RAM Questions

[ViualM]

Hello,
I'm a bit new to this so apologies in advance if I come off a bit silly.
I'm about to buy an ASUS M4A89GTD PRO/USB3 to couple with an AMD x4 955 Phenom. I need some RAM to go with it. I understand that the higher the speed the better however, I'm unsure of what difference the CL timings make.
Here are 2 of my alternatives:
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/G.Skill+RipJaw+4GB+%282x2GB%29+DDR3+PC3-10666C9+1333MHz+Dual+Channel+Kit+?productId=37609
http://www.aria.co.uk/SuperSpecials/Other+products/OCZ+Gold+4GB+%282x2GB%29+DDR3+PC3-12800C8+1600MHz+Dual+Channel+Kit+?productId=34387#rqc
Would you advise me please?
Thanks

 

[chomini]

I'd go fot the OCZ Gold 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C8 1600MHz Dual Channel Kit
but make sure it is CAS LATENCY.

 

[sportsfanboy]

The OCZ is faster overall with higher frequency and slightly tighter timings. I personally prefer G.Skill as a memory company to OCZ, but that's personal preference.

 

[T_T]

In general, tighter (lower) timings are the better choice. The reason for this is that in a hefty majority of the build usage, RAM frequencies rarely (if at all) make a difference. The same rule applies to density (amount of GB). Memory intensive applications, such as photo editors, will benefit the most from higher densities (6+ GB).

To get a better understanding of timing vs. frequency, consider this article from Tom's:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/tight-timings-high-clock-frequencies,1236-8.html

Note: This article is old and the arcitechture discussed is also old, but the points that are made can and will apply; even with today's RAM.

 

[jaquith]

Unless the RAM is: 1. Certified {QVL}, 2. Tested, or 3. Verified via RAM Mfg support site then do NOT buy it. I cannot verify the RAM you selected.

My preferences in order: Corsair, G.SKILL, Mushkin, Kingston and for budget RAM Crucial. I don't particularly like OCZ RAM.

Your Shopping website is 'fun' but I found the Corsair the I KNOW will work {TW3X4G1333C9A}, it's not my #1 choice but it is fast and Tested.

ASUS QVL {Memory Support List tab} http://usa.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=eCWbkolMf0DOW0IV
Corsair Tested RAM - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1449449
G.SKILL Tested RAM {>1600 is for the 6-core} - http://gskill.com/configurator2.php?pid=2&model=1341

Corsair XMS3 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-10600C9 1333Mhz Dual Channel Kit - TW3X4G1333C9A
http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Components/Memory/DDR3+Dual+Channel+%E2%80%93+1333MHz+/+PC3-10666/Corsair+XMS3+4GB+(2x2GB)+DDR3+PC3-10600C9+1333Mhz+Dual+Channel+Kit+-++TW3X4G1333C9A+?productId=37150

QVL:
G.SKILL F3-12800CL7D-4GBRH(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB)
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB)
G.SKILL F3-12800CL9D-4GBECO(XMP) 4GB(2 x 2GB)

Is there another site that you can order from?