Best memory for Asus Rampage III Extreme

[Dunc-TT]

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.aspx?board_id=1&model=Rampage+III+Extreme&id=20100430143411765&page=1&SLanguage=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.

 

[jaquith]

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/configurator/product_results.aspx?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/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145329

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) TR3X6G1600C8D http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145224

 

[Dunc-TT]

Hi Jaquith,

Thanks for your prompt advice.

I feel going for 3x4GB is the best idea as I still have more room for expansion as long as the timings remain good. 1600Mhz seems a bit slow these days and 2200Mhz has very few options out there, so two configurations caught my interest:

CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 - DDR3-2000 (DominatorGT-16000 9-10-9-27*XMP*3CH)
and
CMX12GX3M3A2000C9 - DDR3-2000 (XMS3-16000C9) Latency 9-9-9-24

I find it strange that the 2nd item has better latency ratings than the Dominator GT, but the description is different and it does not mention XMP or 3CH which I presume is triple channel. Which would in theory be faster?

Also, where did you get that graph from and can I compare the two above?

Cheers.

 

[jaquith]

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.

 

[Dunc-TT]

So, if I get your point, it is better to get slower memory, have a stable system, and overclock when you feel the need. Instead of faster memory, which is unstable at default CPU clocking, which can handle the faster speed?

To set expectations, I would probably want to go for 4Ghz at some point (have a decent Silverstone case and Thermaltake Frio CPU fan) once I am sure my system is stable.

 

[jaquith]

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.

 

[Dunc-TT]

OK, sounds like the CMT12GX3M3A2000C9 is the way to go for me. I have the TJ07B-W case, so 6 fans should be enough ;-)

Shame the memory is out of stock everywhere!

Thanks for your help.

 

[jaquith]

SST-TJ07B-W http://www.silverstonetek.com/products/p_spec.php?pno=tj07&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

 

[Dunc-TT]

Just need to have Dyson at the ready! PSU goes at the bottom.

 

[jaquith]

PSU goes at the bottom.

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.

 

[Dunc-TT]

Radiator?

 

[jaquith]

Radiator?

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.

 

[Dunc-TT]

Hmmm, link does not work - HTTP 403 forbidden.

I think there is a gap at the top (where the PSU would normally be) for water cooling.

See http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Silverstone/Temjin_TJ07/3.html

Just saw this memory article today:
http://gadgetsarea.blogspot.com/2009/05/corsair-dominator-gt-is-fastest-intel.html

Would the 8-8-8-24 timing really make a difference for games? No doubt it will be expensive and hard to get.

 

[jaquith]

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.

 

[wesley-mcg-]

i have the ramapage 3 extreme and i have a set of the CMP12GX3M3A1600C9 im rma'ing it because it wont go above 1333 probably gonna go back to OCZ this is the first time a corsair set has ever failed me

 

[jaquith]

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.

 

[Coamex]

Jaquith,

I would like to ask you a question, please, since it is obvious you have WAY more knowledge than me in dealing with RAM. I have basically the same situation as the previous post: I purchased the Corsair Dominator set CMP12GX3M3A1600C9 (3 x 4GB @ 1600MHz) to use with my i7 980X and the Rampage III Extreme. If I activate the XMP it will not boot and tell me that the Overclock Failed! What should I do in order to have my memory run @ 1600MHz? I have a Megahalems with a Delta 3400RPM fan in it...I'm ready to change anything that needs changing...I'm also thinking on taking the CPU to at least 4 GHz.

Any suggestion will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[jaquith]

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.

 

[Coamex]

Thank you. Since I'm new to the tweak-your-BIOS field, what are the Vs that need tweaking in order to get your MEM to work as specified? WHat are your recommendations in terms of numbers and in what fields?

 

[jaquith]

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-i7-980x-guide-optimal-cpu-vtt-memory-voltage-voltages-uncore-memory-frequency-ratios-23430/

VERY Helpful OC Sheet -> https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AiqWJwYxhJqKdGh5TkVGcW1FZmpGaHg4c1lYT2twdUE&hl=en#gid=0

 

[Coamex]

Jaquith,

Thank you for the help. I did it but it still gave me an Overclocking Failed! message! I honestly don't know what else to do except changing the memory and trying with a different one...I'm thinking 2000MHz...if that doesn't work, then I will RMA the CPU.

 

[jaquith]

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

 

[Coamex]

So you think I should RMA the MOBO instead of the CPU or the memory? I called ASUS and they told me that if the other Memory did not work with the XMP then I should request a new CPU.

 

[jaquith]

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!

 

[Coamex]

Roger. It is very weird that I can get the RAM to 1593 MHz, but as soon as you go even ONE, yes ONE MHz over 1600 it will immediately not boot and show the infamous "Overclocking Failed!" message. Any explanation on why it can go almost to, BUT not to or over 1600 MHz?? Wierd! I will check the CPU today, I have already started the RMA process for the memory on Newegg so I will probably do that too just in case. If the new memory doesn't work with the XMP profile activated, then I will shoot for a CPU RMA, and then a MOBO RMA in that order. Man, this is a headache!