DDR3 I can't help you on. In case of doubt go to Newegg and see what's popular for the type and speed that you want. Don't buy more that 4 gb unless you are running Vista or a 64-bit operating system.
Message edited by SystemPat on 09-30-2009 at 11:24:53 AM
Keep in mind that lower voltage RAM is usually newer and better designed. Your MB defaults to 1.5V and can increase from there, not sure how far. There's no difference between i5/i7 DDR3 that's not XMP and any not listed - all compatible with your board.
I'd go for 1333, see other posts here about speed of RAM, and the lowest CL you can find. Maybe 1600 if you plan to really mess with OCing.
You're looking at either 4GB or 8GB... using 6 would not be cost-effective since you need 2 or 4 modules for dual-channel.
I have the same motherboard and am planning on getting this ram for it. 1600 Mhz, 7-7-7-24 Timings, not too much more than 1333 MHz ram. Its not on the list of compatible ram, but I don't think that is really an issue. Feel free to tell me I'm wrong though.
The QVL lists at the manufacturers are never very complete. And about half of the brands and models they show never make it here from Taiwan. BUT wht do I keep seeing the Ripjaws version getting picked? Are they advertising a lot? Or is it just the weird name? My own tendency would be to avoid it for the strange name. Which has nothing to do on whether it's good or not....
I think the G.Skills Ripjaws is one of the few 1600 DDR3 out there right now that's got both low latency and low voltage - so it's been a popular choices around here the past couple of weeks. In addition, it's heat-spreader doesn't extend the height quite as much as some of the others. Here's one of my infamous graphics showing it along with normal RAM, OCZ Blade and other G.Skill models. This is DDR2 which is the same height as DDR3 - handy for seeing if it'll get in way of a CPU cooler - the G.Skill Pi (silver) is 55mm's high, un-sheilded 30mms.
Message edited by mongox on 10-02-2009 at 01:46:36 AM