Best RAM $50-$100

[hxcheyo]

I'm building my first computer within the week. I'm new to the computer hardware scene and to the forum scene. Treat me like an idiot, and please don't use terminology not casually understood by a non-computer guru. I've done a lot of my own research over the past month but am still plagued by my ignorance on RAM. This will be a hardcore gaming pc, 1 monitor, 1.1k budget.

cpu: i5 3570k
graphics card: EVGA GTX 670 FTW
motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asus-motherboard-p8z77vlk

Currently i've got Mushkin 2x4GB RAM @ 1866 clock speed (i know 1600 is the sweet spot for Ivy Bridge though i'm not sure what that means). Motherboard supports up to 2100 something mhz and up to 4 slots of RAM at 32GB capacity.

Specifically, i'd like the following explained:

- Latency + latency notation + effect latency has on performance

- Effect RAM capacity has on computer performance

- What is the most important factor: capacity, clock speed, or latency?

I don't need to become an expert overnight, but i'd like to know enough to make an informed decision about my RAM before i buy it.

PS: I'm using an aftermarket cpu cooler (hyper 612) so no big toothy RAM sticks please.

Thank you in advance

 

[nikorr]

Just build a PC with this RAM + that^ CPU cooler and the same mobo. All works fine.
G.SKILL Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1866 (PC3 14900) Desktop Memory Model F3-14900CL9D-8GBSR
$59.99 + FREE SHIPPING
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

And if u decide to have a quiet PC, than this one.

 

[nikorr]

I recommend CORSAIR Vengeance 99% of the time, quality RAM and low profile with XMP profile. And if u will get an aftermarket CPU cooler, low profile is the worry free remedy with perfect fit with any large cooler.
CORSAIR Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233196
Vengeance Low Profile heat spreaders have a reduced height of 1.03" (26.25mm). They're designed for high-performance systems with extra-large CPU coolers, small form factor system builds, or any other space-constrained application where standard Vengeance memory might not fit.

 

[nikorr]

And if u will get an aftermarket CPU cooler, low profile is the worry free remedy with perfect fit with any large cooler.
CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233198
Vengeance Low Profile heat spreaders have a reduced height of 1.03" (26.25mm). They're designed for high-performance systems with extra-large CPU coolers, small form factor system builds, or any other space-constrained application where standard Vengeance memory might not fit.

 

[nikorr]

RAM speed comparison - We're looking at a less than 2% difference from the fastest to the slowest.

 

[hxcheyo]

Thank you for all the information, I think only the Corsair Vengeance applies to me as i definitely need a low-profile solution. The charts you posted don't mean much to me besides "x is better than y in this way." I still don't understand how latency, capacity, and clock speed affect computer performance. The Vengeance is within my budget, but i'm not quite set on it yet as i'm sure there is a better solution for me for less than $98.