Components for new rig ... your opinion

[betasub]

4/8pin power connector to motherboard provides 12V for CPU.

 

[mfenn]

Am I seeing this correctly?

Thanks

No, you are not. The figures in the graph that I posted are total system power consumption at the wall. That includes CPU, GPUs, HDDs, everything.

 

[Davidh373]

basically, here is a list of MAJOR monetary mistakes.

1. Following or trusting information given on any website with a PSU brand name on it (AKA Antec, Corsair, Seasonic). Because these companies want to sell you the most expensive thing possible, you can't trust them to tell you what to buy.

I use this site
http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

An i5 build should not draw more than 387W with a GTX 460 at full TDP with 4 usb devices and 1 firewire device. I would recommend something close to 500W.

2. You shouldn't ever get OCZ anything unless it's a solid state drive.

3. Assuming you will upgrade your processor without your motherboard and RAM.

It really isn't worth it, because by the time you are likely to upgrade, the i7 is going to be just as old and slow as the i5.

 

[b4u]

No, you are not. The figures in the graph that I posted are total system power consumption at the wall. That includes CPU, GPUs, HDDs, everything.

Yes, that's good I'm seen the machine specs, and it has a SSD ... eventually I'll have to put a little more room for a mechanical HDD that pulls more power, but not that much anyway.

basically, here is a list of MAJOR monetary mistakes.

1. Following or trusting information given on any website with a PSU brand name on it (AKA Antec, Corsair, Seasonic). Because these companies want to sell you the most expensive thing possible, you can't trust them to tell you what to buy.

I use this site
http://extreme.outervision.com/PSUEngine

An i5 build should not draw more than 387W with a GTX 460 at full TDP with 4 usb devices and 1 firewire device. I would recommend something close to 500W.

2. You shouldn't ever get OCZ anything unless it's a solid state drive.

3. Assuming you will upgrade your processor without your motherboard and RAM.

It really isn't worth it, because by the time you are likely to upgrade, the i7 is going to be just as old and slow as the i5.

My rule of thumb is to never take the "official" manufacturers values too seriously ... I only take them as reference and then search and ask around (in anandtech forums for instance ) about opinions, experiences, etc ....

But in this case, someone at a store told me that I would be better with a 650w for single GTX 460, and definetly go for 750w for SLI ... under a i5 setup ... they also want to sell, but they should also be impartial on giving opinion to the consumer, after all, the client should be well served ...

If the politic were to give a truly safe opinion to a client, they could only sell 1000w ... everyone would get enough power ... eheh

Then I went around some simulators, and the results fall in between powers ...

I really wanted a silent PSU, in an attempt to create a more silent PC. Yes, I'll be running with stock CPU cooler, so it should already bring more noise than a 3rd party cooler, but if I could cut in the noise in some part, that would be beneficial for the resulting PC.

The simulators all have the same appearance , i've run through the one you linked:

System Type: 1 physical CPU
Motherboard: High End - Desktop
CPU: Intel Core i5-760 2800 MHz Lynnfield
CPU Utilization (TDP): 90% TDP

RAM: 2 Sticks DDR3 SDRAM
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB
Video Type: Single Card

ATTENTION: FOR PERSONAL, NON-COMMERCIAL USE ONLY

High rpm SATA: 2 HDDs

DVD-RW/DVD+RW Drive: 1 Drive

USB: 2 Devices

Fans
Regular: 2 Fans 120mm;

Keyboard and mouse: Yes

System Load: 90 %

Capacitor Aging (+ W %): 30 %


Minimum PSU Wattage: 460 Watts
Recommended Wattage: 510 Watts

This recommended 510W is the total PSU rating, right? Not the +12V requirements.


So far, I've abandoned the Silent Pro M500, in favor of the following possibilities:

Silent Pro M600
Pros: Silent, modular.
Cons: 480W (40A) on single +12V rail can put the PSU to a higher continuous stress
95€
http://www.coolermaster.com/product....tegory_id=3576

Corsair HX-650w
Pros: Modular, 624W (52A) on single +12V rail (more juice to deliver)
Cons: Costs 20€ than M600, noisier?
115€
http://www.corsair.com/products/hx650/default.aspx

Corsair TX-650w
Pros: Good brand, price, 624W (52A) on single +12V rail (more juice to deliver)
Cons: Not modular, noisier?
82.50€
http://www.corsair.com/products/tx/default.aspx


Strange thing is that, for the Silent product range, it's hard to find any noise chart references ... what kind of product states that is silent, and it's hard to find any numbers about it?

Corsair put some charts on the site, I also found some reviews with their own charts, which I take as reference ... still the reviews I found about M500, M600, M700 only state that "it's really silent", or "we didn't measure, because the environment noise would affect the values" ... so am I to assume it is really, really silent? Like "d@mn! the PSU is broken ... I can't hear it ..." kind of thing?

I'm also throwing the TX650w in the option list, because, although it's not modular, and modular is awesome and helps to keep a better looking and manageable interior case, it should be an HX650w with lot's of cabling, and the HX has good reviews around, and the price is nice, comparing to the alternatives. (On a side note, even the TX-750w has a better price of 102.90€).

Also I'm "thinking" about getting the case with a side window, because the shop has them on stock, and without window (my initial choice) has not arrived yet, it's out of stock with no prevision of arrival ... for 9€ I'll get the same version with side window, and the modularity may then have some impact on the looks. Also I believe the case has a place to cable management, so maybe a non-modular PSU I could hide the unused cables there.

I have no experience with windowed cases, I believe it has an acrylic window, would it be bad to noise levels?

Thanks for your opinions and your patience ... keep them coming it's for a good cause, me getting an up-to-date PC

 

[Davidh373]

I was actually calculating out the 6850... which apparently pulls about 50 less watts then the 460 1GB. I'm sorry for possibly misleading you. I did calculate out something lower than you still, but none the less they are close enough. My question is, how long does it take capacitors to age?

 

[mfenn]

This recommended 510W is the total PSU rating, right? Not the +12V requirements.

Usually yes, but remember that that's just a wild guess on the part of the simulator designers. They really have no way of knowing how the rails in any given PSU are distributed.

So far, I've abandoned the Silent Pro M500, in favor of the following possibilities:

Silent Pro M600
Pros: Silent, modular.
Cons: 480W (40A) on single +12V rail can put the PSU to a higher continuous stress
95€
http://www.coolermaster.com/product....tegory_id=3576

Corsair HX-650w
Pros: Modular, 624W (52A) on single +12V rail (more juice to deliver)
Cons: Costs 20€ than M600, noisier?
115€
http://www.corsair.com/products/hx650/default.aspx

Corsair TX-650w
Pros: Good brand, price, 624W (52A) on single +12V rail (more juice to deliver)
Cons: Not modular, noisier?
82.50€
http://www.corsair.com/products/tx/default.aspx

The "Silent Pro" really isn't particularly quiet, especially not under load. All quality units are fairly quiet a low loads (like when you're web browsing or whatever). At higher loads, it doesn't really matter because the GPU will drown it out anyway. The HX is pretty damn pricey for what it is, so I wouldn't consider it either. Overall, of the three choices that you have listed, I would take the 650TX.

Also I'm "thinking" about getting the case with a side window, because the shop has them on stock, and without window (my initial choice) has not arrived yet, it's out of stock with no prevision of arrival ... for 9€ I'll get the same version with side window, and the modularity may then have some impact on the looks. Also I believe the case has a place to cable management, so maybe a non-modular PSU I could hide the unused cables there.

I have no experience with windowed cases, I believe it has an acrylic window, would it be bad to noise levels?

Yes, the window is typically acrylic. It doesn't transmit sound any more or less than the typical thin steel side panel does though. The only thing that you really need to be concerned about is whether or not the window is secured to the side panel. If the fit and finish is poor, it can vibrate against the side panel (very annoying).

Thanks for your opinions and your patience ... keep them coming it's for a good cause, me getting an up-to-date PC

No worries, that's why we post.

 

[b4u]

I was actually calculating out the 6850... which apparently pulls about 50 less watts then the 460 1GB. I'm sorry for possibly misleading you. I did calculate out something lower than you still, but none the less they are close enough. My question is, how long does it take capacitors to age?

