How Much Memory?

[rusty1989]

I want to upgrade the RAM in my computer and want to know how much I should get, 6gb or 12gb? I have a i7 920, not oced, a gtx 460 and I will probably be buying another for sli. I have a 750W psu if that is relevant. My OS is Vista 64 bit and my motherboard supports triple channel memory. So I'm trying to decide between 6 gb's (3x2) or 12 gb's (6x2). The main use of this computer is gaming. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[saint19]

Hi.

6GB (3x2GB) is more that enough for games. What budget do you have for the RAM? What mobo do you have?

 

[rusty1989]

Hey Saint, TY for the response.
My motherboard is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131346
It has triple channel memory banks and currently I only have 3 gbs (3x1) which doesn't feel like enough, especially since I'm running Vista 64 bit. They no longer make the memory I currently have, so I decided to replace it with either 6 gbs (3x2) or 12 gbs (6x2). I read http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-memory-upgrade,2778.html and they recommend a minimum of 8 gbs. I don't think that is possible in triple channel set up is it? My impression is I need to have 3, then 6, then 12 as my options for increasing RAM. So my question is it worth it to have 12 gbs over 6? Budget wise is I can afford 12 but don't want to spend money for the sake of it if that makes sense.

 

[saint19]

Correct, 8GB isn't possible in tri-channel.

This 6GB kit is very good and with excellent price: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231335&cm_re=PI_1600-_-20-231-335-_-Product

 

[jaquith]

You 'can' use 2 Kits of 2X2GB - it will work - but you're SOL to fill the 2 slots. I recommend a single kit of 3X4GB if 8GB is the goal; Tri Channel is more efficient than Hexa Channel.

4-Correct Choices:
2 kits 2X_GB
2 kits 3X_GB
1 kit 2X_GB
1 kit 3X_GB

BAD Choices:
1 or 2 kits 2X_GB + 1 or 2 Stick(s); pseudo Tri Channel
1 kit 3X_GB + 1 kit 2X_GB
etc..

 

[rusty1989]

Performance wise, what is the difference between DDR3 1333 and DDR3 1600? And also are certain timings better than others?

 

[jaquith]

Anywhere from ±2%~±5% and I do mean the minus (-) RAM is all about the ICs used, the tightness of the CAS, etc. Benchmarking is the only way to know 100%. Not always but enough of the time you get what you pay for...

Example:
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