DDR memory prices: why such a big difference ?

[ViFF]

Planning an upgrade soon, and looking at prices of the DDR 400 memory dimms.

I am very surprised how big a differance there is in the prices !

Example: on newegg.com (which imho is a good indicator of msrp), the price for a single 184-pin 1 GB DDR400 (PC3200) stick ranges from $90.00 to $270.00 !

Thats a 300% difference !

Been looking at the bandwith, CL, registered or unbuffered, error checking or non-ecc, & voltage details of each dimm, but I haven't found a clear relation to the price.

Can anybody shed some light on this ?

Bottom line is I'm looking for the best bang per buck dimm for the system I'm planning:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 4000+
MB: ASUS "A8V-E Deluxe", VIA K8T890 Chipset, Socket 939
GPU: Undecided yet.

Thanks !

ViFF

[ALF]

In some cases there is a difference in the cas latency that isnt immediately evident by the cas rating alone  ie:

2.5 may be 2.5-3-3-3 or it may be 2.5 3-4-4

In all reality, if you stick with a name brand (not even a 'top' brand, just something with a reasonable reputaion) and a good basic cas rating you shouldnt worry....when you start talking these ratings, it makes a VERY SMALL (if any) real word difference.

Much of the time its just a supply demand, sitting in the warehouse too long issue.  Its not uncommon for the good inexpensive ram to be out of stock for a few days, and the guy who is 15% more expensive, makes the sales.  

Stick with a brand you recognise with the features you need, and you shouldbe fine.....heck go into a local Bestbuy or Compusa and you can see $50 memory sticks with a $220 prive tag on them....hmmmmmm

[MOIL]

"Bottom line is I'm looking for the best bang per buck dimm for the system I'm planning:
CPU: AMD Athlon 64 4000+
MB: ASUS "A8V-E Deluxe", VIA K8T890 Chipset, Socket 939
GPU: Undecided yet"

I would recomn'd the NForce chipset over the VIA anyday!  Save yourself the hassle

[ViFF]

Thanks for the replies gentlemen, your input is very much appreciated !

!!

ViFF