Why does OriginPC use Quad Channel memory

[ratsa]

If you try to put together a system at OriginPC.com, one of the options includes:

ASUS P8Z77 V PRO and
16GB Corsair Vengeance DDR3 1600Mhz (4x4GB) Quad Channel Memory

I thought that all LGA 1155 motherboards use only dual channel memory. Is that a typo or is something else going on?

Here is a link to the build:

http://www.originpc.com/shop/pc/configurePrd.asp?idproduct=982

 

[jaquith]

There's (2) versions of '16GB Corsair Vengeance' one is an optimized Quad kit and the other is optimized for Dual Channel -- either can work. The subtle timing & voltage differences are often deeper than the (CAS-TRCD-TRP-TRAS-CMD) & DRAM Voltage. In 'this' instance the TRAS timings are different (24ns vs 27ns) and in the Quad Channel the VCCSA is a tad higher. Often in higher densities the PLL voltage is also changed. Most of this is applicable using XMP settings in the BIOS, manually the differences aren't apparent.

16GB (4x4GB) Corsair Vengeance (Dual Channel kit) CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 - http://www.corsair.com/us/memory/intel-memory-upgrades/dual-channel-intel-memory-upgrade-kits/vengeance-16gb-dual-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz16gx3m4a1600c9.html
16GB (4x4GB) Corsair Vengeance (Quad Channel kit) CMZ16GX3M4X1600C9 - http://www.corsair.com/us/memory/intel-memory-upgrades/quad-channel-intel-memory-upgrade-kits/vengeance-16gb-quad-channel-ddr3-memory-kit-cmz16gx3m4x1600c9.html

Origin is using the wrong RAM though it will still work, in the pop-up I noted the the specs are 9-9-9-27 which is the CMZ16GX3M4X1600C9 (Quad kit) meant for the X79...most of Origin's custom builds are on the LGA 2011 so I guess it's a purchasing issue.

 

[ratsa]

Best answer selected by ratsa.

 

[ratsa]

Thanks.

I am getting very confused about choosing memory for my system. The only things I know are:

(i) I need 240-pin DDR3.
(ii) DDR3 1600 seems to be the norm.
(iii) lower latency is better, but how low?
(iv) Timings will need to be tweaked.
(v) I would like 32 Gig


The CPU will be i7-3770K OC'd.

 

[jaquith]

For SB, SB-E and now IB there's little help going faster than DDR3-1600 CAS 9 RAM.

Answers:

(i) I need 240-pin DDR3. ; Yep
(ii) DDR3 1600 seems to be the norm. ; Yep
(iii) lower latency is better, but how low? ; Helps but not too much -- depends on the densities and frequencies, for DDR3-1600 4GB/stick CAS 7 (9 is typical) & 8GB/stick CAS 9 (10 is typical). However, ultra low i.e. fast CAS typically tend to be less stable relative to higher frequencies. See 'Chart' below.
(iv) Timings will need to be tweaked. ; then get a set of Corsair Dominator's the Vengeance don't like to be 'tweaked'
(v) I would like 32 Gig ; IF you're doing any form of Rendering (3D, Video, Data) and/or need are RAM drive then sure. However, (now) 8GB/stick density is VERY touchy so I ONLY recommend a SINGLE kit of (4x8GB) matched set.
*The CPU will be i7-3770K OC'd. ; DDR3-1600 is fine to whatever OC you obtain on the IB. Here's my SB-E with DDR3-1600 8x4GB in DDR3-1600 - http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=2320509

4x8GB Sets that I recommend with SB/IB; note all 4x8GB are going to be listed and optimized for Quad Channel -- I'm not currently aware of any that are listed for 'Dual Channel' but they should work.
CORSAIR DOMINATOR 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 Desktop Memory Model CMP32GX3M4X1600C10 (CAS 10) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233229
If you can find them:
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 994055 (CAS 10) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226317
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 994050 (CAS 9) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226315

Frequency/CAS Chart:

 

[ratsa]

(iv) Timings will need to be tweaked. ; then get a set of Corsair Dominator's the Vengeance don't like to be 'tweaked'

(v) However, (now) 8GB/stick density is VERY touchy

(iii) am I wrong to assume that timings need to be tweaked?

(iv) I did not realize the 8GB stick density is problematic now. My other strategy would be to get 16 GB (4x4) now and then upgrade to 32 GB when they have become stable and cheap. Can you recommend a 16GB quad channel set?


I noticed that one of the Mushkin sets you recommended uses 1.6v rather than 1.5v. Is voltage something to watch out for?

 

[jaquith]

In most cases simply e.g. ASUS / BIOS / AI Overclock Tuner -> XMP/Profile1 does the trick to set the RAM correctly i.e. (1) one 10 second change and F10 Save & Exit = Yes.

