Noob here, what RAM do I get?

[nonamenoob]

I just got a bare bones computer and the ram they installed was a crucial brand but when I did a PC test it showed a low latency. Not exactly sure how this effect me other than I hate paying good money for average product so I am thinking I will return the RAM and replace.
I have an I7 6800k with MSI X99A RAIDER MB ( I chose the ASROCK X99 Extreme3) they put in the RAIDER, it costs more but not sure if it is better.
I purchased 2x16GB DDR4 - 2400
So what RAM do I buy for $200 range?
Would 4x 8GB be better?

Thanks for helping a noob.
I don't do anything major with computer but like to buy best value, good product without spending too much so I don't have to chase the upgrade fix all the time which is why I chose the 6800k over 6700k

 

[Elixer]

You look here: https://us.msi.com/Motherboard/support/X99A-RAIDER.html#support-mem and then pick the RAM for your needs.

Your motherboard supports Quad Channel DDR4-3333(OC) Memory.
So, if you want the fastest available, look on that list for RAM that is rated at that speed, and get 4 DIMMs (since it supports quad channel).
Of course, you don't have to get the top speed, you can get lower latency RAM. It just depends on your needs, and since you don't do anything major, I really question the whole reason for getting such a beast of a motherboard, it isn't the best value available, there are other cheaper options that offer better bang for the buck.

 

[nonamenoob]

I do not know what latency does? So quad channel is getting 4 sticks of 8gb over 2 16gb?
I see all the brands listed but was hoping the wise people here maybe had knowledge and good luck with a specific RAM from newegg or something I could lookup.

Oh and I am not planning on OC, I have played with that long ago but just not knowledgeable enough to pursue it or maybe I am just too lazy to look up all the new stuff for OC. I guess I can have that option in the future if I get enough spare time to pursue it.

 

[UsandThem]

I do not know what latency does? So quad channel is getting 4 sticks of 8gb over 2 16gb?

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/memory-performance-speed-latency

4=quad
2=dual

I see all the brands listed but was hoping the wise people here maybe had knowledge and good luck with a specific RAM from newegg or something I could lookup.

Nobody here is wiser than the engineers at MSI who test and certify RAM to run at the advertised speeds with their motherboards.

Additionally, almost all major RAM manufacturers also test and certify their RAM to work with particular motherboards. If you go to their websites and use their 'memory finder' tool, you simply put in your motherboard model, they will tell you which kits will work for you.

 

[nonamenoob]

Is that how you picked out yours, looked at a list, liked the name and bought it? Does the list give me opinions on what might be the most reliable brand, usually people stick with a brand they trust and have had good luck with which is why I tried here.

 

[mnewsham]

Almost no one uses the manufacturers approved memory lists because their lists are tiny compared to the products out there.

I buy whatever's on sale, RAM is RAM and the chips are all fabbed in the same facilities.

 

[UsandThem]

Almost no one uses the manufacturers approved memory lists because their lists are tiny compared to the products out there.

I buy whatever's on sale, RAM is RAM and the chips are all fabbed in the same facilities.

Usually, but there are occasional issues with just buying RAM blindly:

https://forums.anandtech.com/thread...l-not-post-with-32-gb-of-corsair-ram.2494313/

While motherboard manufacturers don't test all the ram for the QVL, the memory manufacturers maintains a much larger list of compatible RAM they offer, and they all have a simple website to tell a person what will work perfectly, instead of hoping there are no incompatibilities.

Is that how you picked out yours, looked at a list, liked the name and bought it? Does the list give me opinions on what might be the most reliable brand, usually people stick with a brand they trust and have had good luck with which is why I tried here.

I picked my RAM by going to Corsair's website, put in my motherboard model number, and they told me what would work with my motherboard. Most people use G Skill, Corsair, Kingston, or Crucial RAM, and they all have easy-to-use 'RAM finder' tool on their website to use. That way you know whatever kit you end up selecting, it will work properly.

 

[TemjinGold]

OP: Low latency is a GOOD thing. You don't want high latency ram.

 

[biostud]

The benfits of faster memory on the X99 platform is in the low single digits percentages. So get four fast but affordable modules. You get more performance by investing in other parts of your setup.