Difference between "value" ram and "premium" ram

[qpan]

The following quote is from http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2797&p=19

"The Value DDR2 tests comparing seven 2GB DDR2 kits at less than $200 provided quite a few surprises. ALL of the seven brands reached DDR2-800 with a voltage increase to around 2.2V. This performance was a complete surprise for DDR2 memory kits rated at DDR-533 or DDR2-667. Most of the value kits also reached DDR2-800 memory timings of 4-3-3. This is only slightly slower than our High-Performance DDR2 group at DDR2-800 3-3-3. This means performance of this group is almost exactly the same at DDR2-800 or DDR2-667 as the High-Performance DDR2 - at less than half the price! We will have additional Conroe performance test results from this group in a future article."

My question is, is it really worth spending all that extra money on top of the range ram, which costs lots more but for so little extra performance?

Also, does it matter if i use for example ddr2-800 in a motherboard which only supports ddr2-667 and underclock the ram? Or are there differences in voltage meaning that the ddr2-800 will not work even if underclocked?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Qi

 

[qpan]

The reason why i ask is because i've just found some corsair valueram (667MHz) 2x1GB matched pair for £118!

http://www.westavon-systems.co.uk/pd_2gb_2x1gb_corsair_value_select_ddr2.cfm

 

[Ham]

Buy it, if its good, hooray. If not, sell it.

 

[qpan]

Buy it, if its good, hooray. If not, sell it.

True - but jesus - just had a further look on that site - check this out!

http://www.westavon-systems.co.uk/pd_2gb_2x1gb_corsair_twinx_xms2.cfm

 

[Raven]

My question is, is it really worth spending all that extra money on top of the range ram, which costs lots more but for so little extra performance?

depends, premium is one of the best ways to go for overclocking.

value is more then enough for most people out there which dont overclock the cpu in any way.

Also, does it matter if i use for example ddr2-800 in a motherboard which only supports ddr2-667 and underclock the ram? Or are there differences in voltage meaning that the ddr2-800 will not work even if underclocked?

with 800 running at 667 its possible to tighten the timings.

800 is aimed for overclocking.

 

[BUFF]

that co. doesn't have a very good rep though ...

http://forums.hexus.net/showthread.php?t=86228&highlight=westavon

 

[roscoe2000]

Not sure if its the same one but it looks like their Ebay shop may have closed down as well http://cgi1.ebay.ie/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewStore&name=westavonuk

It looked to good to be true and probably was.

Saying that I had my credit card out ready

 

[JN]

Might wanna check this out too:

http://feedback.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=westavon-uk

 

[qpan]

Might wanna check this out too:

http://feedback.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback&userid=westavon-uk

Wow - thats bad feedback - looks like i'll be staying away from them!

Thanks for the heads up! You probably just saved me £125

Just got a reply from the site after asking them about ram stock and delivery price.

I know i'd be covered by my credit card company, but not sure its worth the hassle...

HI,

Thanks for your email. All our prices do include VAT and for this item

delivery will be approximately £5.50. As for stock, this is a popular item

and is out of stock with a 7-10 day lead time.

Regards

Customer Services

WestAvon Systems

 

[qpan]

Bugger that - just went through the checkout and its Cheque or bank transfer only!

Not even protected by my credit card - no way am i going to buy from them!

 

[JN]

Bugger that - just went through the checkout and its Cheque or bank transfer only!

Not even protected by my credit card - no way am i going to buy from them!

These guys should be shut down ASAP. Sounds like they are getting ready to take money and disappear.

 

[qpan]

These guys should be shut down ASAP. Sounds like they are getting ready to take money and disappear.

I totally agree. I can't believe how unsafe the web has suddenly become - google is probably to blame. I came across this company called Tescobox direct - came up in Froogle (google's shop search) as cheapest every time. They really need to do some security checks as this company turned out to be a complete fraud (e.g. 500 euro min spend, balance transfer/cheque only, mobile phone contact number). Closed soon after (although still on Froogle) and probably took lots of people's money with them!

Similarly, i found this company through Froogle too!

 

[JN]

Yeah, Froogle does allow you to vote and give feedback on the retailers listed on the site so it's probably worth doing that to prevent anyone else falling victim.