Sorry for what? Thank you for helping me out

So even though it pulls 50W more, that would make it a 440W ... more towards the value in the graph posted by mfenn some posts ago ... that showed a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB SLI pulling 427W from the wall ... so assuming that all that comes from +12V rail (which it doesn't), it makes a Corsair TX/HX 650W (624W, 52A on +12V) a more safe choice with some room for improvement.

Also the graph

Usually yes, but remember that that's just a wild guess on the part of the simulator designers. They really have no way of knowing how the rails in any given PSU are distributed.

The "Silent Pro" really isn't particularly quiet, especially not under load. All quality units are fairly quiet a low loads (like when you're web browsing or whatever). At higher loads, it doesn't really matter because the GPU will drown it out anyway. The HX is pretty damn pricey for what it is, so I wouldn't consider it either. Overall, of the three choices that you have listed, I would take the 650TX.

Yes, the window is typically acrylic. It doesn't transmit sound any more or less than the typical thin steel side panel does though. The only thing that you really need to be concerned about is whether or not the window is secured to the side panel. If the fit and finish is poor, it can vibrate against the side panel (very annoying).

No worries, that's why we post.

From: http://www.hardwareheaven.com/revie...650w-power-supply-corsair-hx650w-testing.html

In order to keep the unit running relatively quiet when heavily loaded, Corsair sacrificed a portion of its thermal performance. The HX650W is entirely quiet up to 40% load and very slightly audible between 40% and 60% load. Above 60% load the noise coming from the unit’s fan is noticeable, but it never becomes loud unless if left running heavily loaded (90-100% load) for a prolonged period of time which is not a feasible real world scenario.

So looking at the chart, an idle NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 1GB SLI system will pull around 180W, from the graph the PSU will stay bellow 23 dBA up until 260W, so a good margin for a silent PC when not stressing the CPU and GPU. When under load, for a 427W usage, it will scream up to 28dBA .. well, let's say up to 30dBA. Which is well, like earing ... uhm ... dunno what really I must google for some info on comparing the dBA number with a real world sound

For the TX the chart is very similar, if not with slightly lower dBA values for the same Wattage usage.

They look very similar on specs, except the fact that TX is 80plus and 5 year warranty, and the HX is 80 plus Bronze and 7 year warranty.

HX is prettier and modular ... and 30€ more inprice ... the TX is not so ... energy performant, it's not modular, but at least it's output cables are sleeved, which help allot in looks and hiding the unused ones.

I'll check for some reviews online to clear up my mind a bit on the TX.

These are, of course, oficial manufacturers charts.

Found some noise comparison in:
TX-650W : http://www.silentpcreview.com/article813-page5.html
Silent Pro M700 : http://www.silentpcreview.com/article936-page7.html

Basically:
@200W TX650=21dBA M700=18dBA
@250W TX650=21dBA M700=21dBA
@300W TX650=23dBA M700=25dBA
@400W TX650=38dBA M700=27dBA
@500W TX650=43dBA M700=34dBA

Uhm ... if system is idle or under load with one GTX 460 pulling 300W, the levels are about the same. Pushing more, for a SLI on 400-450W, the advantage goes to M700 ... but even then, the 2 gtx 460 cards will probably contribute to a "muted" PSU

I'm assuming M600 has similar noise levels. And from what I checked, it seems that the Silent Pro series have some silicone rubber gaskets that help eliminate vibration, thus reducing noise, this is probably something I can simulate with some custom made thin rubber gaskets ... if I take the time to do them, that is.

 

[b4u]

Quick question to add to my last post ... what would be the impact of going from a 80 plus bronze to a 80 plus certified PSU?

Will it make them more unsafe for connected components? Will it have impact on electricity bill? Will it drop the PSU longevity?

 

[fffblackmage]

Quick question to add to my last post ... what would be the impact of going from a 80 plus bronze to a 80 plus certified PSU?

The only difference should be the efficiency of the PSU, assuming everything else is held equal.

Will it make them more unsafe for connected components?

It is not unsafe for any connected components.

Will it have impact on electricity bill?

It will have an effect on electricity bill. How significant this is will depend on the total power consumption of the computer and how long you leave it on. Even though the computer itself isn't using more power, the PSU will consume a bit more power due to lower efficiency.

