What is most cost effective Value/XMS/Dominator?

[Equilibriate]

Hi guys

I'm just looking to upgrade and don't really know where to go with memory, I had some dominator ddr2 in my current setup but I've read that the difference in real world performance of ddr3 1066/1333/1600 can be very minimal.

So my options are:

*Value 1x C-CMV4GX3M1A1333C9 @ £26.30
*XMS3 2x C-CMX4GX3M2A1333C8 @ £32.68
*Dom 2x C-CMP4GX3M2A1600C9 @ £47.21

I'm swaying towards the XMS3 and have no 1066 avaliable from the site I'm buying from.
Its to go on a ASUS P8P67 Pro with a 2500k. Am I right in thinking that 4gb should be ok for general use and gaming for now (I have 4gb in my current).
Also I've got a ASUS 6950 direct cuII (3 slot) card and I'm planning on either getting the same card to Xfire (if it will fit!!) or another 6950/6970 later.
Any advise on the memory primarily but any of the set up will be greatly appreciated as this is only my second build.
Oh yeah I plan to keep my current case but will probably get a Corsair 600t SE later.

Thanks,
Joe Bate.

 

[r3xx3r]

the XMS3 or Dominators will both be great sets. 4GB is definitely enough for general use and gaming. 8GB is always better tho, but that can be added afterwards if you find the need.

I have looked into that exact card and it looks great. you could also get a 2 slot 6950 and Crossfire them if two of the 3slot cards wont work.

 

[jaquith]

Welcome back to Tom's Forum!

'Cost Effective' is an ambiguous term itself, so based upon what you listed I'd try to make the 'Sensible' choices.

That said, the Sandy Bridge's 'sweet-spot' for gaming is 1600 MHz CAS 8/9 with 1.50v; IMO I prefer the 1600 CAS 8 and again with Gaming on my mind a 2x4GB with Window 7 x64.

Cost Effective for various uses, the 1866+ MHz is best for Multi-Tasking so here's a side-by-side -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&ActiveSearchResult=True&CompareItemList=147|20-231-445^20-231-445-TS%2C20-233-144^20-233-144-TS%2C20-145-345^20-145-345-TS%2C20-231-455^20-231-455-TS%2C20-233-170^20-233-170-TS

Corsair 1600 MHz CAS 8-8-8-24 @ 1.50v 2x4GB:
pick a coloor -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%2050001459%20600006069%20600006127&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=147|20-233-185^20-233-185-TS%2C20-233-147^20-233-147-TS

Sandy Bridge RAM -> http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/1
Gaming 8GB+ -> http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ram-memory-upgrade,2778-8.html

My favorite 1600 MHz CAS 8-8-8-24 @ 1.50v 2x4GB:
G.SKILL F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445