Best memory for Asus Rampage III Extreme

Hi, I am building a new system which consists in part of an Asus Rampage III Extreme and Intel Core i7-980X processor. Which is the fastest compatible memory I can use?

I am thinking of being able to install a minimum of 6GB, but would like the option of going for 12GB or more in a triple channel configuration.

Obviously I would go for a minimum of 1600Mhz memory, but the board supports up to 2200Mhz, so, would like to consider using the higher frequencies at 1.65v (to at least keep warranty with Intel).

There are many makes and as the Mhz goes up, so the timing goes down. I also hear this board is a little fussy about certain memory configs (some corsair dominator does not work according to feedback on some product sites, maybe others), so need to make sure what I buy will work.

There is an "approved" QVL list from Asus at http://vip.asus.com/forum/view.asp [...] uage=en-us but which is really the best? It will not cover any newer memory since the release of the pdf.

I may want to overclock a little, but not go overboard and require water cooling etc for the case.

Notice that the user manual (same web page) says anything above 1600Mhz is over-clocked, but not sure that means I have to overclock the processor to use the faster frequency if the memory supports that by default.

Anyone got advice or experience on this config?

Spent some days thinking about this, and no real conclusion so would really appreciate a push in the right direction.

Thanks in advance.

While the Certified {QVL} list is an excellent observation on your part, in addition is the RAM Mfg's Tested list, and if needed the RAM Mfg's support ticket to confirm 'compatible' RAM.

Tri Channel is the 'most efficient' and if you need 12GB then I would recommend 3X4GB over 6X2GB. Yes, I would not recommend any RAM slower than 1600 MHz, or 2000 MHz if you plan to OC.

Tested Corsair list - http://www.corsair.com/configurato [...] id=1493037

Comparison Module #1: Mushkin Redline 996805 6-8-6-24 1600MHz
Comparison Module #2: G.Skill Pi Series 7-8-7-24 1600MHz
Comparison Module #3: Mushkin 998687 8-9-8-24 1866MHz
Comparison Module #4: Corsair Dominator TR3X6G1600C8D 8-8-8-24 1600MHz
Comparison Module #5: Kingston HyperX T1 9-9-9-27 1600MHz
Comparison Module #6: Mushkin Blackline 998677B 7-7-7-20 1333MHz
Comparison Module #7: Patriot Viper II Sector 7 9-9-9-27 1800MHz
CORSAIR DOMINATOR-GT 12GB (3 x 4GB) DDR3 2000 (PC3 16000) Fan CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145329

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) TR3X6G1600C8D http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145224

My vote -> CMP12GX3M3A1600C9 My 2nd vote -> CMT12GX3M3A2000C9

Reason, unless you are going to OC at least 4+GHz the 2000 MHz will require {8/10} under-clocking to remain stable; that's the catch-22 of super-fast RAM.

People having problems with CMX12GX3M3A2000C9 are typically caught by the allure of 'XMP' that RAM is a mis-match for what you 'need' it to do. The reviewers having issue with that RAM are 1. Using the XMP where they should not, and 2. lack of OC CPU creates a huge sys bus disparity to cause the instability. Also, that RAM will run hot.

4GHz OC -> CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 My 2nd vote -> CMP12GX3M3A1600C9

Not exactly, the 2000 MHz Corsair's RAM {most 2000 MHz RAM} will run with BCLK/CPU Multiplier @ stock, just don't set the Memory Multiplier to 15 / {DDR3 2000MHz}. Frequently, the disparity 'can' cause some instability; instead run the 2000 MHz RAM @ 1600 MHz {under clocked/rated} or maybe 1800 MHz if running CPU @ stock. Otherwise if the BCLK = 200 MHz then fine set the Memory Multiplier = 10 / {DDR3 2000MHz}with a CPU Multiplier = 20 - it will do it's job very well.

Stable is never round numbers, and the Thermaltake Frio is fine for 4GHz. Silverstone makes very good cases; just get one with top venting.