Will it drop the PSU longevity?

Maybe, but most likely insignificant. Lower efficiency means the PSU consumes more power, right? So, that extra power consumed by the PSU ends up as additional heat dissipated by the PSU. This additional heat could cause a lower life expectancy, but probably not by very much.

 

[mfenn]

Adding to blackmage's point, it the more efficient PSU will lower your total electricity usage, but we're talking like 5% (that's generous) of the PC's power draw. So if you figure that your system on average uses 150W (it will be idle for most of the time), you're talking about .180kWH per day. I don't know what you pay for electricity, but it will probably take a long time for the higher efficiency PSU to make up for its additional purchase price.

Anyways, I still say to get the 650TX. It's the cheapest, is good quality, and any additional noise output won't matter compared to the the 60dBA of the GTX 460 SLI.

 

[b4u]

Adding to blackmage's point, it the more efficient PSU will lower your total electricity usage, but we're talking like 5% (that's generous) of the PC's power draw. So if you figure that your system on average uses 150W (it will be idle for most of the time), you're talking about .180kWH per day. I don't know what you pay for electricity, but it will probably take a long time for the higher efficiency PSU to make up for its additional purchase price.

Anyways, I still say to get the 650TX. It's the cheapest, is good quality, and any additional noise output won't matter compared to the the 60dBA of the GTX 460 SLI.

Wow ... 60dBA it's way more than a PSU ... and 1 GTX 460 under load goes at 50dBA ... eh

I'm now having some dificulties getting the memory ... all parts should be in stock and reserved (the PSU still pending for reserve, I'll have to take care of that), but I've just received info that my intended memory kit 2x2Gb Kingston will not be available anytime soon ... only around January ... that's sad, since I want to buy the parts, and don't have them boxed around waiting for a missing part.

So I'm now also in the process of checking whether I can find a good or even better replacer for the kingston kit I initially wanted, or if I'm better off waiting for them to arrive.


Original memory intentions:

KINGSTON - HyperX/DDR3 4GB 1600MHz CL8 Kit XMP
86,90€
http://www.kingston.com/hyperx/products/khx_ddr3.asp
http://www.valueram.com/datasheets/K...C8D3K2_4GX.pdf
model: KHX1600C8D3K2/4GX
("X" suffix designates XMP ready for Intel Core i5 7xx and Core i7 8xxx series processors and systems)


Now looking into:

CORSAIR Kit 4GB DDR3 1600MHZ DOMINATOR DHX+ (CL8) INTEL
90,90€
http://www.corsair.com/products/corei5/default.aspx
model: CMP4GX3M2A1600C8
PC3-12800 | 4GB Kit | 8-8-8-24 | 240pin DIMM
(Supports Intel Extreme Memory Profiles)
(Supports Corsair DHX Pro technology)


My preference was going to Kingston, because I found good reviews, and also found some issues with a specific kit of Corsair memory ... I don't know which kit was, maybe it wasn't this exact one, but since in my current PC I have Kingston for about 8 years without a running flaw, I gave initial full credit to the brand.

I'm also having dificulties finding a review of this specific corsair model, and also on the pairing with asus P7P55D mobos ...


So, should I go for Corsair? Should I keep and wait for Kingston?

Kingston is a known memory manufacturer, dunno if Corsair is too, or if it just jumped to the memory market and is not so good ...


Thanks

 

[mfenn]

Corsair is good. Just make sure that it is 1.5V.

 

[b4u]

Corsair is good. Just make sure that it is 1.5V.

From corsair site:

CMP4GX3M2A1600C8
Speed Rating: PC3-12800
Tested Speed: 1600Mhz
Size: 4GB Kit (2 x 2GB)
Tested Latency: 8-8-8-24
Tested Voltage: 1.65
Performance Profile: XMP
SPD Speed: 1333Mhz
SPD Latency: 9-9-9-24
Package: 240pin DIMM
Fan Included: No

They state that they were tested at 1.65v ... do they mean it as the max voltage they've tested the model, like being a safe reference to overclockers?

The required voltage would be the same for all DDR3, from all manufacturers, right?

