Conclusions

From the benchmarks we have performed, it would seem latency is the last thing you need to be worrying about when choosing your memory. Frequency and the amount of memory seem to be the main point, with a minimum of 512MB recommended. What can be said is that there is a definite correlation between memory that is capable of low latencies and memory that can overclock to higher frequencies. Low latency memory is generally a sign of better quality, which should hopefully mean better reliability.

We found the results very surprising with things like dual channel mode making very little difference. We see this to be the equivalent of hard disks in striped RAID array – the theoretical difference considerably outweighs the real world benefit.

In saying this, when gaming, we certainly notice the difference between 512MB and 1GB of memory, so benchmarks are not a perfect judge of such performance. The difference may be minor, such as a slight stutter when an enemy comes in the room, but this can be enough to ruin your game.

It is also worth noting that these tests have only been performed on the Pentium 4 platform and the results could be down to poor implementation on Intels behalf. Dual channel mode is good enough on the AMD platform to warrant an increase of the PR rating of the 3400+ on Socket 754 to 3800+ on Socket 939, despite the same clock speeds with only dual channel memory being the difference.

With latency and frequency, the largest difference seen was around 5%. It is often said, unless something will give you the equivalent of the next CPU jump, it's not worth it. Considering low latency high frequency memory is generally double the cost of cheaper memory - this certainly doesn't equate as value for money.

What to Buy

On the AMD platform, DDR400 memory is where it’s at. This is used on Socket A, Socket 754 and Socket 939, even with the newer PCI Express chipsets. In order for AMD to move to a new memory standard, they will also have to introduce a new processor and socket, so we will see DDR400 sticking around for a while. Because DDR-II is such a middle ground product, AMD are not planning to support it and will more than likely jump straight to DDR-III. With DDR500 yields now being very good, as demonstrated by the memory in this round up, we have been told there is a high chance of a new AMD stepping to support the required 250MHz front side bus.

Intel on the other hand have gone full steam ahead, making the platform jump to Socket 775 a terrifying one, with not only needing a new CPU, but PCI-Express graphics and in a lot of cases DDR-II memory. We are unsure how wise an investment DDR-II memory is, so if you really want to move to the new platform, we recommend buying a 915 based board, with support for DDR memory. In the future, DDR-II may be about as useful to you as RamBus is now.

Too many times have we seen the effects of cheap memory. Although inviting at first, it often results in stability issues, if not now but in the future. Some memory is a made of a mish-mash of different brands of chip. They often skimp on costs by having an ultra thin layer of gold for the connecting pins, meaning that after as little as 2 installations the connections can wear away causing the memory to fail. Most cheap memory is high latency, with very little flexibility for overclocking. Solving intermittent crashes can be a complete pain. Sometimes, buying cheap can mean buying twice.

If you really must have the fastest performace, by all means go for low latency, high frequency memory and you may get an extra 5% out of your system. However, for this be prepared to pay quite a premium.

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