So I'm considering a RAM upgrade and have whittled the list down to 2 options:

 

 

 

Corsair XMS2 DHX CL5 DDR2-800 http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/compone ... artid=4450

 

G.Skill Pi CL5 DDR-2 800 http://www.playtech.co.nz/product.php?a ... il&id=5174

 

 

 

These two variants both seem to have the same specifications, both sporting massive heatsinks but the G.Skill variant is much cheaper so which one is superior?

 

 

 

Other questions are:

 

1) The exact same RAM modules can be bought for cheaper without the Heatsinks but with smaller heatspreaders instead so do the Heatsinks justify the $10-20 NZD increase?

 

(I don't do extreme overclocking, my naked Apacer Modules are coping well with a +700mhz on my E4500)

 

 

 

2) How does 4GB of DDR2-800 compare with 2GB of DDR2-1066?

 

 

 

3) CL4 vs CL5 latencies, Should I spend more to get lower latency RAM?

 

 

 

My Motherboard is an Asus P5K-R if thats any help

I don't know why they are more expensiver, but i do see alot of people using memories from Corsair in overclocking forums. Check if you can find a review about them both.

 

But both are good brands, so whichever you choose it will be good.

 

 

 

1; The heatsink will be much better for overclocking. It's up to you if you feel it's worth the price.

 

2; Since you have an E4500 (hello, it's overclocks nice, doesn't it?), PC8500 memories won't be needed. PC6400 will be perfect, they are (good brand) easily overclocked.

 

3; If you feel it's worth the extra money for lower latencies, go for it. I would rather spend money on lower latencie-memories than 1066mhz ones, especially since it 1066 ones won't be needed for you cpu.

 

 

 

Just check that your mobo can tollerate the voltage from them.

Bah, I get back from camp and prices are up $10, are the large DHX heatsinks justify the markup? I'm keen to save a bit of money and just buy the normal XMS2's with the spreaders on it.

I don't really think the heatsinks are worth the extra money. Plus, they take up quite a bit of space in your case which may be problematic depending on your mobo's layout.