Best Ram Speed for i5 6600k?

mrfatboy

Senior member
Sep 3, 2006
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My computer in my signature below is dying quickly. I need to get a new system.

I am thinking of getting the following parts:

i5 6600k
GIGABYTE GA-Z170X-UD3 (rev. 1.0) LGA 1151 Intel Z170 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.1 ATX Intel Motherboard

What speed of ram should I get that would allow me some overclocking in the future? I'm looking for best bang for the buck.

I have been focusing on the Gskill ripjaw series. Should I get 2400, 2600, 2800, or 3000?
 

Ketchup

Elite Member
Sep 1, 2002
14,552
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Since the K CPUs overclock by ratio, memory speed doesn't make a difference in the overclock, as it will maintain the speed you set it at.

Faster memory makes a bit of a difference on Skylake, especially if you us integrated graphics. If you are using a dedicated card, speed doesn't matter all that much. Based on a quick search, I don't see a good reason to go with anything lower than DDR4 2400.
 

ignatzatsonic

Senior member
Nov 20, 2006
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The reports I've seen recommend 2666 if it's OK with your budget; higher than that is of course a bit better, but you are then into the law of diminishing returns--not much advantage per dollar once you go beyond 2666.

That's the same board and CPU I may well use within 2 or 3 months. If you buy the UD3, give us a review of your experience. It looks pretty good to me---Intel LAN, the latest Realtek audio (1150), and high quality components. Pretty much the same as the UD5 without a few doo-dads for $40 less.

I'm looking at HyperX Fury DDR4 2666, which is on the Gigabyte qualified memory list. It's now down to $59 for a 2 x 4 GB kit at Newegg. CAS 15, 1.2 volt. The 2 x 8 GB kit is $108.