Intel i5-750: RAM selection

[akula2]

Hello,

I am planning to build a PC based on i5-750 soon...could you please clarify on:

a) How much RAM is enough for Performance/Gaming (not much Over Clocking): 4 or 6 GB (DDR3-1333 MHz)?
b) If I choose Windows 7 then I should choose either 4 GB (for 32 bit) or 6 / 8 / 16 GB ( for 64 bit): I read in most reviews that 4 GB good quality DDR3 RAM is very good and that would be 32 bit. But, will there be any increase in performance if I choose to install 6 GB (due to 64 bit)?
c) Lastly, this is a real head ache to me. I am looking for 4 or 6 GB DDR3-1333 MHz RAM with low voltage (1.5V) but issue is there are so many players confusing with their specs (Voltage, CAS etc). Now, question is which maker and the spec. should I choose for this processor (good quality and best fit):

i) Corsair ii) OCZ iii) Crucial iv) Kingston v) Any other

Please give your inputs.

Thanks,

~akula2

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Your best option for an i5 system is 4GB since the CPU uses a dual channel RAM controller. You do not want to get a 6GB triple channel RAM controller for an i5 chip. Those triple channel kits are designed for the LGA 1366 i7 chips that use a triple channel RAM controller.

There's no such thing as 32-bit RAM. You should use a 64-bit OS even if you use 4GB of RAM. A 32-bit OS can't fully use 4GB of RAM.

This is a very nice DDR3 1333 CAS 7 RAM kit that runs at 1.5v.

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH - Retail $99.99

 

[tecmo34]

^+1 shortstuff_mt's recommendations!!

 

[cyberkuberiah]

there is nothing like 32bit or 64 bit ram . get dual channel 2x2 gb kit .

 

[cyberkuberiah]

i am using gskill ripjaws , the corsair dominators have tighter timings but are pricier , this is good enough for me .

 

[akula2]

i am using gskill ripjaws , the corsair dominators have tighter timings but are pricier , this is good enough for me .

Looks like I created a confusion, meant all the 32-bit systems have 4 GB RAM limit. To access more than 4 GB RAM one should have 64-bit OS. My point was will there be any system performance difference between this type of RAM choice:

4 GB - 1333 DDR3 (32 bit OS)
6 GB - 1333 DDR3 (64 bit OS)

Now I would quickly crosscheck few review on GSkill 1333 RAMs...

Thanks,

~akula2

 

[cyberkuberiah]

there would be no advantage in 6gb over 4gb in a 64 bit os . also i am using gskill 1600 mhz 9-9-9-24 . i5 at 200x20 , ram at 200x8 in ud2 gigabyte .

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Why would you want to use a 32-bit OS with 4GB of RAM? You only get about 3.25GB available for use if you do that. I don't see any reason at all to use a 32-bit OS on a new system. You should be using a 64-bit OS even with 4GB of RAM. 4GB is plenty of RAM for everything but serious video and photo editing.

 

[akula2]

Why would you want to use a 32-bit OS with 4GB of RAM? You only get about 3.25GB available for use if you do that. I don't see any reason at all to use a 32-bit OS on a new system. You should be using a 64-bit OS even with 4GB of RAM. 4GB is plenty of RAM for everything but serious video and photo editing.

I chose Windows 7 Pro x64 for the new PCs...a 32 bit OS can only use 4 GB of memory, plus then another GB Graphics card too (if you have). So, that's a total of 5 GB one could max. using a 32-bit OS, thanks to PAE

Anyway, I will decide soon on 4 GB or 6 GB running Windows 7 x64 (first I need to freeze on what RAM make am going to use!)...

Thanks,

~akula2

 

[shortstuff_mt]

Like I said above, 6GB of RAM isn't really an option with an i5 build because the CPU uses a dual channel RAM controller. Your options for an i5 build are really 4GB or 8GB. 4GB is plenty.

I also gave my RAM suggestion above. I've had excellent luck with G.Skill RAM. That $100 DDR3 1333 CAS 7 kit I linked above is VERY nice. You're not going to find a better RAM kit for the money.

 

[akula2]

Like I said above, 6GB of RAM isn't really an option with an i5 build because the CPU uses a dual channel RAM controller. Your options for an i5 build are really 4GB or 8GB. 4GB is plenty.

I also gave my RAM suggestion above. I've had excellent luck with G.Skill RAM. That $100 DDR3 1333 CAS 7 kit I linked above is VERY nice. You're not going to find a better RAM kit for the money.

