Help me decide on 16GB of memory

[cbuchach]

So I am putting together a new Ivy Bridge 3770K build. I have a Asus Gene V mATX board and am planning on 16GB of memory (I know 16GB in't altogether necessary right now, but I plan to keep this build for ~4 years like my last system and want the same type of memory).

So my main decision is between 2 vs. 4 DIMMs. I know that having only 2 DIMMs can allow a board to achieve better timings. But, 4 GB DIMMs are sold with better timings. So I am looking between 2 8GB DIMMs at CAS9 at 1.6V 1600 vs 4 4GB DIMMs at CAS9 at 1.65 2133. I am looking at Mushkin memory. Ultimately, regardless of voltages and timings, what do you all think are going to ultimately give me the best memory speed?

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

The timings mean nothing unless you are benchmarking. I would go with two dimms as that gives greater future options. Also, some boards have problems when fully populated.

 

[sequoia464]

2 8GB DIMMs at CAS9 at 1.6V 1600 vs 4 4GB DIMMs at CAS9 at 1.65 2133.

I don't have an Intel board so I'm not certain of this, but I thought Sandy bridge didn't like memory voltage over 1.5V.

Is this correct and if so - does it apply to Ivy bridge as well?

 

[chubbyfatazn]

Is $$ an issue? Do you intend on going for more than 16GB down the road?

 

[gevorg]

In short, it doesn't matter, go with 8GB sticks.

In long:
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4503/sandy-bridge-memory-scaling-choosing-the-best-ddr3/1

 

[aaksheytalwar]

Benchmarks can not be used to show ram benefits. Period. Esp for ram qty.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

In short, it doesn't matter, go with 8GB sticks.

In long:

It's late, but...

How is that article supposed to prove any point you're trying to make? It's determining the relationship between speed/latency and performance on SB .

I'm with Magnus on this one. I went from 8-9-9-26 at 1600 to 9-9-9-27 on 1866 and no difference. My usage patterns don't involve benchmarking, so I just went back to 1600 since I could use lower volts. Speaking of which, this memory is awesome. 1.35v stock, low profile, easily gets to 1866 (never tried for 2133). I don't ever go above 9GB usage (and that's just when I get lazy and don't close anything), so 16GB is all I'll probably ever need for this system. :thumbsup:

 

[chimaxi83]

I use this low profile, low voltage Samsung RAM. Same as poster above me I think.

It's rated for 1.35V 1600MHz 11-11-11-28.

I'm running it at 1.6V 2133MHz 9-10-10-26-1T, rock solid stable. It'll probably do the same with less voltage, but I don't really care about tenths of a volt. I'm going to buy another 8GB.

Oh, and there are huge threads on overclock.net and xtremesystems.org about these sticks specifically, and guys are getting huge overclocks on Sandy Bridge out of 4 sticks. I don't think you necessarily NEED 8GB sticks.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

I use this low profile, low voltage Samsung RAM. Same as poster above me I think.

It's rated for 1.35V 1600MHz 11-11-11-28.

I'm running it at 1.6V 2133MHz 9-10-10-26-1T, rock solid stable. It'll probably do the same with less voltage, but I don't really care about tenths of a volt. I'm going to buy another 8GB.

Oh, and there are huge threads on overclock.net and xtremesystems.org about these sticks specifically, and guys are getting huge overclocks on Sandy Bridge out of 4 sticks. I don't think you necessarily NEED 8GB sticks.

Yeah I remember discussing that with you. Sticks are great, no compatibility issues whatsoever, and can be had on sale for $40 quite often (if you have a Fry's near you).

 

[chimaxi83]

Yea I'm waiting for the next Newegg 15% off on RAM lol, 16GB of this for $80 is very hard to beat with the potential of this set.

 

[ShintaiDK]

Why 1.6 or 1.65V sticks for something so irrelevant as shown in the anandtech sandy bridge scaling? Get 2x8GB 1600Mhz 1.5V

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231558

Or the new Samsung memory. Only shame is they are only 4GB for now.

 

[cbuchach]

Yea I'm waiting for the next Newegg 15% off on RAM lol, 16GB of this for $80 is very hard to beat with the potential of this set.

I know I am kicking myself that I missed the last one.