As I was searching for DDR2 RAM for my new build, I learned many things. One of the first things I learned was that the quality of the RAM isnt necessarily based off the brand name, but off of the IC the RAM was assembled with.
Apparently this guide is misinformed, so you can read it, but just take what you want from it. If it is infact as bad as the the two people below this say, then a moderator can delete it. Sorry.
If you own a Dell or any other name brand computer and are looking for RAM, just buy any ValueRAM from a trusted company since you cant overclock it anyways, you dont need to read this.
What is an IC?
An IC is an integrated circuit on the RAM.
Why should the IC be the deciding factor, and not that brand name?
The IC is basically the RAM. IC determines what clock speed the RAM can do at what voltages and at what timings. Different brands can use the same IC but just slap on their branded heatspreaders.
How do I find out which IC a certain type of memory uses; it isn't on the vendor site?
The only way to find out exactly what IC the memory is question is using, is to pull off the heatspreaders and see the labeling on the IC itself (usually voids warranty).
Is there a way of finding out the IC on RAM before you buy it?
Yes, there is a website called the RAM list, and it lists which ICs are used in which memory. Alternatively, you could call the company of the RAM and ask them, some disclose the information and some don't.
DDR2 RAM List
There are next to no 4GB kits on there/RAM in my price range isnt on there, now what do I do?
Use Google. Not everyones findings are posted on the RAM list, and are just sitting on some random forum.
Wow, thats great, but how do I know which IC is good?
Well, you research it, but since I already researched it I will present my findings. The best IC for overclocking is the MicronD9GMH and MicronD9GKX. Promos and MicronD9GCT are good too.
I am in the market for a 4GB kit and all that seems to be listed are 2GB kits. When I do find a 4GB kit, they aren't using Micron. Does that mean 4GB kits don't overclock?
The reason 4GB kits don't use Micron is because they can't make 2GB sticks of it; the IC is too big(there is a new Micron chip that can be used, but isnt used widely). Most good 4GB kits use PSC (Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.) ICs which overclocks well. The higher end really expensive kits use highly binned ProMOS.
What does highly binned/hanpicked mean?
Highly binned or handpicked ICs are just RAM that has been hand selected from good batches to be used in top end RAM because it can clock better.
The RAM I want has two IC's listed. One is good an the other isnt, how do I know which one I will get?
I would suggest avoiding the RAM all together in this case. Chances are when the RAM in question was first made they used good ICs, and then later switched to the cheap stuff. Which is exaclty what Crucial did...
Two different sets of memory are listed and have the same IC but are at different speeds. The slower one is cheaper, should I get it instead?
In theory you should be able to buy the cheaper/slower RAM and be fine, but if the faster stuff is highly binned, then you wont be able to reach the same speeds. RAM is cheap, just get the faster stuff.:bleh:
What sets you recommend?
Well it all depends on your price range. I would suggest any 4GB G.Skill set end in with a PK/PQ (PK>PQ). If you want to spend more money, you could pick up some G.Skill ending in PI. From Mushkin I would recommend you pick up some Ascents. Yes they are abit more pricey, but the customer service is worth it. My final recommendation would be the new Crucial Ballistix Tracers with the RED heatspreaders.
Its all up do you though, just do a bit of research and you should be set.
Happy RAM shopping!
I have to go to work now, so there may be some mistakes I haven't had a chance to read over yet. I will read over it when I get home. If I missed anything let me know.
Apparently this guide is misinformed, so you can read it, but just take what you want from it. If it is infact as bad as the the two people below this say, then a moderator can delete it. Sorry.
If you own a Dell or any other name brand computer and are looking for RAM, just buy any ValueRAM from a trusted company since you cant overclock it anyways, you dont need to read this.
What is an IC?
An IC is an integrated circuit on the RAM.
Why should the IC be the deciding factor, and not that brand name?
The IC is basically the RAM. IC determines what clock speed the RAM can do at what voltages and at what timings. Different brands can use the same IC but just slap on their branded heatspreaders.
How do I find out which IC a certain type of memory uses; it isn't on the vendor site?
The only way to find out exactly what IC the memory is question is using, is to pull off the heatspreaders and see the labeling on the IC itself (usually voids warranty).
Is there a way of finding out the IC on RAM before you buy it?
Yes, there is a website called the RAM list, and it lists which ICs are used in which memory. Alternatively, you could call the company of the RAM and ask them, some disclose the information and some don't.
DDR2 RAM List
There are next to no 4GB kits on there/RAM in my price range isnt on there, now what do I do?
Use Google. Not everyones findings are posted on the RAM list, and are just sitting on some random forum.
Wow, thats great, but how do I know which IC is good?
Well, you research it, but since I already researched it I will present my findings. The best IC for overclocking is the MicronD9GMH and MicronD9GKX. Promos and MicronD9GCT are good too.
I am in the market for a 4GB kit and all that seems to be listed are 2GB kits. When I do find a 4GB kit, they aren't using Micron. Does that mean 4GB kits don't overclock?
The reason 4GB kits don't use Micron is because they can't make 2GB sticks of it; the IC is too big(there is a new Micron chip that can be used, but isnt used widely). Most good 4GB kits use PSC (Powerchip Semiconductor Corp.) ICs which overclocks well. The higher end really expensive kits use highly binned ProMOS.
What does highly binned/hanpicked mean?
Highly binned or handpicked ICs are just RAM that has been hand selected from good batches to be used in top end RAM because it can clock better.
The RAM I want has two IC's listed. One is good an the other isnt, how do I know which one I will get?
I would suggest avoiding the RAM all together in this case. Chances are when the RAM in question was first made they used good ICs, and then later switched to the cheap stuff. Which is exaclty what Crucial did...
Two different sets of memory are listed and have the same IC but are at different speeds. The slower one is cheaper, should I get it instead?
In theory you should be able to buy the cheaper/slower RAM and be fine, but if the faster stuff is highly binned, then you wont be able to reach the same speeds. RAM is cheap, just get the faster stuff.:bleh:
What sets you recommend?
Well it all depends on your price range. I would suggest any 4GB G.Skill set end in with a PK/PQ (PK>PQ). If you want to spend more money, you could pick up some G.Skill ending in PI. From Mushkin I would recommend you pick up some Ascents. Yes they are abit more pricey, but the customer service is worth it. My final recommendation would be the new Crucial Ballistix Tracers with the RED heatspreaders.
Its all up do you though, just do a bit of research and you should be set.
Happy RAM shopping!
I have to go to work now, so there may be some mistakes I haven't had a chance to read over yet. I will read over it when I get home. If I missed anything let me know.
Last edited:
