Best RAM for my mobo/CPU combination

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I

IAmElite

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Dec 26, 2013
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Hi guys,

I'm going to upgrade my current system very shortly:

Mobo: GA-P35-S3
CPU: Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 2.66Ghz
GPU: AMD HD 6850 1GB
RAM: 4.Gb Corsair DDR2
Sound: Audigy 4
O/S: Windows 7 64bit Home Premium
PSU: Corsair TX650v2

with a new CPU so I'll need a new mobo and RAM as well.

My chosen motherboard will be this:

http://www.ebuyer.com/603583-ga-z87-ds3h-motherboard-ga-z87-ds3h

CPU:

http://www.ebuyer.com/467647-cpu-core-i5-4670k-3-40ghz-lga1150-box-bx80646i54670k

I was looking at the standard version of this CPU (without the K) as it's cheaper. I don't usually overclock but I've heard with modern mobos and CPUs it's pretty much foolproof these days as long as you don't go over the top. If that's the case I might as well put on the extra and get the K version.

I'm looking to stay with Corsair RAM, so I'll be going for one of Corsair's 8gb DDR3 kits. I will be using my system predominantly for gaming so should I go for 1600mhz, 1866mhz or 2400mhz? I've heard that if mainly gaming, there is little point going above 1600mhz but I figured this was the best place to come for help.

Also, is there any difference between low profile and normal RAM other than the physical size? Seems you can get a Corsair 8gb Vengeance 1600mhz for around £60 compared to about £10 more for the normal profile version. Does low profile RAM hotter than normal RAM for example?

I have a third party cooler on my current CPU - will it be likely to fit on the new mobo:

Akasa AK-CC7117EP01 K32 High Performance Intel Cooler for LGA775, LGA1156 and LGA1155

I probably won't be overclocking (although I wouldn't rule it out later on) - would a stock Intel cooler do, or would I be better off with a third party such as the one above?

One last thing, will all the aforementioned components be compatible with each other? I'm pretty sure they are but I want to make sure before going ahead.

I'll probably stick with my current GPU until later in the year, but when upgrading that would it be best to switch to Nvidia: does Nvidia work better with Intel CPUs?

Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!
 
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ingtar33

ingtar33

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Dec 17, 2012
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1866 seems to be the point where better ram means little to nothing for a haswell i5 (as long as you're not using the igpu).

the big different in ram height is the size and type of cpu cooler you can attach... that and certain types of overclocking can overclock the ram a bit which in turn will heat up the ram which in turn might require a serious heatsink/heatspreader on the ram to keep the ram operating at safe temperatures. Sometimes you might want taller ram. that said, chances are you're not that person, judging from your comments about overclocking, which means you'll see zero benefit from taller ram, and are good to go on the low profile stuff if you so desire.

that cpu cooler will probably be enough if you do zero overclocking. understand though, haswell is hard to cool... and you may need to improve your cpu cooler in the end to get the best experience from the new cpu.

yeah, all those parts will work together.
 
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I

IAmElite

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Dec 26, 2013
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Thanks for your prompt reply. :) Sounds like I'll go low profile and use some of the money saved to get a decent cooler. Any suggestions? And would you go with the K version of the CPU, or save £10 or so which could go towards the cooler?

How about this for the cooler:

http://www.ebuyer.com/176157-arctic-cooling-freezer-7-pro-rev-2-socket-775-1156-1155-1366-ac-frz-7pr2
 
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I

IAmElite

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Dec 26, 2013
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I forgot to mention my case.

foxconn-th202-frontdrk.jpg


It's a Minotaur Diablo something or other. Measurements approx:

45cm Height,
50cm Depth,
20 cm Width.

The cooler you mentioned is only a few quid more so if the case is OK I may as well get that.


 
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I

IAmElite

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Dec 26, 2013
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I was wondering - are built in wireless adapters better than USB ones? Right now I have a USB one but the connection frequently slows down. Would one built into a motherboard, or at least a PCI one be better, if so do you have any suggestions for mobos with built in wireless?

I know the thread's going off on a bit of a tangent but I figured it would be better to post in this thread instead of opening numerous new ones.

 
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I

IAmElite

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Dec 26, 2013
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Great - ebuyer are out of stock of the Hyper 212 Evo. Are there other options worth checking out, or would it be best to either wait for the Evo or track it down elsewhere? It would be best if I could get everything from one site of course.
 
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I

IAmElite

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Dec 26, 2013
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Thanks for your reply, but I've just noticed an issue with my case that's going to make getting any sizeable cooler an issue:

g59s.jpg


That's a filter of some kind on my case and it sits directly above the CPU/Heatsink area, so you can see the potential problem with the Hyper 212 or any similar cooler.

My current cooler:

ihsb.jpg


I've read reviews on Amazon that are using my current cooler with my proposed CPU and aren't having any problems - they're getting decent cooling. I'm not sure how it'll go with overclocking but in any case I've been told that my case isn't very good for O/Cing - Hyper 212 or not - as it has only one ventilation opening. I haven't got the first clue how to 'mod' a case to enable more fans.

The green filter is removable, but I'm not sure if I can do so without compromising the case's cooling/airflow. With that out of the way, I am sure a Hyper 212 will fit (they're back in stock now at Ebuyer as well). Apparently I won't get much benefit from a Hyper 212 due to the lack of ventilation in my case.
 
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