Selecting New Memory

[ArcaneBlades]

I am building a new computer and the last step is RAM. Is it possible to upgrade from 8 GB to 16GB later on, as in can I go with 8 GB RAM 2x4GB and later get another 2x4GB or even 2x8gb?

I'm getting 3570K, Fractal Design Refine R4, Seasonic X750, ASRock Professional Z77, SLI GTX 670. I worry that I should go for 8gb because every cent counts now and I have to cancel an order if I spend more than $60 with 2x4GB being less than $60.

I believe that 1600mhz and low timings is all that matters, right? Or does it matter on the brand e.g. Crucial Ballistix Kingston HyperX OCZ G.Skill etc?

 

[Charlie98]

I wouldn't get too silly with the speed... buy a decent brand set of 2x 4GB RAM and be done with it.

Here's a set with silly heatspreaders... (I actually had this set...)

..and a set without.

They're both 9-9-9 24, 1.5v RAM, and available, so you should be able to upgrade later.

 

[dma0991]

You could get 4GB sticks and still have a total of 16GB if it has 4 RAM slots which is the case for most Z77 motherboards. I would suggest to test the waters with 8GB of RAM before actually getting 16GB. 8GB is plenty, 16GB only if you know what you're doing.

You could try getting the RAM that's stated below but they're sold out at Newegg. Try Amazon.

 

[ArcaneBlades]

Yeah don't know why I felt compelled to go for 16gb when I'm still new to x64 period and the 3gb limit.

I got memory with good timings, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231536 7-8-8-24 iirc it used to be that timings were more impt than raw speed for AMD based systems like my socket 754 AMD64. I figure that if a google suggests 7 or 8 is better quality then my risk is outdone by the benefit though I do note only 10 ppl have sprung for it so far.

Thanks.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I might go with a single 8GB Crucial Ballistix Sport low-profile DIMM. They have DDR3-1600, CAS 9-9-9-24, with only 1.35v. Generally, RAM that takes lower voltage, or has better timings at the same voltage, is better quality.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148661

 

[dma0991]

I got memory with good timings, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231536 7-8-8-24 iirc it used to be that timings were more impt than raw speed for AMD based systems like my socket 754 AMD64. I figure that if a google suggests 7 or 8 is better quality then my risk is outdone by the benefit though I do note only 10 ppl have sprung for it so far.

Both lower timings and higher clockspeed plays a role in how well the RAM performs but it is usually a tradeoff, higher/lower clockspeed + looser/tighter timing. You could go with any stick you'd like if you fancy some heat spreader eye candy. Difference in performance from one stick to another is not much.

 

[Blain]

I believe that 1600mhz and low timings is all that matters, right? Or does it matter on the brand e.g. Crucial Ballistix Kingston HyperX OCZ G.Skill etc?

If I were shopping for high quality memory, I would use the following parameters as a guide...

* DDR3 rated at 1.5v or lower
* DDR3 rated at the lowest CAS I could afford
* DDR3 rated at the highest clock speed I could afford
* Limit the scope of my purchease to G.Skill, Mushkin, Corsair XMS or Crucial (non-Ballistix)

While not wavering on the voltage point, I would balance the other issues with my budget.

Remember, my goal is not pure "benchmarking" performance, but simply finding the highest quality memory I can afford. ^_^

The only reason I pay a premium for low latency, high speed, low voltage memory is...
Quality and quality alone.

1.5v is the JEDEC DDR3 voltage standard.
Stay with 1.5v or less if you can afford it..

What he said