Memory Choices - Too Many, Too Confusing

Rod Betts

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Mar 19, 2014
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I'm building a new system using an ASUS M5A97 R2.0 MB & an AMD FX-8350 Black CPU. I'll use the cooler that comes with the CPU but may change later if overheating becomes a concern. These two items are ordered and on their way.

I'm not a gamer; this will be a general use computer. I'd like to build up-to-date enough, and speedy enough so I won't have to upgrade again for as long as practical. I know that's a hard brass ring to catch, but maybe I can have some influence. I've built computers before and so have some experience.

I've not yet chosen a power supply or video card. I will use a single card. I will install Win 8.1 on a Samsung SATA III 256GB SSD which I already have and will add a second SATA II data drive.

I've read a lot about memory options. The choices are many and confusing! I may or may not over clock but if I do it will be by a conservative amount. I don't want to under or over buy as cost is important. I will likely use 8 or 16GB depending on cost. Cost is important.

Any memory help (important) or other help (helpful) you can offer would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Rod
 
Solution
With an 8350, would suggest 1866/9 for general use, the wider bandwidth would be handy when using multi-tasking, 1600/9 is entry level...For AMD rigs have found the GSkill Snipers to be best and Ripjaws X a strong #2
You want documented ram compatibility. If you should ever have a problem, you want supported ram.
Otherwise, you risk a finger pointing battle between the ram and motherboard support sites, claiming "not my problem".
One place to check is your motherboards web site.
Look for the ram QVL list. It lists all of the ram kits that have been tested with that particular motherboard.
Sometimes the QVL list is not updated after the motherboard is released.
For more current info, go to a ram vendor's web site and access their ram selection configurator.
Enter your motherboard, and you will get a list of compatible ram kits.
While today's motherboards are more tolerant of different ram, it makes sense to buy ram that is known to work and is supported.

Ram is relatively cheap. I would buy a 16gb kit of 2 x 8gb up front. Windows can keep more code in ram available for instant reuse. AMD benefits from faster ram. Probably 1866 would be good.

For video, any inexpensive card should be fine if you are not a gamer.

The psu you need is mostly determined by your video card. In this case, that will be minimal.
A 300w psu should be more than enough.
Seasonic makes some nice 380w units.
 

matt798

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Mar 13, 2014
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you will notice very quickly why most people never even put the amd stock cooler on in my opinion. it will be ok if u do not mind a lawn mower running 24 hours a day and honestly wont be good for longevity
 

Rod Betts

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Mar 19, 2014
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Thank you everyone. Based on the comments above, I've gone to Newegg and ordered "G.SKILL Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-1866C9D-16GSR" (that's a copy/paste). The price was $165.00 which was less than I feared it would be, so I went with the 16GB.

As for the CPU cooler, it's not that hard to change a cooler so I think, for now, I'll continue with the one that ships with the CPU. The system I have now is noisy and it is annoying so it may not be long before I change.

I did download the ASUS memory QVL list, printed it, and had it beside me when I wrote my inquiry. It is helpful but I still wasn't sure about brand names, models, speed, etc.

I'll now get after the video card and power supply. Thank you for your suggestions. I'll follow them. It's great to have so many knowledgeable and willing helpers available at the stroke of a pen!

God bless,

Rod