 

[Davidh373]

They state that they were tested at 1.65v ... do they mean it as the max voltage they've tested the model, like being a safe reference to overclockers?

The required voltage would be the same for all DDR3, from all manufacturers, right?

no, that is the voltage of the memory stock.

 

[mfenn]

From corsair site:


They state that they were tested at 1.65v ... do they mean it as the max voltage they've tested the model, like being a safe reference to overclockers?

The required voltage would be the same for all DDR3, from all manufacturers, right?

No, the nominal voltage of DDR3 memory can vary from 1.35V on up, with 1.35V, 1.5V, and 1.65V being the most common. 1.65V puts a lot of extra load on the Nehalem's memory controller, and is thus not recommended.

 

[b4u]

No, the nominal voltage of DDR3 memory can vary from 1.35V on up, with 1.35V, 1.5V, and 1.65V being the most common. 1.65V puts a lot of extra load on the Nehalem's memory controller, and is thus not recommended.

That extra load will be translated into more heat? Less memory controller lifetime? Both?

I'm having some difficulties finding 1.5v DDR3 ... the ones I check into with interest are all 1.65v ...

Edit:

I just found

4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 ECO Series (7-8-7-24, 1.35V) Dual Channel kit
model F312800CL7D4GBECO
warranty lifetime
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=247

2x2Gb
Speed DDR3-1600 (PC3 12800)
Test Voltage 1.35 Volts
PCB
Registered/Unbuffered Unbuffered
Error Checking Non-ECC
Type 240-pin DIMM
Warranty Lifetime

Qualified Motherboards List
...
ASUS P7P55D-E Pro
...

I went to Asus mobo site, and in P7P55D-E PRO Motherboard Qualified Vendors Lists (QVL) DDR3-1600MHz
capability for CPU at 2.8 and 2.93GHz I found no reference to it ... eheh

Still I found no reference for the original Kingston and Corsair models neither.

Cheaper, but will it hold up to the big brand products?

 

[BoomerD]

OP, for what it's worth, I'm in the process of building a very similar system. I have the parts...I just have to wait for Christmas...(my wife seems to think these goodies should be Christmas presents..

ASUS P7P55D-E Pro
I5-760
EVGA GTX 460 Superclocked
Corsair CMX8GX3M4A1600C9 XMS3 8 GB PC3-12800 (4 x 2 Gb)
Noctua NH-U12P SE2 CPU cooler
Samsung SATA DVD burner

I'm re-using my Corsair HX620 PSU and my Seagate 250 Gb HDD.

I'll have power to spare...but won't be doing SLI or overclocking.
It's unlikely that I'll be drawing more than 500 watts MAX...if that. Using the Extreme PSU calculator Lite that David 373 linked to above, I'll be drawing 419 watts.
I prefer to never load the PSU to more than 75-80% of its max rating. No sense in driving it that hard...but don't want one that's so big that it's not efficient.

 

[mfenn]

That extra load will be translated into more heat? Less memory controller lifetime? Both?

Both, but the latter is the most concerning. The G.Skill ECO that you found is good stuff. G.Skill is one of the major memory brands in the US and is just starting to get market penetration in Europe.

 

[b4u]

Hi,

I'm really not sure on some choices to make ... if I could reduce the price of the parts it would be good, but I don't want to cut in performance to achieve that.

--- PSU and Case

The PSU will most probably be the Corsair TX-650w, the case is Cooler Master CM 690 II Advanced ... up until the last minute ... because it looks good, feels good, but the price is a bit high ... the one think I dislike about the case it the top power and reset buttons ... not safe for kids around it ... I was hoping to buy some power/reset safer buttons, to mount like some memory card reader or something like that, and that they had some cover to protect from little kid's hands.

When I think about the case, maybe it would be a good choice to use the case I have now ... it's completely child safe, has enough room ... it's ...uhm ... white eheh, but it costs nothing ... the problem is that my current build would need to be dismantled ...

--- Memory

G.Skill memory looks good ... 1.35v which looks like being good ... will it cut down performance or room for overclocking in the future?

