Is this RAM worth it?

[sabot00]

DDR3-2133 at 11-11-11-30 timings for $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231468

DDR3-1600 at 9-9-9-24 timings for $39
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL082812&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL082812-_-EMC-082812-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231428-L04A

Also what is the difference between G.Skill's Ripjaws X and Sniper series? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL083112&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL083112-_-EMC-083112-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231416-L05A The sniper 8GB DDR3-1600 is identical to the Ripjaws, so I'm guessing the difference comes down to the heatsink, which one is better?


Main question: Is the move up to DDR3-2133 worth $6? I know the looser timings = less performance, so how much net performance is there? My motherboard (ASRock Z77E-ITX) says everything above DDR3-1600 is O.C, how do I do that?

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

Even though they're not much more expensive, there's no real reason to get anything faster than 1600 with a current Intel system. The performance increase from anything faster is so small, that you'll almost definitely never actually notice a difference. The only time you would notice a difference is if you're using the integrated graphics of the CPU or you use a RAM disk. Otherwise, it's basically pointless.

As far as the difference in the Ripjaws X and Sniper goes (as well as normal Ripjaws), as far as I know, they're the exact same IC's underneath the heatspreaders.

Edit: I actually have that exact Ripjaws X 1600 kit.

 

[sabot00]

Thanks for the very complete and informative answer. Do you know if the Sniper/Ripjaws heatsink is any better than the other? Whether they are easier to fit under coolers, cool better?

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

Do you know if the Sniper/Ripjaws heatsink is any better than the other? Whether they are easier to fit under coolers, cool better?

The Sniper is probably slightly lower profile, but not by much (the edges are tall). As far as if one is better than the other? Not really, since 1.5V DDR3 RAM doesn't even need heatspreaders to begin with. Heatspreaders are just there for the looks, so just go with whichever one you like the looks of the best.

 

[bigcyco1]

These are your best bet will fit under coolers and their top notch RAM:G.SKILL Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416#top

RAM:Crucial Ballistix sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model BLS2KIT4G3D1609DS1S00
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544#top

RAM:G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-1600C9D-8GAB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231546#top

 

[gskill support]

RipJaws can fit under most aftermarket CPU coolers, but the Sniper series does have more clearance. Ares series has even more. Select the heat spreader you like best, you can also post your CPU cooler and we can confirm clearance.

DDR3-2133 is not absolutely necessary unless you are overclocking CPU. Only an overclocked CPU can take full advantage of high frequency DRAM. As far as the memory chips, although DDR3-2133 is CL11, it is still a higher spec chip than DDR3-1600 CL9, that is why it is $6 more.

F3-12800CL9D-8GBSR or F3-1600C9D-8GAB will be a great fit

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

DDR3-2133 at 11-11-11-30 timings for $45
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231468

DDR3-1600 at 9-9-9-24 timings for $39
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL082812&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL082812-_-EMC-082812-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231428-L04A

Also what is the difference between G.Skill's Ripjaws X and Sniper series? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231416&nm_mc=EMC-IGNEFL083112&cm_mmc=EMC-IGNEFL083112-_-EMC-083112-Index-_-DesktopMemory-_-20231416-L05A The sniper 8GB DDR3-1600 is identical to the Ripjaws, so I'm guessing the difference comes down to the heatsink, which one is better?


Main question: Is the move up to DDR3-2133 worth $6? I know the looser timings = less performance, so how much net performance is there? My motherboard (ASRock Z77E-ITX) says everything above DDR3-1600 is O.C, how do I do that?