Memory for i5-2500k & Z68XP-UD3?

[celticdaddio]

So far I have decided on the following for my new system:

Motherboard: GIGABYTE GA-Z68XP-UD3
CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz

I really have not clue what to select memory wise. There are appear to be numerous choices wrt speed, type, mfg. What should I go with? I want 4 GB.
CD

 

[ko888]

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) for $26.99

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231277

 

[ChiefTexas_82]

If you have a huge CPU cooler it's safe to go with short or no heat spreaders. If you use the Intel stock cooling or a small CPU cooler, no worries on heat spreader size.

DDR3 1600 is popular, but you have to select its XMP profile in the Bios. Else, the memory will default back to 1333 Speeds. I did it and it was very easy for me, so no worries.

For the i5-2500K, you should have ram voltages below 1.65V. (NOT AT, but BELOW) the ram ko888 pointed out is about perfect, if your CPU cooler is not a monster like the Cooler Master 212+.

 

[celticdaddio]

I was planning on using this cooler:

COOLER MASTER Hyper 212 EVO RR-212E-20PK-R1 Continuous Direct Contact 120mm Sleeve CPU Cooler Compatible with latest Intel 1366/1155 and AMD FM1/AM3+

Sounds similar to the one you refer to... Will it be ok?

If you have a huge CPU cooler it's safe to go with short or no heat spreaders. If you use the Intel stock cooling or a small CPU cooler, no worries on heat spreader size.

DDR3 1600 is popular, but you have to select its XMP profile in the Bios. Else, the memory will default back to 1333 Speeds. I did it and it was very easy for me, so no worries.

For the i5-2500K, you should have ram voltages below 1.65V. (NOT AT, but BELOW) the ram ko888 pointed out is about perfect, if your CPU cooler is not a monster like the Cooler Master 212+.

 

[ko888]

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is definitely a better cooler than the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus.

It will work fine with your system configuration.

 

[celticdaddio]

Cool. thanks, (no pun intended)

CD

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO is definitely a better cooler than the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus.

It will work fine with your system configuration.

 

[jaquith]

As dirt cheap as RAM is now I really do NOT recommend 2x2GB Kits; one exception is if for some reason you're using a 32-bit OS. For crying out loud you can get a 16GB kit of $98!!!

Next with the Sandy Bridge the DDR3-1600 is the 'Sweet Spot' here's a good selection ANY of them are good (the ones in RED often will run at DDR3-1333 when in 4x_GB mixed kits) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006127&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=%22ripjaws%20X%22&page=2&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-231-428%5E20-231-428-TS%2C20-231-443%5E20-231-443-TS%2C20-231-445%5E20-231-445-TS%2C20-231-427%5E20-231-427-TS%2C20-231-430%5E20-231-430-TS

 

[celticdaddio]

I'll be running 64 bit linux. How about 2x4GB? Not sure I want to eat $98 of my budget for RAM. The ram at the link you provided says designed for P67 mobo... mine is a z68 mobo... any issues there?

CD

As dirt cheap as RAM is now I really do NOT recommend 2x2GB Kits; one exception is if for some reason you're using a 32-bit OS. For crying out loud you can get a 16GB kit of $98!!!

Next with the Sandy Bridge the DDR3-1600 is the 'Sweet Spot' here's a good selection ANY of them are good (the ones in RED often will run at DDR3-1333 when in 4x_GB mixed kits) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007611%20600006127&IsNodeId=1&srchInDesc=%22ripjaws%20X%22&page=2&bop=And&CompareItemList=147%7C20-231-428%5E20-231-428-TS%2C20-231-443%5E20-231-443-TS%2C20-231-445%5E20-231-445-TS%2C20-231-427%5E20-231-427-TS%2C20-231-430%5E20-231-430-TS

 

[jaquith]

On the 'Cheap', note the 'RED' comments, the $47 F3-12800CL9D-8GBXL - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

Q - What are you 'doing' aka running on Linux? IF any large databases or rendering then 8GB is the minimum and more is better even if running DDR3-1333.