2400mhz vs. 3000mhz+

Bmacker

Reputable
Jan 7, 2015
91
0
4,660
Alright, so here's the situation. I'm doing a new build here shortly, and I'm trying to decide on motherboards. Why I'm posting in the memory section is because the two boards I want support different speeds.

The Build (will list both MOBOS):
-EVGA GTX 1080
-i7 6700K
-EVGA G2 SuperNOVA 750Watt
-SAMSUNG 250GB SSD
-Seagate 3TB HDD
-Corsair Dominator Platinum (2400mhz or 3000mhz)
MOBO (1): MSI Titanium XPower Gaming Edition FOUND HERE
MOBO (2): ASUS TUF Sabertooth FOUND HERE

As you can see, the motherboards support different speeds. One is capped at 2400mhz, and the other is significantly higher. The only thing I've never understood 100% in PC building is how significant speeds in RAM can make.

My intended use? Gaming (obviously), and I'll be getting back into content creating/streaming. It wouldn't be full-time or anything like that. Just a semi-casual experience when I have the time.

Is 2400mhz noticeably different when compared to 3000mhz+, or is the workflow margin so narrow it's not worth it? One motherboard has a few other options being $100 more expensive. I'm going for an all white build, the titanium is an alright choice (it's a bit more silver), but it has more to offer.
 
Solution
For gaming, you'll see no noteworthy 'real world' difference between 2133MHz (the base for DDR4) and 3000MHz+.

For content creation, there would potentially be minor improvements from faster RAM speeds - in certain applications (certainly not all).

Really, I'd suggest it boils down to cost.

Looking at a 16GB kit, 3000MHz has a rebate at the moment, meaning you'd pay $105:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bHBrxr/corsair-memory-cmd16gx4m2b3000c15

Vs a 2400MHz kit at $115
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vL6BD3/corsair-memory-cmd16gx3m2a2400c11

In that case, the 3000MHz makes sense - the same would be true if the price was the same. I wouldn't say I'd advocate for spending any more for greater speeds than 2133Mhz or 2400MHz, but...

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
For gaming, you'll see no noteworthy 'real world' difference between 2133MHz (the base for DDR4) and 3000MHz+.

For content creation, there would potentially be minor improvements from faster RAM speeds - in certain applications (certainly not all).

Really, I'd suggest it boils down to cost.

Looking at a 16GB kit, 3000MHz has a rebate at the moment, meaning you'd pay $105:
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/bHBrxr/corsair-memory-cmd16gx4m2b3000c15

Vs a 2400MHz kit at $115
https://pcpartpicker.com/product/vL6BD3/corsair-memory-cmd16gx3m2a2400c11

In that case, the 3000MHz makes sense - the same would be true if the price was the same. I wouldn't say I'd advocate for spending any more for greater speeds than 2133Mhz or 2400MHz, but for the same/very similar pricing, the increased speed *may* benefit you in certain applications.


As for the two boards you linked, both *should* support the increased speeds - which are enabled via XMP profile(s). 2133Mhz/2400Mhz is the standard 'speed' for the chipset, but you should still be able to utilize greater speeds (if you decide to) on the Sabertooth.
 
Solution

Bmacker

Reputable
Jan 7, 2015
91
0
4,660

Fortunately, the price isn't much of a concern for me at this point. I'm looking to treat myself after a successful year of business, and what better way to do that than buy myself some more/better internals.

Looking at the motherboards, the ASUS TUF is $170 and the ASUS Titanium is $250-280. Would the ability to run 3000mhz+, opposed to the 2400mhz cap on the TUF, justify that $100 price difference? I mean, it's not a huge deal but if the $100 extra isn't worth it, why do it? I can use that towards a different internal. The $100 difference also has to do with some extra benefits the MSI has, but some of them I won't necessarily use.

If the 3000mhz really will increase workflow and allow some applications to be noticeably better, that's justified enough for me.
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
I wasn't trying to say price was the be all,end all - but I would say it should be a consideration, regardless of budget.

In gaming, it won't matter at all (<1FPS) - in other applications, it *might*, but that'll depend on a variety of factors including the application in question, how often you use said application(s) etc.

Unless this rig was to be used predominantly for content creation, I highly doubt you'd see the benefit to offset even a $15-$20 delta.


Strictly talking between the boards you offered as the two considerations:


While I don't see the need for the MSI board over the ASUS at MSRP - it's a pretty attractive proposition based on those NewEgg listings.

Even if you don't utilize the additional features initially, it keeps the option open.
More USB3.1, a couple of 3.1 10GB/s (although ASUS gives you a type-C port)

There's a $50 difference (after rebate), giving you the extra benefits - and it also includes 'free' 2x4GB DDR4 with the purchase. You could see that and recoup probably $30-$50, depending on the brand/speed/timings - essentially bringing the cost in line with the ASUS board.


I prefer ASUS boards personally, but I don't like that one. Aesthetically, the MSI board just looks nicer to me (but that's a personal preference).


Just throwing this one out there:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130920&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-PCPartPicker,%20LLC-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Does that work with your color scheme? I know it's heavily black...
Gives you all the features, including Type-C, SLI, and spec'd for faster RAM (although less SATA ports and 1 less M.2 slot..).
 

Bmacker

Reputable
Jan 7, 2015
91
0
4,660


I actually looked at that one, but I've heard absolutely HORRIBLE things about it. It's aesthetically pleasing and fits my build, but there's but a large number of RMAs the past 6 months on multiple websites.

Maybe I'll stick with the MSI considering it's pretty future proof.
 

Bmacker

Reputable
Jan 7, 2015
91
0
4,660


So realistically I can take a 3000mhz DDR4 Corsair Dominator Plats into the board and i'll be fine? Would I need to OC in the bios to see these speeds or will it take it right off of install?
 

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
Either way, to achieve speeds above 2133MHz, you'll need to enable the XMP profile in the BIOS - natively all DDR4 should run at 2133MHz.



Fair point. I've heard of a couple of issues, but can't find a large number of RMA's noted?

If that's true (not doubting it, just can't find that info myself), I wonder if it has to do with volume sold that it appears that way? It's going to sell more than a >$250 board etc, so maybe there's just more of them out there, so there appears to be a higher rate of issue? I don't know either way, just throwing that out there as a consideration.
FWIW, MSI supposedly are very easy & quick on their RMA/customer service side.......... I've never dealt with them, it's just what I've heard.

From an RMA standpoint, I believe MSI are notorious for having the highest RMA rate of the lot. With ASUS and Gigabyte usually trading blows for the 'top' (or bottom I guess, the lowest RMA rate). I don't necessarily put too much faith in those stats though.
 

Bmacker

Reputable
Jan 7, 2015
91
0
4,660
I've had a large number of brands. My first build was an MSI, second was an ASUS, current is a ASRock, and I'm testing a PCMate currently. I've never used a z170 board yet, but I've never had a bad experience with any brand thus fair. The MSI Titanium has a good reputation at least, and hopefully I can continue my streak.

With the sake of future proofing my system, and allowing myself to expand when the time comes. I'll probably choose the MSI so I can stick with the ability to get various RAM speeds. I appreciate your help!
 

Tradesman1

Legenda in Aeternum


_________________

Yes. As far as what will be needed for stability, the primary thing will be the individual CPU (notably the MC (memory controller) in your individual CPU, not all, say 6600Ks are equal, i.e. mine can run up to 32GB of 3200 with the CPU at stock, for 64GB (current config) it takes a bit of a CPU OC. Have worked with some 6600Ks that required an OC for 2800.