Best RAM for 3570k

Newegg has a 16 gb matched kit of 4x4 gb ripjawsZ 1600 for $89.99 but my link didn't work. 1.5v ram is recommended by Intel.

That looks like a good deal, except I am looking for 2x8, that way I can upgrade to 32GB down the road.

I've used 1.5v gskill, patriot, corsair, and kingston. Generally, avoid the value ram unless you can't afford something better. Low profile with heat spreaders is what I prefer in case you have some interference issues with the video card.

Why do you want so much memory? There is literally no benefit at all for 99% of users.

Mostly for autodesk, rendering, baking etc...

Maybe he's in the 1%. I know I rarely use the 16G ram in my computer unless I am running 4+ Everquests at 1.6G ram each and watching my log files.

Is there a reason that you want 16gb?
Games do not use more than 2-3gb by themselves. Normally, for the gamer, 8gb is fine.
If it is for 64 bit enabled apps, then of course, more is better.
Do realize that for >16gb, you will need windows 7 pro or ultimate.

If you do want 32gb, then buy a 32gb kit of 4 x 8gb up front.
Ram vendors will not guarantee the operation of non matching sticks.
Ram is sold in kits for a reason.
Ram from the same vendor and part number can be made up of differing manufacturing components over time.
Some motherboards can be very sensitive to this.
Although, I think the problem has lessened with the newer Intel chipsets. Still,
it is safer to get what you need in one kit.

As to which kit, do not spend extra for fancy heat spreaders. They are not needed for 1.5v ram.
A low profile kit like the ares will work better with aftermarket cpu coolers.
DDR3-1600 is the sweet spot for performance. There is little value in faster.

Most vendors are good. Pick your favorite.
Or... Check out the vendor support forum to get an idea of what kind of support they give.

I may end up going with 16GB 4x4 kit, which of these 3 is the best? (all are 1.5V 9-9-9-24 timing)

G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (4x4GB) (F3-1600C9Q-16GAO) - 110

G.SKILL Sniper Series (4x4GB) (F3-12800CL9Q-16GBSR) - 100

Corsair Vengeance Low Profile Blue 16GB (4x4GB) (CML16GX3M4A1600C9B) - 95

Carry on then. Just making sure you had a use for it. Lots of people load up on memory thinking it will make their computers faster.

Take your pick.
But if you will OC the 3570K, then a motherboard with 2 sticks are usually easier to OC than one with 4.
With your budget, I would look at a slightly more expensive kit of 2 x 8gb.

Since for rendering you can never have enough RAM, I like the $130 Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 9-9-9-24 @ 1.60v Model 997050 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

My issue with G.SKILL Ares is the high 1.25v VCCSA required to run them stable. The DRAM voltage of 1.60v for 8GB/stick @ CAS 9 isn't bad.

Cheaper yet @ $117 is the Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 1600 10-10-10-27 @ 1.50v Model CML16GX3M2A1600C10 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

--

32GB the Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) DDR3 16009-9-9-24 Model 994050
Shopping - http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=Mushkin+Enhanc...

Anyone know if this is any good?

G.SKILL Ripjaws Z Series DDR3 1600MHz (PC3-12800) 32GB (8x4GB) Quad Channel Kit (F3-12800CL9Q2-32GBZL) - 189

Sure if you're running X79 with 8xDIMM slots...

3570k recommends 1.5V memory, 1.6V ok?

It's always best to get 1.5v memory, but up to 1.65v is considered safe. Frequently cheaper kits run at higher voltages to get more speed without using higher quality parts. Comparing two kits of the same speed, one 1.5v and the other 1.6v, the 1.5v kit is almost always superior.

Does Ivy not support it?

Ivy bridge motherboards will only have 2-4 ram slots. But, you can put 4 8gb sticks in them to get your 32gb if you want.

The lower the DRAM voltage the easier it's on your CPU v-e-r-y long-term. Most of the, IMO waste of money, ultra fast RAM is >1.50v and there's no proof that 1.60v~1.65v does any harm to the (SB, SB-E or IB) CPU; there's been a ton of empty conjecture. The degrading is all done by excessive vCore (CPU voltage) and VCCSA/VTT (CPU IMC) voltage. I personally run DDR3L (1.35v) RAM on my SB-E/X79 and plenty of 1.50v and 1.65v RAM on a variety of Intel based CPUs -- not one damaged CPU from DRAM voltage.

No, the IB is Dual Channel and so it supports up to 4xDIMM slots unlike the SB-E/LGA 2011 with its 8xDIMM slots.

Keep in mind, there will be 16GB/stick RAM and initally it will be wacky expensive just like 8GB/stick not that long ago. When 8GB/stick was hitting the consumer market 4x8GB would make quite a dent in your wallet @ $2,000 for 32GB. That inturn made other Intel chipsets with more DIMM slots very appealing even IF the CPUs cost more.

I've narrowed it down to:

Corsair Vengeance 32GB (4x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz CL10 DIMMs (CMZ32GX3M4X1600C10) - 250

Tested Latency10-10-10-27, SPD Latency 9-9-9-24 which it will be running at, however if it was tested at 10-10-10-27 at 1.5V, is it possible that it will go over 1.5v at the SPD latency?

If thats the case than

16GB Patriot PGD316G1600ELK G2 Series Division 2 Edition 16GB DDR3 Memory Kit - 130 (I can double up the same kit down the road)

Best answer selected by S0L0.

This topic has been closed by Nikorr