What is most important in a RAM purchase (Mostly Gaming)?

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katiklysm

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Aug 11, 2010
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I see a lot of ram that is rated above 1600 Mhz described as Performance/Gaming RAM.

I am currently on a P55 board with an i5 750 and need to overclock to get to 1600 on my current RAM, though it is rated for 1600.

Basically, I'm a little confused on what to look for in an upgrade. I want at least 8GB, though I could consider 16GB if it were a good target for futureproofing. Beyond that, I'm unsure whether to look for 1866Mhz, lower CAS timings, or what is really the most important consideration.

I would assume that my target should be 1600 Mhz and the lowest CAS I can get for my money, that the "Gaming" higher Mhz values are just a sell, but idk- and couldn't find the answer in the FAQs, any suggestions?
 
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luckiest charm

luckiest charm

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Jun 1, 2013
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There is nothing like that.

After 1600 MHz you would not see any performance increase in real life and gaming benchmarks.
Just get Corsair Vengeance 2 X 4 GB @ 1600 MHz and you are good to go. It is a very decent Gaming RAM which we recommend for even top notch PCs.

Costs around $65. Otherwise you can go for G.Skill RipJaws series, same performance and price.

I myself use 1333 MHz and Dad's PC has 2133 MHz, no difference in real life performance.
I agree that 1600 MHz could mean something, but after that, nothing.
 
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coozie7

coozie7

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Jun 2, 2007
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I'd advise you to try the overclocking bit before spending anything.
Even with a moderate overclock to 3.4GHz my i5 750/HD7950 seems to run everything I throw at it just fine.
You'll only want 16Gb if you do a lot of multi tasking, 8Gb is plenty for 'normal' uses.
 
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Intel God

Intel God

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Jun 25, 2013
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Have to disagree. Faster memory helps with Minimum framerates in gaming and benchmarks. I went from 2133 to 2800 and BF3 has never been smoother.
 
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luckiest charm

luckiest charm

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Faster memory does NOT help with games, not at least after 1866 at its max.

FPS increase is rather caused by more RAM (You didn't upgraded RAM just for speed right?).

If everything else is equal, you would not see the difference as it is as low as 5%. Which does not matter if RAM is 1866 MHz or 2133 MHz. The only place it helps is Rendering and other RAM demanding software (and Memory benchmarks).

Nothing else exactly.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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That all would depend on the DRAM being used, it's not just freq, it's a combination of freq and CL (CAS Latency) with you suggesting 1600/9 someone going 2133/9 would see a nice increase, even 2133/10...even someone with 1600/7 possibly 8 will do better. and earlier you said nothing over 1600, now it's 1866, if you had a decent set of 2133/9 you'd prob say 2133....Too many people look at Benchmarks and really have no idea of what is involved in DRAM, most of the 'expert' writers don't even know DRAM and make ridiculous claims and comments
 
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