SST-TJ07B-W http://www.silverstonetek.com/prod [...] 7&area=usa
Interesting pulling the air from bottom-up, and I like the MOBO tray. What about dust and doesn't look like these's a place for a radiator {HDD/PSU}.

ETA: Newegg 11/23/2010 -> CMT12GX3M3A2000C9

That's my point {HDD/PSU} @ bottom + slide-out ; so where can you put a radiator? Looks the tray slide blocks the top placement and the {HDD/PSU} takes up the bottom.

I know you're air cooling; I'm just observing, curious and NOT criticizing; I like SilverStone cases.

from above -> I know you're air cooling; I'm just observing, curious...

I'm just wondering?? If there'a a place to install a radiator, for water cooling - if you or anyone ever wanted one.

The Corsair's OC extremely well, as I stated, and CAS 8 2000 MHz is crazy fast -- put the two together and 8+ FPS over it's 1600 MHz cousins. I would 'guess' that translates into ~6 CAS at 1600 MHz.

That article was written in May 2009, and a lot has changed since then. Also, you need RAM that you KNOW will work with your MOBO. The RAM is ALMOST double the price - which comes to BALANCE.

BALANCE is when ALL components are ~evenly matched and compliment each other. So the CAS 8 2000 makes sense on a 3+WAY SLI/CF with an i7 980X OC @ 4.4+GHz - or a $4,500+ rig.

CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 => OP
CMP12GX3M3A1600C9 => Wesley-mcg-

I'm still not convinced it's the RAM, could just as easily be the MOBO. I've build 27 rigs in the past 12 months, and not once did I have a bad Corsair. Wesley-mcg- 's Corsair is running just not OC; MOBO flagged a DRAM led. Verdict is still out, nothing is 100%, but bad Corsairs are very rare in my posts.

The BIOS MUST fully recognize the X.M.P. data on the RAM IF it does not for ANY reason you can easily get post failure and/or 'odd' behavior - therefore I NEVER recommend the X.M.P. setting for ANY MOBO. Also, if you read the QVL carefully it can state the number of {DIMM} sticks supported. Further, you cannot OC the RAM beyond it rated speed.

I OC, I too have had this situation with a Gigabyte MOBO and I've seen it with countless MOBOs and 'X.M.P.' RAM - every time the RAM goes from X.M.P. -> Manually OC the problems are solved. X.M.P. is by far NOT viable solution. In addition, a BIOS upgrade may be required for the X.M.P. to work, and I rarely recommend BIOS flashes and will NEVER recommend one to solve X.M.P.

Further, if manually setting the RAM fails then Memtest and test the DIMM slots if possible; you 'might' have a bad stick/DIMM slot a/k/a bad MOBO.

Please start a NEW Post; I have a 'feeling' it will be VERY HELPFUL for others.

AI Tweaker:
AI Overclocker Tuner {Auto} -> {Manual}
DRAM Frequency {Auto} -> {DDR3-1600MHz}**
DRAM Timing Control hit enter -> enter ALL of your timings 9-9-9-24
Timing Mode {Auto} -> 2N -> same as 2T
...
DRAM Bus Volatge {Auto} -> 1.6v
QPI/DRAM Core Voltage {Auto} -> 1.4v or less [stable]

Save & Exit

** assumes an unlocked CPU.

ALSO Read -> http://i4memory.com/f55/intel-core [...] ios-23430/

VERY Helpful OC Sheet -> https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc [...] l=en#gid=0

I've seen this problem before, it's seems to be more of a MOBO issue. You can Google and see what I mean.

I wouldn't argue with ASUS. Here's the PITA problem - you need ALL 3 to behave otherwise it's a crap shoot. The MOBO and it's BIOS is responsible to send/receive data, the RAM has to work properly to store the info, and the CPU has the memory controller integrated to 'control' this circus.

It's seems logical that if the CPU has an issue then clearly you're stuck. It too seems VERY VERY odd to have (2) posters with the SAME EXACT issue.

The 'OC' of the RAM is indeed hinged upon the Memory Controller to 'accept' the speed of the RAM whatever it is. Clearly the RAM 'functions' and clearly the MOBO 'functions' and to some degree so does the CPU. --- So you see 'my' take on this.

I have seen, Google for yourself, ALL of the components WORK as advertised. I rarly see Corsair's act up and I rarely see ASUS act up. ALSO, if the CPU pins are NOT fully connected 100% {see it all the time with P55/1156} then you can have all sort of oddball issues including 'missing memory'.

Therefore prior to sending back the CPU; remove it check the pins with a magnifying glass {alignments} and -- cannot hurt remount the CPU -- let me/us know!

Good Luck!

Keep in mind the BCLK speed varies all the time, it's NORMAL, and ±10 MHz is NOTHING.

Also, there's rounding BCLK 133.33333 ± 3; 130 X 12 = 1560 ; 136 X 12 = 1632 ; therefore any number between 1560~1632 MHz is a nothing!

Duh, just noticed {I get CONFUSED with (2) people SAME POST}; is your RAM = CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 a/k/a 2000 MHz??

REMEMBER -> "Reason, unless you are going to OC at least 4+GHz the 2000 MHz will require {8/10} under-clocking to remain stable; that's the catch-22 of super-fast RAM. "

You need a BCLK of 180~200 to use the 2000 MHz RAM. Please confirm.

9.9/10 it's your BIOS settings. What EXACT BIOS settings have you 'changed?' Please list here:

The MAJOR Problems with this post is 1600 vs 2000 MHz require (2) COMPLETELY Different Approaches. If you or I make the mistake of confusing one or the other the RESULT is WRONG settings. Therefore, PLEASE open a NEW Post and Private Message me with the link; I will look at it and start from NEW.

My first assumption is a BIOS setting error.

Just thought I would try to add a comment to give this discussion some closure (from a point of what works to get you up and running). I purchased CMT6GX3M3A2000C8 as it had better timings that the 12GB version and was actually in stock at retailers. It worked fine with the default settings of my mobo (1333Mhz), no CPU overclock. I will play around with the settings to find out what works and certainly would be interested in the best way to approach the CPU+RAM OC for this mobo.

Kind of late reply, but I have something to chip in... I have exact same setup, and went through few chips before I learned what was going on. I have initially purchased Patriot's Viper II 1600Mhz 12GB kit, and could not get it to work at that speed. I've tried so many thing, but with no luck. Then, I found that post on Patriot forum stating lowest bios version works just fine with this memory. So, I downgraded (about 4 builds down to 402), adjusted settings, and it worked right away. None of other bios releases worked. It seems Asus decided to give non-QVL chips no go. I was to order Dominator 2000 kit, but it is not listed on QVL, however, Corsair lists it as compatible. I guess in this case we are free to go to their support, and demand help in setting things up... Anyways, those chips are hard to get, so I settled with Kingston HyperX, which in fact is listed on QVL at 2000Mhz on all 6 dimms... I should have them tomorrow, and will post back with results.

Hello,

is the ASUS Rampage III Extreme working also with 24GB of memory CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 (2 times the set of 3 modules)? Any catch or something to pay attention to?

Thanks and regards
P

Yea it does - Ive just installed it yesterday and spent all night trying to see what it can be tweaked into....

So with Rampage III extreme and intel i7 960 i ended up with following:

Definitely the most stable situation is when I get to O.C. RAM via O.C.ing cpu...

Have latest Rampage BIOS. BUT OLDER ONES ARE THE SAME IN THAT PART....

So, in TWEAKING AREA i tried all possible values, multipliers, voltages etc... And ended up with following...
I O.C. CPU with its 'automatic' - 3 step option... Went from 3.2 Ghz to 3.6 (it's middle value). - fsb multiplier is x24...
That step alone upgraded my 24 GB of RAM to 1594 Mhz (i was going for 1600) with automatic rise of qPi/DRAM voltage to 1.4xx mV and dram to 1,6xx mV

I run battery of benchmarks and tests - and did some manual measuring ( I use it for video editing) - it was stable as can be (still is) - now I am getting ready to try to get even higher - to real OC world!!!!

Good luck!
V.