Also it seems to lack Intel XMP, which apparently is good for stable overclocking. http://www.intel.com/consumer/game/extreme-memory.htm

The think that also leaves me wondering is that why they state that G.Skill model is qualified for Asus P7P55D-e PRO, and the Asus official qualified vendor list doesn't show the model ... or am I missing something?
G.Skill Memory: http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=338
Asus P7P55D-E PRO: http://www.asus.com/product.aspx?P_ID=T2FxW2fXGZQgSn2V&templete=2
Asus Qualified Vendors List:
http://dlcdnet.asus.com/pub/ASUS/mb/LGA1156/P7P55D-E_PRO/P7P55D-E_PRO_QVL.zip

I've sent an email to G.Skill with some questions, hopping for them to answer quick


4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 ECO Series (7-8-7-24, 1.35V) Dual Channel kit
model F312800CL7D4GBECO
Is selling for 74.90€


CORSAIR Kit 4GB DDR3 1600MHZ DOMINATOR DHX+ (CL8) INTEL
Is selling for 90.90€


Anyone can find some review on those G.Skill memories? I'm googling just to find nothing around ...

Edit:
Found this one: http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/GSkill/F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO/ review of this exact model ... I'm reading right now ...


Thanks

 

[b4u]

Hi,

Corsair looks very good ... still I was advised to avoid 1.65v memory. That was when I found those G.Skill for less 15€ than the Corsair ... paying more 15€ for Corsair is no problem, but I'm searching for the best DDR3 for the PC.

I've also found another G.Skill kit:

4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz Ripjaw Series (9-9-9-24) Dual Channel kit for Intel P55
Model: F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL (2Gx2)
Price: 48.70€
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=222

Basically:
CAS_Latency 9-9-9-24-2N
Capacity 4GB (2GBx2)
Speed DDR3-1600 (PC3 12800)
Test_Voltage 1.5 Volts

Now this is a memory with a very lower price ... almost half of Corsairs ... I'm searching for reviews as I type ... the timings are well, different ... don't really know the exact impact on the system. Would be worse, I suppose, as they are cheaper ...

Does these specs make it a better choice?



I've received an answer from G.Skill .. wow, they were fast answering ... so basically what they told me:


----------
About the F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO memory kit (the 4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 ECO Series (7-8-7-24, 1.35V) Dual Channel kit)

They say it's great for the Asus P7P55D-E PRO mobo, and to overclock it's a good choice.

My comment: Here I need some help from overclockers ... from the review site http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/GSkill/F3-12800CL7D-4GBECO/3.html (sorry to post just a big page link) I'm not really convinced that it is a good overclocker ... if I do overclock (in the future), I don't really think about achieving rocket power ... I prefer stability with some nice turbo boost ... still by the review it seems it's kind of luck to get some overclock at all with these kits ...

About the 1.35v of the kit they say it's a low poser kit, and it's not obvious when normal using but low power means low temperature and increased life expectancy.

My comment: Like told in some previous messages in this topic.

Now the question about they stating that it's a qualified model, but list of qualified models doesn't include it (the official Asus list). They give the expected answer, that the list is for consult only, and Asus cannot get all memory in the world ... so they didn't took this model.

My comment: Uhmmmmm ... ooookay ... I suppose ...
----------


Thanks again.

 

[b4u]

Both, but the latter is the most concerning. The G.Skill ECO that you found is good stuff. G.Skill is one of the major memory brands in the US and is just starting to get market penetration in Europe.

I know you don't recommend 1.65v, still I found some kits around that, although I don't know if the shop has in stock (I know they have Corsair, though, as they initially reserved me 1 kit).

Anyway, I would like to know your opinion about their comparison, in terms of timings and price/specs ratio. Which timings should be a safer bet? Given the price/specs/timings/voltage ... which one would be better?

I'm still a bit afraid of going G.Skill ... specially for such small price difference ... the 48.70€ kit is less expensive, still that must bring a performance penalty.