You mean to say I should only use RAM in 4 multiples on 750 PCs, isn't it (4/8/16 GB)? If that's the case then I freeze 4 GB right now...never thought of 8 GB at all. Sure, I didn't ignore G.Skill at all...thinking, since am going with 4 GB then I could spend little more on a high performance RAM (not 1600, 2000 MHz types...fixed on 1333 MHz which delivers a solid performance). What do you think?

~akula2

 

[shortstuff_mt]

You really don't need RAM over 1600MHz. The CAS rating is just as important as MHz. The only other suggestion would be to get a CAS 7 1600MHz kit for $25 more.

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH - Retail $124.99

 

[akula2]

You really don't need RAM over 1600MHz. The CAS rating is just as important as MHz. The only other suggestion would be to get a CAS 7 1600MHz kit for $25 more.

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH - Retail $124.99

I agree, above 1600 is not needed. Just checked that spec it says:

Cas Latency 7
Timing 7-7-7-24
Voltage 1.6V <= But this value shouldn't be more than 1.5V.

Thanks,

~akula2

 

[shortstuff_mt]

That RAM will work just fine. Anything up to 1.65v is perfectly safe and within Intel's specs for the i5/i7 chips. You're really making this a lot harder than it needs to be. Just pick a fast RAM kit with a tight CAS rating and voltage under 1.65v.

 

[sheath]

IMO i would get this ram, its almost brand new, just a few weeks old i believe. Its the new Eco friendly series, same quality and specs as other ram but much lower voltage.

RAM: (G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO) $97.99

Capacity 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Speed DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
Cas Latency 7
Timing 7-7-7-21-2N
Voltage 1.35V
Multi-channel Kit Dual Channel Kit
Heat Spreader Yes

 

[EXT64]

That Eco stuff is crazy. I really want someone to buy it just to hear how it works. It looks awesome, 1.35V is just insane.

Anyway, yes, the official DDR3 spec is 1.5V, however, just like with DDR2 and DDR1 and etc., it is a spec that is meant to be broken. Intel however has said not to do more than 1.65V, and that is a spec to follow.

 

[sheath]

I have it at my home(not where i am atm in college) and if no one else has said anything about it ill let ya know how it runs when i build my new rig mid december.

 

[EXT64]

Ha, I'm in the exact same boat. The "New Build" in my Sig is sitting at home in pieces. I'll be out in about a week and a half and the first thing I plan on doing is building it. Unfortunately, that Eco stuff was not out (or I didn't see it) when I bought my parts, though I hope to get about 1333MHz, 1.5ishV, 7-7-7-21 on the ram I picked out which is good enough for me.

 

[geofelt]

Hello,

I am planning to build a PC based on i5-750 soon...could you please clarify on:

a) How much RAM is enough for Performance/Gaming (not much Over Clocking): 4 or 6 GB (DDR3-1333 MHz)?
b) If I choose Windows 7 then I should choose either 4 GB (for 32 bit) or 6 / 8 / 16 GB ( for 64 bit): I read in most reviews that 4 GB good quality DDR3 RAM is very good and that would be 32 bit. But, will there be any increase in performance if I choose to install 6 GB (due to 64 bit)?
c) Lastly, this is a real head ache to me. I am looking for 4 or 6 GB DDR3-1333 MHz RAM with low voltage (1.5V) but issue is there are so many players confusing with their specs (Voltage, CAS etc). Now, question is which maker and the spec. should I choose for this processor (good quality and best fit):

i) Corsair ii) OCZ iii) Crucial iv) Kingston v) Any other

Please give your inputs.

Thanks,

~akula2

A) If you are gaming ONLY, then 4gb will be fine. But other tasks tend to confuse the issue. Your e-mail might wake up, a virus scan might start, etc... so having more can help. Here is a Corsair studie on 3gb vs 6gb:
http://www.corsair.com/_appnotes/AN811_Gaming_Performance%20Analysis_6GB_vs_3GB.PDF
B) today, I would go with 64 bit regardless. Ram is cheap, and the 64 bit OS will make use of all you have.

C) Intel spec says 1.5v ram. Vendors offer faster ram at 1.65v which is the maximum; more can permanently damage your cpu. The 1.65v ram is better binned 1.5 ram which has been overclocked. It will usually run at 1.5v and a slower speed. There is little sense in pushing it because faster ram has only a marginal(2-3%) benefit in real applications.

