CL4.html

Lastly, there are a couple of ballistix kits on ebay from european sellers.
BTW, prices in the NL are generally on the low side compared to other european countries.

Grazie per i link Telstar !

Especially that PGN deal for the Ballistix is great, looks like my dream might become true after all then

I have a difference of opinion with my friend (who has cancelled his running order of Team PC6400 and will now join my order):

Is the quality of the Tracers less than the quality of the normal Ballistix? He doesnt want any Tracers because he believes they are not as good as the normal Ballistix. I'd prefer the tracers because I think they're exactly the same, just with some funny leds for a few bucks extra. I cannot imagine Micron would compromise the quality. But if he would be right and the Tracers are worse quality, I won't take them either. So if any of you could shine some light in this matter, I'd be very gratefull.

[irev210]

Is the quality of the Tracers less than the quality of the normal Ballistix? He doesnt want any Tracers because he believes they are not as good as the normal Ballistix. I'd prefer the tracers because I think they're exactly the same, just with some funny leds for a few bucks extra. I cannot imagine Micron would compromise the quality. But if he would be right and the Tracers are worse quality, I won't take them either. So if any of you could shine some light in this matter, I'd be very gratefull.

its exactly the same

SAME IC's, clock EXACTLY the same. I've tested multiple sets of both.

The fact is, both tracers and non-tracers are on the exact same PCB, only the non-tracers dont have the LED controller and LED's attached to it.

[irev210]

Yes, Ballistix PC2-8500 has -18F markings on its ICs.

oh how exciting! haha, i cant wait to get mine. i will post review in 2 days when they arrive.

[RealTelstar]

10th anni's are 3-3-3-8 @ 2.2 volts ddr2-667

but they are easily capable of 5-3-3-8 @ 2.35 volts ddr2-1200 which I've been able to run at with 32M superpi

I mean the chip markings. At the time they didnt relabel micron chips, right?
The Annis should be -3 (micron labeling), picked for lowest possible timings (at the time).

I'm still a bit unsure of the Ballistix pc2-8500 performance... i may buy one kit just for testing it vs the 8000

[Istasi]

G.Skill DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) for $199

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231128

Confirmed GMH/GKX here.

[Roger_D25]

Great find Istasi, before reading the thread you linked to I would have said they were Promos because of a review Enjoy did just a little while ago (same HK naming sceme)? But G.S. Technician is guarenteeing their GMH/GKX so great deal for $199!

Irev210,
Can't wait to get your opinion on these modules because I'm selling my Cellshocks to get them (hope I'm not making another bad desicion), lol! But as I've said before the Ballistix are by far the best modules I've ever used! I'm glad I asked about the "in-house" binning code on the modules, it's great to know that the new PC2-8500 Ballistix are indeed binned higher! Keep us posted Irev!

[Roger_D25]

Sorry guys double posted, didn't mean to waste thread space!

[Hutch]

Great find Istasi, before reading the thread you linked to I would have said they were Promos because of a review Enjoy did just a little while ago (same HK naming sceme)? But G.S. Technician is guarenteeing their GMH/GKX so great deal for $199!

Irev210,
Can't wait to get your opinion on these modules because I'm selling my Cellshocks to get them (hope I'm not making another bad desicion), lol! But as I've said before the Ballistix are by far the best modules I've ever used! I'm glad I asked about the "in-house" binning code on the modules, it's great to know that the new PC2-8500 Ballistix are indeed binned higher! Keep us posted Irev!

Not just binned a little higher, they are binned a lot higher (1.8ns vs 2.0ns is a big difference.)

I don't think I'd be going out on a limb by saying these are the fastest sticks out...

[stephen23]

Recently I have bought a pair of G.Skill 8000HZ in the oldest heatspreader:


for my curiorsity, I opened it again:


I wonder why my those chips inside is almost the same as hutch's ballistix:

isn't that a G.Skill HZ???

but the no. on the chip shows -3F only?
that means it is a pair (1000/3)= 667 sticks?

and anyone know what's going on with this pair of HZ, good for OC?

[ziddey]

whoa that's insanity that they're badged ballistix. hmm... but as for the -3, means it's gmh. no worries.

[nicepun]

Recently I have bought a pair of G.Skill 8000HZ in the oldest heatspreader:

PICS REMOVED TO KEEP IT SHORT

isn't that a G.Skill HZ???

but the no. on the chip shows -3F only?
that means it is a pair (1000/3)= 667 sticks?

and anyone know what's going on with this pair of HZ, good for OC?

Ha ha, those are the same as the Ballistix from Crucial (i.e. ICs and PCBs), hint hint for those that are still looking. The same sticks with different heatspreaders and SPD timings.

[stephen23]

Ha ha, those are the same as the Ballistix from Crucial (i.e. ICs and PCBs), hint hint for those that are still looking. The same sticks with different heatspreaders and SPD timings.

so it is 6 or 8 layers?

[Rone]

[...]

for my curiorsity, I opened it again:
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...y/DSC00597.jpg

I wonder why my those chips inside is almost the same as hutch's ballistix:
http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l1...y/DSC00608.jpg

Because they are Crucial Ballistix. All G.Skill modules with a black PCB and old heatspreader are. The new ones are not.

but the no. on the chip shows -3F only?
that means it is a pair (1000/3)= 667 sticks?

That's because it initially was Ballistix PC5300 (DDR2-667). It still has D9GMH and a very good PCB though. Otherwise it wouldn't be PC2-8000 now.

so it is 6 or 8 layers?

It's 6 layers.

[stephen23]

Because they are Crucial Ballistix. All G.Skill modules with a black PCB and old heatspreader are. The new ones are not.


That's because it initially was Ballistix PC5300 (DDR2-667). It still has D9GMH and a very good PCB though.


It's 6 layers.

Thx for answering!~

[Hutch]

Because they are Crucial Ballistix. All G.Skill modules with a black PCB and old heatspreader are. The new ones are not.


That's because it initially was Ballistix PC5300 (DDR2-667). It still has D9GMH and a very good PCB though. Otherwise it wouldn't be PC2-8000 now.


It's 6 layers.

I wouldn't be suprised if the new ones are also rebadged ballistix. G.Skill released those new PC8500 4-4-4-5 'HK' kits at the same time as crucial released the PC8500 Ballistix... A little too coincidental.

[RealTelstar]

I'm looking to see either of the new 8500 modules tested here