8GB 2x4 or 4x2?

[twinsteele]

I buy all my parts from Newegg.com and they don't have a lot of selection of 2GB sticks. Would it be better to get 4 2GB sticks of say DDR3 1600 or 2 4GB sticks of 2133? Which is more efficient?

 

[subasteve5800]

Definitely go with the 2x4 Gb option. It leave more room to upgrade in the future and the price savings now are minuscule.

Also, 1600 Mhz is really the sweet spot when it comes to RAM. You will see slightly higher performance in some tasks with 2133 Mhz sticks but the difference is so small as to be unnoticeable.

 

[memadmax]

2 X 4 of the 2133.
Not only it is faster, but you have 2 slots available in case you want to expand even more.

=D

 

[twinsteele]

You will see slightly higher performance in some tasks with 2133 Mhz sticks but the difference is so small as to be unnoticeable.

Does this apply with gaming also?

 

[twinsteele]

2 X 4 of the 2133.
Not only it is faster, but you have 2 slots available in case you want to expand even more.

=D

I don't see a need for more than 8GB of RAM. So my question is would 4 2GB sticks of a lower speed be more efficient than 2 4GB of a higher speed.

 

[jaquith]

Here's a very good article -> http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/1

Now if you plan to OC the Sandy Bridge 4.5GHz or higher then yes the DDR3-2133 would indeed help. However, DDR3-2133with 4GB/stick density increases the risks of a BSOD during game play; you'll need to manually set the RAM in the BIOS and IMO don't rely on XMP. Obviously, extensively stress test first. It's an issue of diminishing returns in 'real world' vs synthetic.

The Sandy Bridge is certainly capable of handling up to DDR3-2600 if you run the math, but keep in mind RAM's speed is a measure of both (higher) frequency AND (lower) CAS. See chart:

 

[twinsteele]

Here I'll just post my build:

-- ASUS P8Z68-V LE MOBO
-- Intel Core i5-2500K Sandy Bridge 3.3GHz
-- Radeon HD 6870 2GB
-- CORSAIR HX750

I will be putting an enclosed water cooler on the CPU. I plan to OC the CPU to 4GHz if possible. In time I'll add a 2nd Radeon HD 6870 2GB. I know the 750W PS will be in short supply when I add the 2nd GPU, but should still be good.

 

[jaquith]

BTW 2x4GB is better than 4x2GB especially with high frequency RAM.

 

[twinsteele]

BTW 2x4GB is better than 4x2GB especially with high frequency RAM.

Thanks for the input. I decided to go with a Z68 MOBO instead of a P67(in relation to your article). The price difference is pretty good and the Z68 seems to be up to par.

 

[jaquith]

If you're getting a SB (K) then IMO the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 or P8Z68-V/GEN3. Both have proven OC'ing yielding high CPU frequency plus lower vCore.

Side-by-side -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%2050001315%20600093976&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280%7C13-131-790%5E13-131-790-TS%2C13-131-792%5E13-131-792-TS

As I assume you know, only the SB (K) can run RAM with >DDR3-1333 frequencies...

 

[twinsteele]

If you're getting a SB (K) then IMO the ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3 or P8Z68-V/GEN3. Both have proven OC'ing yielding high CPU frequency plus lower vCore.

Side-by-side -> http://www.newegg.com/Product/Productcompare.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007627%2050001315%20600093976&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&CompareItemList=280%7C13-131-790%5E13-131-790-TS%2C13-131-792%5E13-131-792-TS

As I assume you know, only the SB (K) can run RAM with >DDR3-1333 frequencies...

At those prices wouldn't it be better to go for the P67 MOBO?

Eg. -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131701

 

[jaquith]

Interesting, the Z68 is newer and the P67 is older, and anytime I recommend the P67 over the Z68 I get into silly arguments.

IF you have no need for:
1. Quick Sync - creating lots of MPEG-2/4/H.264 files
2. SSD Caching
3. iGPU

...then yes I usually recommend the P67. Often the SATA, USB and smidgen frame rates are indeed faster on the P67.

The ASUS P8P67 DELUXE (REV 3.x) or ASUS P8P67 PRO (REV 3.x) are my picks for best bang for the buck. REV 3.0 is NEC USB 3.0, IMO better, and REV 3.1 ASMedia USB 3.0 IMO cheaper chipset.

edit: UPDATE THE BIOS to the latest version before installing OS. BIOS version is a sticker on the BOX next to S/N and on MOBO's backplate.

 

[twinsteele]

IF you have no need for:
1. Quick Sync - creating lots of MPEG-2/4/H.264 files
2. SSD Caching
3. iGPU

Ok I may just stick with the Z68. I want to pick out the best hardware that will allow for maximum future proofing for the lowest price (as anyone would do lol). I'll take your suggestions into consideration. Thanks for the input

 

[twinsteele]

Best answer selected by twinsteele.

 

[jaquith]

Both the P67 and Z68 or any LGA 1155 current chipset will support the Ivy Bridge CPU's due out soon.

Good Luck!

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr