24GB CL9 vs. 12GB CL7 for gaming

[tharagon]

I am quite stuck here, could anyone help me out?
I'm gonna change RAM, and need to know which one is better, the 24GB CL9 or the 12GB CL7?
I have currently got 8 GB DDR3 memory, but it's only running at around 500mhz, (Should be running at 1600mhz) so thats why I need to change.
These two were the only ones that seemed to fit my motherboard, and aswell fast enough.

(2 of these)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148254

(Or 2 of these)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139267&Tpk=KVR1333D3N9K3%2f12G

(My current RAM)

Btw, the 24GB version is running at 1333mhz, and the 12GB version is running at 1600mhz...
Thanks in advance, please answer!

 

[theuniquegamer]

You only need 4gb to max 8gb ram for gaming.More than 8gb is unused in gaming

 

[jitpublisher]

Another thing to remember that a lot of folks don't seem to understand, RAM is sold at the maximum speeds it is RATED to run at without having problems, it is not the speed it automatically runs at when you plug it into your board. The speed it actually runs at is set by several variables on the board. If your memory is not running at the speed you think it should be running, you need to check the settings in your BIOS first before you dump money needlessly on something you don't need. You do know that your system will down clock in speed under power saving mode, so when you say it is only running at 500mhz, how and when are checking this? Many programs will also report memory speed as actual, and dual channel again, is RATED as DDR-Double Data Rate (bigger numbers catch peoples eyes and sell more parts, as is proving true here by reading your post) so your memory is likely running 1000mhz in DDR terms.
1600mhz DDR3 memory for instance, is rated and sold in double pumped or DDR terms, actually runs at 800mhz.
And you don't need 12 gig of memory to game. 8 gig is more than enough.

 

[jsc]

tug, OP is using a triple channel motherboard, so if he needs a maximum of 8 GB, the minimum quantity he can use to take full advantage of his CPU is 12 GB.

The first RAM, according to specs, is CL8. The second, CL9. You will not see any practical difference in speed between the two.

tharagon, you said your present RAM is running at 500 MHz. What are you using to measure it?

 

[tharagon]

Another thing to remember that a lot of folks don't seem to understand, RAM is sold at the maximum speeds it is RATED to run at without having problems, it is not the speed it automatically runs at when you plug it into your board. The speed it actually runs at is set by several variables on the board. If your memory is not running at the speed you think it should be running, you need to check the settings in your BIOS first before you dump money needlessly on something you don't need. You do know that your system will down clock in speed under power saving mode, so when you say it is only running at 500mhz, how and when are checking this? Many programs will also report memory speed as actual, and dual channel again, is RATED as DDR-Double Data Rate (bigger numbers catch peoples eyes and sell more parts, as is proving true here by reading your post) so your memory is likely running 1000mhz in DDR terms.
1600mhz DDR3 memory for instance, is rated and sold in double pumped or DDR terms, actually runs at 800mhz.
And you don't need 12 gig of memory to game. 8 gig is more than enough.

I actually have the exact same memory as you do, corsair vengeance, but the problem is that it isnt compatible with my motherboard
It runs at 500mhz, single channel, it should be running that speed, in triple channel...

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/ramj.png/

Picture xP

 

[tharagon]

tug, OP is using a triple channel motherboard, so if he needs a maximum of 8 GB, the minimum quantity he can use to take full advantage of his CPU is 12 GB.

The first RAM, according to specs, is CL8. The second, CL9. You will not see any practical difference in speed between the two.

tharagon, you said your present RAM is running at 500 MHz. What are you using to measure it?

I am using CPU-Z to measure my speeds xP

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/818/ramj.png/

Check out this picture, it clearly says "Channels# = Single" - If I'm not mistaken, since its DDR3, it should be "Channels# = Triple"
I know that you multiply the DRAM Frequency by the # of channels, and 500mhz would have been okay if my motherboard had recognized all channels

Btw, I was not stressing my RAM doing this, but I am pretty sure that the # of channels should be correct anyways xP
Thanks for answering

 

[jamieyates14]

I believe that your operating system also has to be able to handle the amount of RAM.

 

[tharagon]

I believe that your operating system also has to be able to handle the amount of RAM.

Damn , Win7 home premium can't handle more than 16 gigs...
Thanks for the heads up, man
I think I'll have to go with the Ballistix 12GB then

 

[beenthere]

12 or 24 GB. is a total waste for gaming. In addition the CL will not make any diff nor will a few hundred MHz. in frequency.