CORSAIR KIT 4GB DDR3 1600MHZ DOMINATOR DHX+ (CL8) INTEL (PC3-12800, 4GB Kit, 8-8-8-24, 1.65v)
http://www.corsair.com/products/corei5/default.aspx
90.90€

vs

4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 ECO Series (7-8-7-24, 1.35V) Dual Channel kit
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=247
74.90€

vs

4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz Ripjaw Series (9-9-9-24) Dual Channel
kit for Intel P55 1.5 Volts
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=222
48.70€

vs

4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz Ripjaw Series (7-8-7-24) Dual Channel kit for Intel LGA1156 i5/i7 1.6v
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=243
77.20€


I also would like it to be XMP ready kits ... the kingston stated they were, corsair state their kits are also XMP ... the G.Skill doesn't say anything ... I don't really sure how to activate XMP, if it's automatically or manually done, I don't really even know the real impact on such feature, although the marketing (i know, the marketing is evil) say that XMP is good for games ... which is also why I want to build a new PC.

http://www.intel.com/consumer/game/extreme-memory.htm



Thanks

 

[mfenn]

XMP literally does nothing. It is just a set of timings that you could just as easily enter manually. It shouldn't factor into your decision in the least (though the Ripjaws kit does have it).

Regarding ASUS'q QVL, the reality is that ASUS only has finite resources to test memory. The kits on the QVL are just the kits that ASUS has personally tested; it is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all kits that will work. Your G.Skill will be fine, and (as you've already experienced) G.Skill has wonderful customer support. (I don't work for them, I promise! )

You should've mentioned that you could get Ripjaws in the first place! I would get the CAS 9 version. The Dominators are just a stupid waste of money. The ECO kit or the CAS 7 Ripjaws are also good choices, but they are not worth the 50% extra cost IMHO.

 

[b4u]

XMP literally does nothing. It is just a set of timings that you could just as easily enter manually. It shouldn't factor into your decision in the least (though the Ripjaws kit does have it).

Regarding ASUS'q QVL, the reality is that ASUS only has finite resources to test memory. The kits on the QVL are just the kits that ASUS has personally tested; it is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all kits that will work. Your G.Skill will be fine, and (as you've already experienced) G.Skill has wonderful customer support. (I don't work for them, I promise! )

You should've mentioned that you could get Ripjaws in the first place! I would get the CAS 9 version. The Dominators are just a stupid waste of money. The ECO kit or the CAS 7 Ripjaws are also good choices, but they are not worth the 50% extra cost IMHO.

Eh, i'm choosing and looking into the options that I found, in my local shop(s). Ripjaws is just something I found after looking into ECO ...

So you recommend:
4GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-12800 1600MHz Ripjaw Series (9-9-9-24) Dual Channel
kit for Intel P55 1.5 Volts
http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=222
48.70€

The price is great ... I'll check if there is any stock of them. These are CAS9, should it have any real difference instead of CAS7?

It is still 1.5v ... not 1.65v, but anyway higher than 1.35v ... what is the recommended specification voltage? I've read the value somewhere, still I've read so many things lately about this, that I cannot remember where I found it ...

 

[mfenn]

Yes, I'd recommend the CAS 9 kit. You're not going to notice the difference between CAS 7 and CAS 9 unless you're really into running memory benchmarks. 1.5V is the standard voltage for DDR3, so you're fine there. 1.35V is better of course, but not worth the 50% price increase.

 

[b4u]

Yes, I'd recommend the CAS 9 kit. You're not going to notice the difference between CAS 7 and CAS 9 unless you're really into running memory benchmarks. 1.5V is the standard voltage for DDR3, so you're fine there. 1.35V is better of course, but not worth the 50% price increase.

I'm really thinking about going G.Skill. I have the ECO model reserved, the CL9 50€ I don't know if there is stock.

If there is stock, and for the price difference, I could almost think about going for 2 kits, up to a total 8Gb with 4x the CL9 dimms.

I'm planning on using Windows 7 64bit, ultimate most probably, and so the 8Gb would be available. But would it be a better go with 8Gb?


--- Another piece of hardware

I'm also thinking about getting on a couple of months a video capture card. What I want is really simple ... to connect my old VCR and converting all my VHS tapes into a digital format.

Anyone recommend a brand, model, that can suit my needs? My VCR has SCART output ... in this current PC, I have an ATI with VIVO, and I use a composite cable to convert SCART to my VIVO, and then just capture it.

But GTX 460 doesn't have the feature, so I was thinking about getting a card for such effect ...


Thanks