Help me choose DDR3 for i7 860 / P55

[konakona]

Hi folks, I need some input on which ram modules to buy for my new i7 860 / P55 build. The machine is going to be used solely for gaming and video, no productivity related work on it at all to speak of. I would like to overclock it to a reasonably high speed, but I was under impression you don't need high speed (expensive) memory to OC i7 / i5 CPUs. Would I be correct in assuming that all I will ever need is some PC1066 for now?

Second question is how much ram is considered "enough" or recommended for gaming these days. My current rig has 8gigs of DDR2, just because I was able to get them cheap. If all I am ever doing is gaming, would I need more than 4gigs at the moment? I am not trying to be future proof or anything, if I need more in the future, then I could pick some more up there and then.

Last but not least, what are some gotachas I need to look out for? The mobo I have is Biostar TP55. Would it be ok as long as the ram works under 1.65v?

The one I was looking at is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227346

 

[Blain]

192GB is considered "enough", but you can start with 4GB.
Here you go.
Low latency... Fast speed rating... DDR3 standard voltage of 1.5v... Good price... Grade-A manufacturer.

 

[konakona]

wish it was a tad cheaper, but sounds good. thanks a ton

 

[ChaiBabbaChai]

You need at least 1333.

I would try the G.SKILL ECO sticks for a P55 system. Those Ripjaws above would be great, too. Mushkin is also less expensive, but be careful not to get the modules designed for AM3. They look the same, but some part numbers are for AM3 and some for i5/i7. The ECO are new so I don't know how proven they are, but you can always return them.

 

[Blain]

It's only $14.01 more than the total cost of the OCZ you linked to.

 

[EarthwormJim]

What about this stuff?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820220436

Was on sale for $80 a couple weeks ago

 

[JaYp146]

These are really solid value at $94 shipped: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-277-_-Product

Requires .15v less than most kits to reach DDR3-1600. I'm very close to buying it myself for a ASRock Extreme P55 + i5 750...

 

[konakona]

http://www.overclock.net/intel-memory/634271-g-skill-eco-vs-ripjaws-1156-a.html

So I take it ECO is newer, runs at lower voltage @ stock speeds, but needs voltage bump when overclocked. Price difference is totally negligible, could go with either one I guess. I am gonna give it a week or so to see if something comes up in the hot deals forum, otherwise...

 

[Tattare]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231275

 

[Blain]

I am gonna give it a week or so to see if something comes up in the hot deals forum, otherwise...

I've paid $309 for 256MB of memory...

Playing around to try and save a nickel just isn't worth your time.
If you need RAM, then buy it and move on with your life.

 

[konakona]

Yeah, I know but I already have two other computers (actually three, including the laptop) at disposal to do whatever I please, so it's not exactly 'playing around' IMO. If anything, the new mobo/cpu/ram will be replacing the ones in one of the two existing computers, which will need a new vid card to go with that anyway. It's just that there isn't anything to be called even a micro hot deal on desktop ddr3 right at this moment.

Just curious, why is it that you would need 1333 again? This thread seems to suggest 1066 is fine, or at least won't hold CPU OC back if I am reading that correctly. What the hell though, for mere $10-$15 difference I am willing to get something better. Not trying to argue against it, just asking cuz I don't know any better.

 

[Blain]

Prices of memory don't always go down over time.

 

[Blain]

You asked... "Help me choose DDR3 for i7 860 / P55"

I gave you my recommendation along with the reasons for that recommendation.

Here you go.
Low latency... Fast speed rating... DDR3 standard voltage of 1.5v... Good price... Grade-A manufacturer.

 

[mav451]

The available RAM multi's are 4, 5, or 6x. You will have a 22x multi at your disposal, so use your desired clock rate and multi to figure that out.

E.g. 3800Mhz/22 = 172 BLCK;
172 x 4 = 688; minimum DDR1376

Eg. 3900Mhz/22 = 177 BLCK;
177 x 4 = 709; minimum DDR1418

And so forth.

 

[konakona]

I gave you my recommendation along with the reasons for that recommendation.

I really appreciate that, which is why I am debating between that and the newer ECO line. That's a sound suggestion that I am willing to accept, but I just wanted to know why 1066 wouldn't cut it, thats all. mav451 has that covered in his reply below yours.


I will have to check with my mobo to see what's available. Thanks!

The available RAM multi's are 4, 5, or 6x. You will have a 22x multi at your disposal, so use your desired clock rate and multi to figure that out.

E.g. 3800Mhz/22 = 172 BLCK;
172 x 4 = 688; minimum DDR1376

Eg. 3900Mhz/22 = 177 BLCK;
177 x 4 = 709; minimum DDR1418

And so forth.

 

[mav451]

Lol oops, that should be 3x, 4x, 5x.

 

[Yellowbeard]

I've paid $309 for 256MB of memory...

Playing around to try and save a nickel just isn't worth your time.
If you need RAM, then buy it and move on with your life.

LOL...I paid $125 for 4MB of RAM so I could play DOOM and some version of Ultima.

 

[konakona]

now that I look at it... amazing was that from C300a era ($309 for 256mb)?

 

[n7]

Lol oops, that should be 3x, 4x, 5x.

It's actually 3x, 4x, 5x, & 6x for an i7 860. (No 6x for the i5 750)
So you were correct just missing one both times. :hmm:

OP, you've already been given many recommendations.

You really do not need expensive RAM in any way shape or form to OC well on P55 due to the very low multipliers that will allow for very low speed DDR3 to function well.

That said, due to pricing being so close, i usually suggest DDR3-1600.

 

[konakona]

Yep, absolutely agree, peace of mind > a few bucks difference. Now I just need to decide on either ECO or one of the ripjaw variants. ECO being newer, I am leaning toward that direction.

 

[Spikesoldier]

i have the eco 1333 7-7-7-21 4gb kit in my hands right now.

too bad the cpu is in the mail, will be here on wed.

will let you know how it clocks on a i3, but it was the choice i pulled the trigger on. the only thing i would add to blain's comments is that i feel like these have more headroom, although i might not be able to use it all (i3).