A bit out of my depth regarding RAM upgrade

SkyBum

Senior member
Oct 16, 2004
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I'm currently running 16 GB / DDR3 1600 in my GA-Z68X-UD7-B3 mobo. Spec states support up to 2133. ( http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=3847#sp )

Running 2 of these kits now: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820233147

Looking at this kit for the upgrade: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231503

I've read that that some mobo's will support higher memory speeds than the spec and wondering if the same may apply to my mobo in particular. If possible, I'd rather buy faster RAM to be re-used next fall(ish) when I upgrade my CPU and mobo.

Also, will be upgrading the GPU to Sapphire R9 280x Toxic along with this RAM upgrade.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated...
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
I don't think that memory is much of an upgrade.

Keep in mind that memory support is nearly entirely CPU these days - The motherboard is just providing the physical connection between sockets.

To be a legitimate upgrade from what you have now I would be looking for 8GB DIMMs and lower voltage, not higher - Think 1.35v or lower.

Anything else and your $200 is better spent elsewhere.

Viper GTS
 

SkyBum

Senior member
Oct 16, 2004
844
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Interesting. Based on that advice, I may need to re-think my GPU upgrade with an extra $200 in the budget.

Thank you for your input.
 

Viper GTS

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
38,107
433
136
Interesting. Based on that advice, I may need to re-think my GPU upgrade with an extra $200 in the budget.

Thank you for your input.

You will get far more result from your money with $200 extra in GPU.

Take a look at this:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4503/sandy-bridge-memory-scaling-choosing-the-best-ddr3

Specifically this page:

http://www.anandtech.com/show/4503/sandy-bridge-memory-scaling-choosing-the-best-ddr3/6

Capacity matters far more than speed, if you simply have the extra money to spend then yes there is a small performance gain to be had from faster memory but it shouldn't be a priority for a gaming machine.

Viper GTS
 

SkyBum

Senior member
Oct 16, 2004
844
7
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Talk about a whole new level of perspective...

You've just saved me from completely wasting 2 bills simply because I had it to spare. I can't thank you enough for setting me straight.
 

razel

Platinum Member
May 14, 2002
2,337
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If you got $200 to spare and can wait. The holidays are around the corner. It's going to be sales season.
 

SkyBum

Senior member
Oct 16, 2004
844
7
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Unfortunately Razel, the corner I've got my eye on is October 29th. I'd like to wait and see what develops with GPU prices / options by the holiday shopping season, but I just don't think I can do it. For example, the 290x looks extremely tempting but I'm not sure that I'm willing to wait for 3rd party cards to ship when I can get a 280x toxic now (or at least soon). Unfortunately, the cooling on the reference 290x is a deal breaker for me...
 
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