psnabe

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Hi

I’m going to build a new PC – it has been some time since last – so it might be obvious questions I ask – but I hope you will help me by answering them.

I’m going to use an Intel i7 2600K processor which use memory types DDR3-1066/1333 according to Intel. For motherboard I’m considering using Asus P8Z68-V PRO which use the following memory types: DDR3 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333/1066 Hz Non-ECC, Un-buffered Memory Dual Channel Memory Architecture.

My question is – if I’m not going to overclock the system – are there any reasons buying RAM with a higher MHz than the 1333 supported by the CPU?

Are there much difference in speed using RAM with CL7 or CL9?
 
Welcome to Tom's Forum! :)

The Sandy Bridge's IMC is very robust and can support all of those RAM Frequencies. However, the 'benefit to cost to use' is what's in question. For intense memory applications and multitasking yes there's a benefit to high frequency with lower tight CAS, in gaming 1600 MHz CAS 8/9 seems to be ideal, and for greatest stability there are valid augments for DDR3 1333 MHz with low CAS.

Excellent article -> http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/1

Looking at the best one size fits all my preference is DDR3 1600 CAS 8-8-8-24-2T @ 1.50v RAM; my favorite 2x4GB kit is $70 G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 ( F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445 ; I've seen it low as $60.

BTW - the $200 ASUS P8Z68-V PRO is also my favorite $200 Z68 MOBO.
 

psnabe

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Thanks :) I thought that the memory types DDR3-1066/1333 of the CPU - had to match the speed of the RAM
 
To explain more, just having fun with 'nope.'

Intel i7-2600K specs -> http://ark.intel.com/products/52214/Intel-Core-i7-2600K-Processor-(8M-Cache-3_40-GHz)
Limits:
Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type) 32 GB
Memory Types DDR3-1066/1333
Max Memory Bandwidth 21 GB/s
ECC Memory Supported No

DDR3 RAM Limits - > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM#JEDEC_standard_modules
note the {Peak transfer rate (MB/s)}
DDR3 2133 MHz 17066⅔ (MB/s) = 16.67 GB/s

The actual SB limit is DDR3 2300 MHz~2400 MHz ; yes you'll need to OC the CPU; hence the 'OC' notation for your MOBO -> 2200(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)