Voltage, one set is CAS 9 (1.6v) and the other CAS 10 (1.5v) either is perfectly fine for the SB, SB-E and IB. Most all >DDR3-1600 or ultra low CAS (or combination) will require additional DIMM voltage. It's a myth about DRAM Voltage >1.50v is bad for the SB, SB-E or IB. Now I don't recommend any kit >1.65v DRAM Voltage on the current CPUs. The damage aka Degrading comes from VCCSA/VTT exceeding 1.35v or some high vCore.

The recommendation all depends on the 'looks' and HSF, humongous HSF's like the Noctua NH-D14 require low profile RAM heat spreaders which is one of the reasons I like most Mushkin.

If you're looking for reliability, running the RAM @ Rated (not exceeding Rated), and good HSF like Corsair H100 (good cooling & no height issues, then the as listed above the 16GB (4x4GB) Corsair Vengeance (Dual Channel kit) CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9.

Some folks like Black + Blue and mix two sets and in that case; together they wok fine.
2x4GB CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B
2x4GB CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9

 

[ratsa]

Funny--I was just admiring the Noctua NH-D14. How to tell whether it will fit with mobo and RAM?

 

[jaquith]

IMO don't get the Noctua NH-D14 it's a PITA to maintain and install over the ease of the H100. The Corsair does a better job cooling and looks better too boot, but your case MUST support 2x120 top mounted fans/radiator.

Noctua NH-D14
MOBO (all ASUS LGA 1155 are fine) - http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_gen&products_id=34&lng=en#LGA1155_Asus
RAM (a lot aren't fine) - http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=compatibility_ram_gen&products_id=34&lng=en#DDR3

This is my home PC with an H100 in a Corsair 500R case with 8xDIMM (DDR3L) mainly for SQL testing coding at home and once in a while gaming

 

[ratsa]

That's wicked!

My case has a 120mm fan in the rear and an optional 140mm fan in the top.

 

[jaquith]

Then either the H80 or the Noctua NH-D14 with the following RAM:

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 Model CML16GX3M4A1600C9B
CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 Model CML16GX3M4A1600C9
G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 Low Voltage Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXM
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 Model 993995

Black & Blue:
CML8GX3M2A1600C9
CML8GX3M2A1600C9B

I like the G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3 1600 Low Voltage Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXM because of it's DDR3L (1.35v) and blue suits the ASUS MOBO you listed.

Nice article - http://www.legitreviews.com/article/1801/12/

 

[ratsa]

Thanks jaquith! One last thing: the fans and radiator on the H80 would replace the rear case fan?

Intel stock fan is out of the question, right?

 

[jaquith]

The H80 replaces the rear (top corner) exhaust fan.

The stock Intel HSF is fine especially if you're not getting a (K) overclockable CPU i.e. non-K IB cannot OC <or> if you don't plan to OC. However, IF you plan to OC either the i5-3570K or i7-3770K then you need an aftermarket HSF of some type, either of those CPU run very hot >1.25v vCore.

 

[photonboy]

ratsa,
I'm not sure of your memory questions were completely answered:

1) 1600MHz is adequate, and in general the timings won't matter at all

2) you shouldn't "tweak" your timings. those should be set by your motherboard

3) BIOS updates often add Memory updates. You should check the BIOS and/or CPU-Z to see if your Memory frequency and timings are the default

4) If you overclock your CPU you might overclock the RAM automatically. You may need to adjust the RAM multiplier to drop your RAM frequency back down to the proper value

5) always test your RAM with Memtest (I use Memtest86+ v4.2 from www.ultimatebootcd.com )

6) 32GB of DDR3?
- more than 8GB only needed for video editing or similarly demanding tasks
- Different Windows versions have different RAM caps (Premium 64-bit is only 16GB)
- see maximum amount supported by motherboard

 

[ratsa]

Thanks photonboy.

The only question I have right now is how much RAM I should get at the outset. I definitely need more than 8GB for video editing.

So should I get

4x4 GB because it is cheap and stable, and upgrade to 32 GB when needed?

2x8 GB, and add another 2x8 GB as needed?

4x8 GB and be done with it?

I do have Win 7 Pro, and will make sure the mobo supports 32 GB.

 

[jaquith]

RAM is cheap, too much is a heck of a lot better than too little. In Adobe Premiere you can easily fill 16GB. IF going to 4x8GB then get a set of 4x8GB from the get go. For video editing you can also setup a 'RAM Disk' for the scratch and/or video files for processing and editing.

RAMDisk 11 - http://www.superspeed.com/desktop/ramdisk.php

 

[nikorr]

This topic has been closed by Nikorr