RAM upgrade for Lynnfield system advice

[Zorander]

Hi,

I currently have 2x2GB of Kingston RAM that supports Intel XMP profile (something like 1600MHz CL8). I have, in a different system, the same set of memory that I could move to this system, i.e. 4x2GB modules, but I have heard of compatibility/stability issues for my motherboard in this respect. Since RAM prices are so low anyway, I figure I should just buy a new set.

I'm honestly unsure how much difference running XMP profile, higher-than-1333MHz speed, CAS8-or-lower latency or their combinations brings to an i7-860 at stock speed. There is the KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX which can run all of the above but at CAS9 latency. It seems to fit the bill nicely; is the latency difference going to be noticable for snappiness in windows and speed in games (already using SSD)?

Feel free to recommend me other modules as well. I prefer either Kingston or Corsair though, since I have had great experience with their products in the last 10 years or so.

Thanks!

 

[Spikesoldier]

i think were past the days of memory speeds by default dropping down when 4 DIMMs are populated.

really the only thing i see is that it will generally add more stress to the memory controller (in this case an IMC) which will sometimes limit overclocks due to the extra stress.

you should be able to add more vtt to offset this and give more juice to the IMC. adding vtt also gives you a benefit of safely running a slightly higher vdimm exceeding 1.65v. i doubt memory will require more vdimm to be stable though.

 

[tweakboy]

Yes if you fill up your dimms you gotta take up voltage at least in my case. gl

 

[StrangerGuy]

Hi,

I currently have 2x2GB of Kingston RAM that supports Intel XMP profile (something like 1600MHz CL8). I have, in a different system, the same set of memory that I could move to this system, i.e. 4x2GB modules, but I have heard of compatibility/stability issues for my motherboard in this respect. Since RAM prices are so low anyway, I figure I should just buy a new set.

I'm honestly unsure how much difference running XMP profile, higher-than-1333MHz speed, CAS8-or-lower latency or their combinations brings to an i7-860 at stock speed. There is the KHX1600C9D3K2/8GX which can run all of the above but at CAS9 latency. It seems to fit the bill nicely; is the latency difference going to be noticable for snappiness in windows and speed in games (already using SSD)?

Feel free to recommend me other modules as well. I prefer either Kingston or Corsair though, since I have had great experience with their products in the last 10 years or so.

Thanks!

CPU caches and prefetching algorithms are so good that DDR3 speeds over standard 1333MHz and timings doesn't matter anymore. Just get those cheap Kingston/G.Skill/whatever well known branded 1333MHz sticks and be done with.

 

[Zorander]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I ordered the Corsair CMX8GX3M2A1600C9. They're even cheaper than the Kingston, with slightly better SPD numbers. Hopefully it works out just fine for my needs.

Cheers!