How to match RAM to CPU/MOBO

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IkeaEraser

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I intend on getting a
CPU: i7-6850k (rated for DDR4 2400/2133)
MOBO: GA-x99-Designare-EX (rated with 2133/2400(O.C)/.../...)
-support for up to 256 GB using RDIMM
-8xDDR4 sockets up to 128GB
-4 channel Memory Architecture.

Here are my questions:

1) I want to ask what all those specs mean and how I should have it set up. It seems, due to the MOBO-CPU limitation, I can only get up to 2400. What concerns me is that the MOBO rates 2400 as an overclock. If I wish to avoid overclock, does it mean that my only option is 2133? How is the CPU officially rated at two settings without overclock?

2) If I am looking at 16GB of RAM, does it have to be 4-channel too? Would 2-channel bring about any negligible wastage of performance?

3) Just for curiosity, How should I go about getting 256GB of RDIMM (for knowledge)

4) I'm confused between 4-channel memory architecture, 8xDDR4 sockets and the detailed specifics such as 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16. Would be nice for a tidy explanation to end things off.

Thanks a lot!
 
Solution
Tradesman1
1. 2133/2400 is simply the base spec, your CPU is capable of running upwards of 3200, prob 2800 and up may take a slight CPU OC to help the MC (memory controller

2. With your rig 4x4GB would be preferred to utilize full quad channel capabilities (more performance) though dual channel (2 sticks) will work fine

3. Look for it, very few available, not a good idea to mix sets of DRAM as no guarantee they will work together, even if same exact model

4. It shows how DRAM is arranged on the sticks
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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1. 2133/2400 is simply the base spec, your CPU is capable of running upwards of 3200, prob 2800 and up may take a slight CPU OC to help the MC (memory controller

2. With your rig 4x4GB would be preferred to utilize full quad channel capabilities (more performance) though dual channel (2 sticks) will work fine

3. Look for it, very few available, not a good idea to mix sets of DRAM as no guarantee they will work together, even if same exact model

4. It shows how DRAM is arranged on the sticks
 
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Solution
I

IkeaEraser

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Hey, thanks for the insight!

I understand memory comes in sticks, I suppose that is what the 8 sockets are for. Does that mean each stick should support 4 channels (2 is fine but not ideal)? I still can't wrap my head around the 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 portion. If I have decided on a 32GB kit, how should I know it fits where it's supposed to?

Thanks for the patience! I apologise if I got things completely wrong.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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DRAM doesn't care, a single stick of DRAM is a 64bit device, if you use more the MC (memory controllers decides how it will actually run - i.e. a dual channel mobo will run 2 or 4 sticks as a single 128bit device, - if the mobo has 8 slots it's probably a quad channel mobo -quad channel (4 or 8 sticks) will run the DRAM as a single 256 bit device), though quad channel mobos can also run 2 sticks in dual channel. Best to use what the mobo supports, so if quad channel then 4 or 8 sticks for optimum DRAM performance (will run the DRAM faster than a 2 stick, dual channel setup)
 
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I

IkeaEraser

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Thanks a lot! Something tells me I shouldn't risk any white hairs over 1Rx8/2Rx8/1Rx16 specifics. And if I'm going 32 gb, 4x8GB is better than 8x4gb, 2x16gb. Right?

How should I match the voltage though? 1.35v or 12 v?
 
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I

IkeaEraser

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Really? I've shortlisted Kingston HyperX and Corsair Dominance for their low latencies as compared to Crucial or G.Skill.

I am "un-keen" on overclocking anything, especially ram, as I read it leads to no real world benefits. I don't know if I'm leaving any performance/power on the table by not utilizing overclocking features. Will have to read up in that.

There is a thread that suggests getting a higher RAM speed and let it underclock (i.e 3000 RAM despite the CPU rating 2400) with good latency. That way it's future proofed.

What are your thoughts on it?
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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RAM speed depends on what you do, you'll see little difference in BMs, it's when multi-tasking, using DRAM centric apps, using large data sets, etc. I run 3200/14 (in sig) and when I drop to say 2400/2666 I can see a difference. Of course I heavily multi-task multiple apps all the time, work with large data bases, do video and and a fair amout with some higher end simulation programs.
 
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I

IkeaEraser

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3200/14 sounds better than 2400/10!

Did you mean getting a 3200/14 DRAM? (though the CPU recommended 2133) or
Did you get a lesser speed .. /14 DRAM and overclocked DRAM to 3200/14?

Are you considered as overclocking the CPU? How could I check how high a speed I can get based on CPU and/or Mobo.
 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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I wanted high performance and bought these early on (my rigs all get heavily used in my business) these were bought as 3200/14.

As far as seeing what they will run (your CPU), it depends on the individual CPU, all are different - even of the same model. i.e. had a 3570K based rig that I ran a full load of 2400/10 on, yet came across very few 3570K that came to the shop that could run the full load.Had a pair of 4770K rigs for awhile, one easily ran 3000 sticks while the other was pushed a bit to run 2800
 
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I

IkeaEraser

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In short, pick one that exceeds by about 30-40% and let it run its own? What I get is what I get.

Thanks a lot for all the help. And I wouldn't overclock so long I do not do any intentional pushing?
 
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