Gigabyte G1.sniper2 memory questions

[Durty D]

Hello everyone,

I am new to the forum section of this site but I've been an avid reader for years. Anyway I need some help figuring out what would be the best memory to go with for my new gaming rig I am building here very soon. I've looked at gigabyte's recommended memory for my exact board and Its helpful and all but I would like to know what you guys like to use and is the best for overclocking/reliability. I'm not really dead set one anything at the moment but I would like two 4gb dimms or unless recommended otherwise. Money isn't really an issue seeing as memory is super cheap!

Here are my specs: Keep in mind I haven't purchased everything

Gigabyte G1.sniper2
i7 2600k
evga 3gb gtx 580
corsair ax850
ssd: recommendations please?
asus dvd rom

If I am forgetting anything forgive me, constructive criticism appreciated.

 

[itzdanielp]

For RAM I would suggest one of these.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231455

They are a great brand, and Memory has gotten really inexpensive.

I doubt you would notice much of a difference in speed, so if it was me I would go with the 1600MHz, but the 1866MHz is not much more expensive.

For an SSD this is the one I personally have, and let me tell you... It screams!!

Literally, the single best upgrade I have put in my pc recently, made a HUGE difference. It is pricey, but I have found it worth it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139601

They also have a 240GB version if the 120 is too small for you

 

[Durty D]

Thank you for the prompt reply! I will more than likely get the X ripjaws. But before that does anybody else have any input?

Thank you!

 

[jaquith]

As a footnote - the F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL is fine for 2x4GB, but if you ever need to add another set it's important to know they often run DDR3-1333 in dual sets, and in any dual sets never use XMP.

IMO - I also like G.SKILL, but the F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM DDR3-1600 CAS 8 will work properly in 4x4GB at Rated speed DDR3-1600 ; link -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445 However, IF 16GB is consideration the it's ideal to purchase them in 4X4GB from the beginning.

 

[beenthere]

All of the name brand RAM will OC some but in reality it's hardly worth the effort. Bumping the frequency from 1333 Mhz. to 1600 Mhz. is tpyically worth ~1% or less in system performance. 8 GB. in a 2x 4 GB. config. is the best option for most folks. Even RAM CAS latency makes little difference with DDR3 RAM as the frequency and bandwidth are higher to start with compared to DDR2/DDR.

SSD drives are an issue right now with reliability and compatibility as they are still immature technology and cause a lot of problems. Read the link below for more info.

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-solid-state-nand-reliability,2998.html

 

[jaquith]

SSD - On my servers I only use Intel, on my other non-critical builds i.e. Gaming PC's the Write life don't worry me especially with TRIM. So Faster = Better! The OCZ Vertex3 are fine and incredibly fast. On the Gaming rig I use the older Crucial C300 and have had zero issues and no problems after several OCZ Vertex3. Time will tell...

So I don't agree with this selection -> http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/ssd-solid-state-nand-reliability,2998-4.html Just remember TRIM won't work under RAID if used.

1%~2% reminds me of Tom's P67 vs X58 article; RAM Frequency + CAS study -> http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/6 Gaming the ideal is DDR3-1600 CAS 8/9.

 

[Durty D]

Thanks everybody, I was going to get:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231468


But if its not worth it or not going to help performance then screw it.

Would 1866 even be worth it? 2x 4gb dimms be the best orientation? I want the best possible performance, but who doesn't lmao.

I wish they had it in black!

Thanks for your replies

 

[itzdanielp]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231479

I would get the 1600MHz, but it is only $10 difference, so your call.

 

[Durty D]

Are those the same thing other than the heat sinks?

 

[itzdanielp]

The 1600 MHz ones are the same (same voltage and timings)

The 1866 MHz ones the black ones have slightly better timings.

 

[jaquith]

I had fun with getting the F3-17000CL11D-8GBXL to work with another OP, and if this is for gaming IMO stick with the F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM.

Revisit the RAM Frequency + CAS study link above. If you want to best of both worlds also look at the F3-12800CL7D-8GBXH they can OC and have extremely low CAS. You need to know what you're doing to get the high frequency and low CAS - the feedback is because most don't.

I've never had ANY blow-back from the F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM that I've recommended or used in builds.

 

[Durty D]

I will re visit that.

Do you think ivy bridge cpu's will the utilize higher frequencies when they are released?

My board is compatible with the next gen cpu's.

Nothing wrong with being prepared I guess lolz.

 

[jaquith]

I've been 'learned' not to second guess CPU's and their performance until there out and can be tested. The SB-E really disappointed me, and about all I guessed right about was their approximate release dates.

This much I can say, unless the BCLK can be increased I don't expect more than one notch-up in in memory frequency i.e. 1866 MHz might add a FPS or two.