Do not worry about double vs. triple channel, it makes little difference.

I think 6gb is the sweet spot for most users, but for a 1156 motherboard, go ahead and get 8gb, it is not that expensive.

 

[akula2]

Intel spec says 1.5v ram. Vendors offer faster ram at 1.65v which is the maximum; more can permanently damage your cpu. The 1.65v ram is better binned 1.5 ram which has been overclocked. It will usually run at 1.5v and a slower speed. There is little sense in pushing it because faster ram has only a marginal(2-3%) benefit in real applications.

Do not worry about double vs. triple channel, it makes little difference.

I think 6gb is the sweet spot for most users, but for a 1156 motherboard, go ahead and get 8gb, it is not that expensive.

Thanks for that study PDF. RAM type is no compromise because my scientific team will run few computational (Matlab etc) and drug modeling tools etc every day, looks like must to go with Dual Channel memory since it's the only type supported on i5-750. Sweet spot? Did you mean that I could install 6 GB (2x3) DDR3-1333 Dual Channel memory (1.5V) on such a PC?

Thanks,

~akula2

 

[mo0]

comparing

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBRH - Retail

and

G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO - Retail


1. Does the ECO work on i5 P55 Mobo's (GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD4 LGA 1156 Intel P55 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - Retail 2oz copper PCB, support 2 way SLI/CrossFireX plus smart 6)?

2. Any major loss between 1.35 and 1.55 voltage? Or a reason *why* the Eco would be a bad choice?

 

[sheath]

The box states its built for i5 & i7 in mind.

Also here is the specs from G.Skills site for the ECO ram

Main Board intel
System Desktop
System Type DDR3
M/B Chipset Intel P55
CAS Latency 7-7-7-21-2N
Capacity 4GB (2GBx2)
Speed DDR3-1333 (PC3 10666)
Test Voltage 1.35 Volts
PCB
Registered/Unbuffered Unbuffered
Error Checking Non-ECC
Type 240-pin DIMM
Warranty Lifetime

　

Qualified Motherboards List

　
ASUS Maximus III Formula
ASUS Maximus III Gene
ASUS SABERTOOTH 55i
ASUS P7P55D Premium
ASUS P7P55D Deluxe
ASUS P7P55D EVO
ASUS P7P55D Pro
ASUS P7P55D
EVGA P55 Classified 200
EVGA P55 FTW 200
EVGA P55 FTW
EVGA P55
EVGA P55 Micro
EVGA P55 LE
MSI P55M-GD45
MSI P55-GD65
MSI P55-GD80
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD3
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD3P
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD3R
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD4
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD4P
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD5
Gigabyte GA-P55 UD6

As for any loss? Nothing but extra heat the 1.5v would produce.

You gain a few $ in your pocket and the heat spreaders are more slimline and built to the ram so it takes up less space allowing you to fit more onto your Mobo without problems.

 

[mo0]

i'm glad you could get their site to load GIGABYTE's site is awfully slow today as well. thanks sheath.

 

[sheath]

I just copied it from my thread where i bought that ram lol i wouldnt load for me, not even Google Cache.

Edit: Here is the image from Newegg of the box.

 

[akula2]

IMO i would get this ram, its almost brand new, just a few weeks old i believe. Its the new Eco friendly series, same quality and specs as other ram but much lower voltage.

RAM: (G.SKILL ECO Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Desktop Memory Model F3-10666CL7D-4GBECO) $97.99

Capacity 4GB (2 x 2GB)
Speed DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666)
Cas Latency 7
Timing 7-7-7-21-2N
Voltage 1.35V
Multi-channel Kit Dual Channel Kit
Heat Spreader Yes

Check this Corsair Dominator DDR3-1600 i7/i5 memory: http://www.thinkcomputers.org/corsair-dominator-ddr3-1600-i7i5-optimized-4gb-dual-channel-memory-kit-review/5/

Part Number: CMD4GX3M2A1600C8 - $134.99 on Newegg http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145265&Tpk=CMD4GX3M2A1600C8
Module Type: 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM, unbuffered, non-ECC
Multi Channel: Dual Channel
Speed: DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Capacity: 4GB (2 x 2GB)
CAS Latency: 8
Timing: 8-8-8-24 (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS)
Intel XMP Ready
Designed for use with Core i7/Core i5

Please give your suggestion...

Thanks,

~akula2