Which RAM Should I use in my build?

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Chopper678

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Jun 8, 2013
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Hey guys, still pretty new here. I am currently building a computer that will be used for gaming in my college dorm and I need some help with the RAM.

Motherboard: Asus Crosshair V Formula Z
CPU: AMD FX-8350 Vishera 4.0 GHz 8-core
Graphics Card: HIS ICEQ Radeon 7870 GHz Edition (May xfire down the road)

That's all the information I have right now on the build. So, given those parts, what RAM should I get? I want maximum performance, but I don't want to pay a ridiculous amount. And can anyone give me brief info on dual, triple, and quad channel? Thank you.

Also, I can answer any questions you have in order to find the right buy.
 
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ksham
Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2x4GB).

To answer your question on Dual, Triple, and Quad channel: they refer to the data transfer rate supported by the chipset's memory controller by using more channels, increasing the bandwidth by double, triple, and quadruple respectively than compared to single channel. Motherboards tell you what multi-channel memory architecture they support.
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Chopper678

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USA. And I've already bought the motherboard and graphics card. I posted here a week or so ago to ask for advice about it and went with the crosshair V Formula Z. It was a little extra, but I figured in the long run it was worth it. So I'm stuck with those parts
 
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Chopper678

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I'm stuck with those parts. What processor would you recommend though? And thank you for that tidbit. What would you recommend buying then?



CVFZ Says it supports dual only. However, I think I've heard of people doing two dual channels?

EDIT: That link you gave me. Should I not get the highest it can support, 2400?
 
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ksham

ksham

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Mar 29, 2013
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1600 is fine for gaming. Gaming is not very RAM-sensitive, so even at 2400, you may see 1-2 fps difference. Not worth the money spent on it. I doubt you can tell the difference between 2 fps.

You are correct; the motherboard you have supports dual channel. I would not fill up all four slots if you are overclocking. Stick with 2x4GB (8GB), which is sufficient for gaming. Or if you are planning to do video or audio manipulation, then 2x8GB.
 
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Chopper678

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Thank you. It's good to hear you admit to paying too much, that makes me feel better about your advice. Why would you not fill four slots if OC and how exactly do you OC RAM? I've read a few articles to learn about RAM, but I didn't get to how to overclock..
 
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ksham

ksham

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It increases load so you'll have to up the vcore to better accommodate them. And it'll give you a harder time at overclocking. And since you are not familiar with overclocking, then I suggest that you don't do that. Unless your motherboard supports Quad-Channel, I would never suggest filling up all slots. It also reduces possible upgrade paths in the future. If you only use two slots now, you can add more later instead of buying new sets. I don't recommend that you mix RAM.
 
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Chopper678

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Okay, well then thanks, I won't. So, how do you overclock RAM and how much performance is that worth? Also, why did you choose that RAM company for the link you sent me?
 
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Chopper678

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Oh nothing at all is wrong with it, to my knowledge. I was just asking why you chose it over others, what makes it better. I have no experience with RAM.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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The 8350 handles dual channel, whether you have 2 sticks or 4 it's still dual, Tri channel is Intel on the socket 1366, X58 mobos.....Quad is limited to the Intel socket 2011 and x79 chipset in the PC world. As far as 2 sticks or 4, two is preferable with any CPU as it's less stress on the MC (memory controller)....comparatively speaking the AMD MC is not near as strong as Intel's. The 8350 should handle up to 2 sticks of 1866 with 4GB sticks, some can handle 2 of 8GB sticks, going with the 2x8GB or populating all slots (using 4 sticks) generally will require a voltage increase, though not to the vCore about all that will do is raise your CPU temps here, you normally would need to raise the voltage to the DRAM itself and/or the CPU/NB voltage which is what feed the MC (memory controller)....Hope this covers all, if not give a shout
 
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Chopper678

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Thank you. I'll keep that link in mind before I buy. I think I'll buy the 1600 2x4 and read up on some overclocking. You seem to know what you're talking about, would you mind giving your two cents on the parts I've already bought? The specs on the 8350 intrigue me... but everyone says the intel is the way to go. Plus, I've already bought a 990FX. Thanks again



Thanks, I'll stick to 2x4. Yes, that covers all!
 
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