Whats the best RAM stick?

[FSUMack86]

Hello,

Im just wondering what RAM stick i should put into a 1366 mobo. Im running an i7-970 CPU and I would like to keep it under $180.


Thanks to all.

 

[jaquith]

I like the Corsair Dominator TR3X6G1600C8D.

Do you need more than 6GB, and are you going to OC the i7 970? Are you gaming or Rendering {Photoshop or Premiere or CAD...etc}?

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

Stock:

 

[FSUMack86]

Thanks man this is really helpful. Im not planning on OC the CPU much, if i do ill keep it under 4Ghz for sure. I have planning on Corsair Dominator series but not sure which model until now. Im running triple channel 6gb

 

[jaquith]

Unless you're going to 'up' the BCLK >160~180+ then I'd stick with 1600 MHz Dominators, they easily OC to 1800 MHz as above and are rock solid stable. The 2000 MHz on the other hand is great for 'extreme' OC, but are rather unstable for too much less. The 2000 MHz are often under-clocked to 1600 MHz in stock or close to stock speeds.

Further, if 'Rendering' is your thing and in-keeping with your BUDGET, then 12GB seems to be the 'magic' number -- I'd go for G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 12GB (3 x 4GB) DDR3 1333 F3-10666CL9T-12GBRL . I would then sacrifice Speed for GB's.

However, in either case VERIFY that ANY RAM is indeed compatible with your MOBO; Certified {QVL} list or Tested via RAM Mfg's Configuration online tools.

 

[JackNaylorPE]

You did say "Best" not "best value" so this becomes a simple question:

1. Speed - You could go DDR3-2000 or more but if ya not overclocking past 200, there's no need for anything over DDR3-1600.

2. CAS - CAS 6 is faster than CAS 7 which is faster than CAS 8 and so on, so CAS 6 it is.

3. Height - This is a concern if ya RAM is equipped with tall heat sinks which will interfere w/ many aftermarket CPU coolers.

The Muskin performance Memory fits all 3 criteria

http://mushkin.com/Memory/Radioactive/998958.aspx
http://mushkin.com/Memory/Redline/998805.aspx
http://mushkin.com/Memory/Redline/998692.aspx

 

[FSUMack86]

Ok, im planning on either the asus 3 rampage formula or the Asus P6X58D Premium mobo. Where should I go to see if the 6GB Dominator 1600Mhz will be compatible?

 

[jaquith]

I know those MOBOs and the TR3X6G1600C8D is fine.

R3E {R3F not listed} - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1493037
P6X58D Premium - http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1362023

I'm very {too} familiar with ASUS; I like 'em

 

[FSUMack86]

I do too! Some of the best mobos in the business. I do like the big bang from MSI and a couple boards from Gigabyte, but Asus usually has far better reviews

 

[FSUMack86]

Could you or anyone explain the latency timing from all RAM. Is 8-8-8-24 better than 9-9-9-24?

 

[FSUMack86]

...also, would the tall heatsinks on the corsair dominator series be a problem with an aftermarket CPU cooler? (Sorry for all the questions)

 

[jaquith]

The CAS first is considered 'tight' 8-8-8 vs 8-9-8 which is indicative of a good quality IC, CAS 8 is faster than 9 {one billionth of a second per timing}. The overall quality of the DIMM design allow for good heat dispersion and so the sticks are good candidates for OC'ing. The Dominator is designed that the top heat sink 'can be' removed easily. The MOBOs above in particular have the DIMM slots spaced far enough away from the CPU to allow most 'lawnmower engine' CPU coolers enough room as not to hit the RAM.

Regardless of the MOBO, I generally recommend the Corsair H50/H70 {or full water system like Koolance} so the RAM isn't being hit by the CPU Fan and also allows better airflow around the MOBO itself. Memory is a priority over a CPU heatsink 'to me.' -- I would not have a second thought of grinding-off some of the CPU heatsink's cooling fins or repositioning the push/pull fans if they interfere. Most high-quality RAM has large heatsinks.

 

[FSUMack86]

Best answer selected by fsumack86.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey