DDR3 Memory Recommendation for i5 2500k system?

[vashek]

Just curious which RAM you guys would recommend for gaming on an i5 2500K system. I am coming from DDR2 and not familiar with DDR3.

G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 Model F3-12800CL8D-8GBXM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445

G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Model F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

I understand that the 1866 RAM should be faster...but the Ripjaw has a lower CAS and timings. I most likely wouldnt be trying to OC the RAM since the mobo/processor/ram is new to me in this build.

 

[beenthere]

DDR3 frequency and timings make very little difference compared to DDR2 because DDR3 RAM has a higher frequncy and more bandwidth. Either of the two RAM kits you listed should work fine. Make sure they will clear your CPU HSF if you have an aftermarket HSF.

They will boot to the default RAM speed for your CPU which is 1066/1333 Mhz. So if you want to try OC'ing the RAM you can but typically it results in ~1% change in system performance which isn't worth the trouble if it results in system instability.

http://ark.intel.com/products/52210

 

[vashek]

Thank you for the response! That makes sense. Maybe I'd be better off just downgrading to DDR3 1333 RAM and spending an extra few bucks and get 16GB rather than 8GB?