Asus Rampage with dual channel memory

Welcome, Newcomer. The ASUS Rampage III supports Dual Channel memory configuration and upto 24 GB. So yes, you could do 8 GB DC. Bear in mind that DC configurations require pairs, and Tripple Channel configurations require sets of three.

Right, when I buy ram to upgrade my system I always buy the same stuff that I put in. With that being said, since I'm going to do 2-4GB Corsair XMS memory sticks to start I could simply buy 1 additional stick of ram as long as it was the same product to go up to 3-4gb sticks of ram, right?

Or is this wrong and I would have to upgrade all my ram to have a complete matching set?

I've only built 1 computer in the past and had mixed results with it, MB recently died after 5 years, only other problem I had constant HD failures, basically they'd all die after a year of usage, and the system constantly would crash and windows would tell me it was drivers issues.

I'm doing a fairly big build here so I want to ensure I'm getting everything right this time with quality components that will function properly.

B-A-D idea, and something that 'I' would never recommend - ever. Your MOBO is optimized for Tri/Hexa Channel and this will indeed cause a problem in the future; your upgrade path will be to add a second Dual Channel kit. You cannot simply add (1) stick to magically create a matched Tri Channel or get 3 Dual Channels to create a Hexa Channel.

Yes, it will work but the Cons outweigh the Pros.

If you need '8GB' I would first recommend a 3X4GB next a 6X2GB; Tri Channel is the most efficient {Channel A -> Channel B -> Channel A -> Channel B... etc}

Recommended Kits:
Corsair Tested {Rampage & Formula same kits} - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.asp...
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 12GB (3 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) CMP12GX3M3A1600C9 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 12GB (6 x 2GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) CMD12GX3M6A1600C8 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

Thanks for the input everyone - Few changes I've made

Error in what Processor I'm using in the first post, I'm using the i7 970, not 980.

Since I don't plan on doing much if any OC work I'm going to go with the Asus Sabertooth board.

Yes, I realize the ATI x1950gt is the weak spot in my system, however, I'm doing this upgrade simply since my current MB died. While I would like to upgrade my graphics card I think I'm just going to make use of what I have now, upgrade everything else to get going and worry about the graphics card later. As it is right now the wife doesnt understand my need for a desktop since I have a new 15" mac pro. So to limit myself a bit I'm trying to not replace everything...

Back to the memory issue!

Thinking of doing some Kingston ram now

6GB 3x2gb of Kingston Hyperx T1 at 1800, maybe double down to run 6x2gb for 12GB. While I would prefer 12GB at 3X4GB I cant seem to find a decent set of ram besides Gskill and I'm not crazy about them. (Advice)

Current Build Specs:
Cooler Master HAF X (Current case has serious lack of A/F)
Corsair 650TX PS
Intel i7 970
Asus Sabertooth
Corsair A70 fan & Heat sync
Asus DVD Burner (current drive is IDE)
Asus PCE-N13 wireless adapter
RAM -still up in the air
Intel X25 160GB SSD
Some current sata drives for storage (two)
ATI x1950GT (see above for reason, upgrade later)
Win 7 Ultimate
Would like to run a TV tuner eventually as well.

Advice on which RAM would be much appreciated or even other system specs. Already have the Power Supply, locked into the 970 CPU, everything else has yet to be ordered

If you're not going to OC then I would stick with 1600 MHz RAM. While 1800+ MHz seems like a good idea, it creates a huge disparity between the CPU's rated 1066 MHz support at the RAM speed. Meaning it may run unstable. The ultra high speed RAM is great but only great with an OC CPU; you could run the RAM under rated speed.

You mentioned Mac, there are MOBOs that have been used as Hackintosh rigs, and if that interest you then I suggest that you do some research.

CPU while I appreciate the 6-core i7 970 it is way overpriced and has a locked CPU Multiplier. So the only (2) CPUs that make any sense are the i7 950 and the i7 980X; in 30 seconds the i7 950 can be OC to surpass the i7 970; I get the extra 2-cores but unless you're running one of only a handful of Apps the extra cores don't matter. Trust me I own both.

jaquith,

Thanks for the information. I've never OC'ed a computer before but it seems like if I decided to it wouldn't be difficult to find some assistance on here.

I'm running the 970 CPU because I can get a new one really cheap through my work. I would prefer the unlocked version but its not an option I'm stuck with what I can get my hands on.

My idea behind running the 1800 speed ram was because I was going from 8GB dual channel to 6GB to use a triple channel setup, so I could compensate for the 2GB less ram with some faster ram.

NO DICE - It doesn't work that way at ALL. If you run out of {low} RAM then it's like hitting a brick wall - period. I HATE guessing, if you're doing rendering then 1600 vs 1800 MHz RAM will yield 2-5 FPS with using identical RAM ICs. Often faster rated RAM under performs slower RAM with better ICs. Also, not ALL CAS is better; CAS 7-8-7 might be slower than 8-8-8 - again it's the ICs used. {See Graph}. Next, if your PC runs unstable with the 1800 then you've defeated it's purpose.

It would REALLY HELP if you told me/us what you're wanting to do: Game, Pro graphics, etc.

Hey it's all about the $, and if you purchased the i7 970 ~ $400~$450 then good...otherwise maybe not.

{the furthest to the right are Water Cooled Kingston HyperX H2O which is nuts in 99.99% of builds}
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

I can get the 970 for a stupid price, less than $400. I used to game on the PC but now I've gone to console gaming, we have all three current consoles in the house. I would like to start doing more video editing, I have the CS5 MS, additionally I do a lot of design for work in CS5 but that's not to terribly intense.

Part of this build is also to build something today, which obviously costs more now, that will last awhile, 5+ years and still be running fast. So while I could get a 960 i7 for half the cost of the 970, I figured get the newer tech so I have it later.

Am I completely off base and should simply build something now for half of my current build price then rebuild in 3 years for about the same cost so I get a computer for 6 years at my current build price?

My complete build above is about $1500-1700.

I would, as stated, get the Corsair 3X4GB and a GTX 470.

http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/systemreqs/

Only the following GPUs are currently accelerated:
Supported NVIDIA graphics cards for GPU acceleration
GeForce GTX 285 (Windows and Mac OS)
GeForce GTX 470 (Windows)
Quadro 4000 (Windows)
Quadro 5000 (Windows)
Quadro FX 3800 (Windows)
Quadro FX 4800 (Windows and Mac OS)
Quadro FX 5800 (Windows)
Quadro CX

CORSAIR DOMINATOR 12GB (3 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) CMP12GX3M3A1600C9