Are memory timings REALLY that important?

[ryedizzel]

Hey guys, long time reader but I rarely ever post. Anyway I just had a question for the hardware gurus out there. I am currently in the process of piecing together a new Core i7 PC and I am stuck between 2 different choices of RAM.

6GB of Corsair Dominator (8-8-8-24 timings) for $230:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820145224

6GB of Patriot Extreme (9-9-9-24 timings) for $145 (after rebate):
http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/...e=10009684&prodlist=cj

I will primarily use this PC for gaming and will be striving for that golden 30 FPS+ mark on Crysis with 'Enthusiast' level detail. Hence I plan to overclock it and buy a high end video card. But when it comes to memory performance will I REALLY see a difference with better timings to justify the extra $85??

Thanks in advance for your input...

 

[Sentry2]

Timings: No, not really at all for what you need your pc for. I would really consider the Corsair kit as it is pretty stable with most X58 boards out there....but....


If you want something cheaper to hold you over until 12GB kits show up(4GB sticks)...like I did...then I would take a good look at the GSKILL (RED) DDR3 1333 9-9-9-24. I am able to run mine @ ~ 1600MHz 9-8-8-21 1T with 1.65v. The EVGA X58 plays nice with this kit.


http://www.newegg.com/Product/...x?Item=N82E16820231223

 

[Blain]

Go with the G.Skill kit. It's rated at the DDR3 standard of 1.5v

 

[Denithor]

Better yet, buy two or three of these G.Skill 2x2GB DDR3-1333 (1.5V) kits for $80 shipped apiece.

$80x3 = $240 for 12GB DDR3? Wowsers...

Keep in mind that memory bandwidth and timings have almost no impact on i7 performance, as long as it doesn't limit your OC it won't hold anything else back at all. Dual versus triple channel is the same. Read over the memory pages from the AT "Dark Knight" review of i7 architecture if you want the whole story.