RAM modules, less or more for same GB?

[sebazvideo]

I'm getting ready to buy an Asus P9X79 Pro with an i7 3930k, and I'm trying to make a wise RAM choice, starting with the Asus tested modules. I want to get 32 GB, for which there is only one choice in that list, the Corsair CMT32GX3M4X1866C9, which is DDR3 1866, four modules.

However, the Intel website says this CPU only supports up to DDR3 1600. So checking the Asus list for that speed, I see the G.Skill F3-12800CL9Q-16GBXL, 16 GB, four modules, and since the Asus motherboard has eight slots, I can buy two of those and get to 32 GB for a lot less $ than the Corsair kit.

What I would like to know is:

1) Would using all 8 slots be the same regarding stability and speed than using four? (this is of course if I underclock the Corsairs to 1600, since it's the highest the CPU can handle apparently).

2) Does having twice the number of modules, especially Non-ECC RAM, mean twice the possibility of errors?

3) What happens if I get the 32 GB Corsairs and I don't underclock it to 1600 in the BIOS? Will this mean more chance of errors since the CPU says it can only handle up to 1600?

Thanks

 

[Coup27]

The Intel website will list the official speeds the CPUs memory controller can handle, for SB this was 1333 and for IB this is 1600. When you overclock you can often run at speeds much higher than this and this is why MB vendors include higher speeds on enthusiast boards, although they often astrix any speed higher than Intel's official as "only when overclocking". As I run a SB i3 CPU, I am not interested in overclocking so I stuck with Intel stock and went with 1333 RAM. Reliability and stability is my #1 requirement, then speed. I CBA with computer tinkering anymore.

It's generally accepted that the less DIMMS, the better. Running 2x4GB is better than 4x2GB because there is less stress on the memory controller. In reality as long as your RAM layout and spec falls within the CPU and MB specs it will work, but technically speaking I would go for the less DIMM option.

If you don't fix the speed of the Corsair to 1600 then it will overclock the memory on the CPU. People get massive gains beyond Intel's stock memory speed and never get any issues so it's really if you want to be 1000% safe and stick with Intel's stock speeds or want the (negligible) extra speed from faster RAM at the (very tiny) risk of system stability.

 

[tweakboy]

Ouch good post. Well sort you out. You have to understand one thing with ASUS.

They say max 1600 but if you go to their OC bios section you will see you can take it up to 3000Mhz ,, not exactly sure on the exact number since I don't have board. My 2007 P5K goes up to DDR2 1949Mhz lol , option is there. Also make sure you enable transaction booster because that can drop your latency 20ns or more. I have that option. I dont know if in 2012 your ASUS board will have that. Probably something similar. But disregard when ASUS says 1600Mhz,, lol that P9 board will except 3000Mhz if it existed.

Also right now is a bad time to do a 32GB memory upgrade Ill tell you why. Because all these motherboards support max 32GB and some ram chips aren't as friendly as others. Also they haven't established bandwidth like 32GB kit 2400Mhz.

The RAM is sexy and good and all but can I ask why you need 32GB RAM

If you use Sonar X2 then I understand. If you use heavy 2 hour movie video editing Premiere. Or autocad or studiomax. Other then that you will never even use 8GB let alone 32GB. 24GB will always be sitting idle collecting dust if all you do is Gaming and all computer tasks outside those apps I mentioned. gl

Since you have a nice CPU, pair it with 16GB 2400Mhz. Then its up to you how much you care about latency. Cuz you will be at 11-11-11 ,,, you have options. You can downclock the memory and reduce the timings say 8-8-8 @ 1600Mhz just example. Grab Aida Free and check your RAM latency. If the ASUS board still uses transaction booster,, then its gonna drop 20ns on your ram latency.

The motherboard your getting is what I want
Your a smart man. How much did you pay for it ? Also stick with a 16GB kit if you dont use those apps mentioned. Youll never get out of memory message I promise. gl In the future you can always easily upgrade to 32GB. gl

 

[sebazvideo]

You have to understand one thing with ASUS. They say max 1600 but if you go to their OC bios section you will see you can take it up to 3000Mhz

It's not ASUS that goes up to 1600, it's Intel. That's what it says on the page for the 3930k.

Also right now is a bad time to do a 32GB memory upgrade Ill tell you why. Because all these motherboards support max 32GB

This one supports 64, which I'd like, but that's way too expensive.

If you use heavy 2 hour movie video editing Premiere. Or autocad or studiomax.

I do use Premiere and After Effects CS6, and my goal is to become a 3D motion graphics designer, so at some point I will start using one of the main 3D programs like Lightwave or Cinema 4D, when I can afford them.

Since you have a nice CPU, pair it with 16GB 2400Mhz

That would be going much higher than the 1600Mhz supported by the CPU.

How much did you pay for it ?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131800

 

[Coup27]

Well done tweakboy.

Yet another post where you haven't understood the OP's actual questions and just typed a load of semi-correct waffle.