Optimal CPU/Mobo/RAM configuration

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ringeringering

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Aug 9, 2013
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Hello all!

I'm having a bit of difficulty right now deciding on what RAM to invest in for my first build of a gaming computer (primarily for MMORPGs and RPGs). I've decided on getting 8gb (2x4gb) for now for a motherboard that can hold up to 16gb over 4 slots (for futureproofing). I had already had my CPU and mobo picked out (among the links below) and was looking into what RAM to get when I found a pair of G. Skill Ripjaws X Series. What appealed to me for this RAM was the DDR3-2400, emphasis on the 2400. To be honest, I was attracted by the large number compared to other numbers I'd seen such as 1333, 1600, and others. I understand this number refers to the clock speed in MHz, but that's about it; I don't understand the importance of it in regards to what I truly need. Furthermore, it turns out my mobo can only handle up to 1600. Should I be content with a DDR3-1600 RAM? Or should I look for a new mobo that can handle more? Like 1866 or 2133? Also, on PCPartPicker, I received a compatibility notice saying that the G. Skill Ripjaws demands 1.65V whereas my CPU has a recommended maximum of 1.575V. Frankly, I was not aware that CPUs had recommended maximums for RAM, and also have not been able to find out where in the specs does it indicate this recommended maximum, so I'm just confused in general with what this means. How important is it that I stay within this recommended voltage?

Here are the components that I've been talking about:

CPU: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54670k

Motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz87xd3h

RAM: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gskill-memory-f32400c11d8gxm

So, summarizing, here are my questions:
What is the importance of clockspeed on RAM?
How much clockspeed do I really need on my RAM for gaming?
Do I need to stay within the CPU recommended voltage for my RAM?

Thank you for your time!

- Ring
 
Solution
DarkSable
You're... really wanting to waste money, aren't you. The ram controllers nowadays (along with the rest of the north bridge) are built into the CPU, so of course that's what controls ram limits.

The importance of clock speed on the ram is virtually ZERO. Going from 1600MHz ram to 2400MHz will get you perhaps 3fps, which is why none of us have bothered spending that money. The only exception to this rule are APUs, because they use the system ram as video ram, but you don't have to worry about that.

Buy 8GB of ram that runs at 1600MHz, Cas 9, and 1.5v. You don't need anything more than that and won't see a benefit. 8GB is enough to simultaneously run battlefield 3, photoshop, and 30 tabs in chrome. You probably won't use more than...
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DarkSable

DarkSable

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Sep 27, 2012
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You're... really wanting to waste money, aren't you. The ram controllers nowadays (along with the rest of the north bridge) are built into the CPU, so of course that's what controls ram limits.

The importance of clock speed on the ram is virtually ZERO. Going from 1600MHz ram to 2400MHz will get you perhaps 3fps, which is why none of us have bothered spending that money. The only exception to this rule are APUs, because they use the system ram as video ram, but you don't have to worry about that.

Buy 8GB of ram that runs at 1600MHz, Cas 9, and 1.5v. You don't need anything more than that and won't see a benefit. 8GB is enough to simultaneously run battlefield 3, photoshop, and 30 tabs in chrome. You probably won't use more than 4 at any given time.
 
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Solution
DarkSable

DarkSable

Judicious
Sep 27, 2012
8,890
1
34,965
Also, the higher number means NOTHING without taking the latencies into account - 2400 MHz with a Cas of 13 will be slower than 1600 MHz, Cas 7.

hat you're looking for is called the "calculable latency."

Here's the formula:
(Cas Latency / RAM speed) * 2000 = Latency in nanoseconds (ns)
[Obviously you want that result to be as low as possible.]

However, bear in mind that that's just one number - a lot of times, even when the calculable latency is the same, the ram with the lower latency will be faster in real world practice, because you won't need the higher clock speed.
 
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R

ringeringering

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Aug 9, 2013
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10,540


Question answered above and beyond; thank you very much!
 
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