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Trying to pick RAM for ASrock X58 Extreme...

railven

railven

Diamond Member
Hello,

I just picked up the Intel Core i7 930 at Microcenter and am now in the process of getting the other components from Newegg.

After doing some research on the boards in my interest range I decided to get the ASrock X58 Extreme.

http://www.asrock.com/mb/overview.asp?Model=X58 Extreme&s=
Memory QVL
http://www.asrock.com/mb/memory/X58 Extreme.pdf

I'm having a hard time picking out some RAM. I have a few questions first on the X58 controller.

I've read here (and else where) that it is picky on voltages, is that true? I'm upgrading from a P43 that threw gang signs at me if I tried to run 4 sticks of v2.1 DDR2 memory (and regardless how I set it up, timings/down volt/down clocked I couldn't get it to POST.) So to avoid any headaches I'm trying to stay at 1.5v (and I have no real intentions of OCing.)

Also, I've read the controller native support is 1066mhz, and to get the other speeds you need RAM that is XMP ready. If I'm looking at RAM that is 1333mhz, C9, and at 1.5v, but it don't see an XMP ready marking - is that safe?

Looking at this set:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145220

Also, I can't find that set listed in the ASrock QVL sheet, so I'm not even 100% sure if it will run.

I'd prefer to stay with Corsair, but if any ASrock users have a recommendation, I'd appreciate it. Aiming to order my pieces Monday morning.

Thanks.
 
Alternative RAM I'm looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231335

Same questions, doesn't state XMP, is DDR3 1600, and has a lower CAS all at the same 1.5v.

Hard to believe, at a lower cost too...

That's how I got suckered and not doing my research caused me to buy 2x2GBs of DDR2 "800" at 2.1 volts, which turned out to be factory OC'ed DD2 667 haha.
 
1.6v

That Gskill looks pretty nice; if it was 7.7.7. @ 1.5v I'd be all over them.

There is an eco kit out that runs at 1.35v - search new egg for them
 
BTRY B 529th FA BN said:
1.6v

That Gskill looks pretty nice; if it was 7.7.7. @ 1.5v I'd be all over them.

There is an eco kit out that runs at 1.35v - search new egg for them
Click to expand...

I'm trying to get decent performance RAM but within the volt range that is acceptable for the X58. I'm trying to do this all right this time, as I explained in my first post I bought 2.1v RAM when DDR2 JEDEC is 1.8v, and got screwed trying to add a second set into my board (it wouldn't POST, found out it was the RAM.)

So, just trying to find the best performance I can within the stock ranges (price isn't an issue, willing to go up to $200 excluding shipping/taxes.)
 
Wow, found some of that Eco-Friendly RAM.

Now I'm even more confused on RAM haha. I figured lower volts would produce worse performance.

These sets of RAM have great timings, low volts, and high ratings. WTF!? I've been out of the loop tooooo long.
 
BTRY B 529th FA BN said:
They are pretty sexy!

Also, you don't have to populate all 3 dimm slots on your Asrock or any X58 chipset. 2x2 4g won't hurt it.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I know but I wanna get tri-channel. Paying the extra cash for an 1366, I want that feature! haha.

I think I'm going with the G.Skill. I love Corsair, but time to test new waters.
 
Question Bump:

Are there any known issues with voltage incompatibilities with RAM and the X58 (ASrock board in this case?)

I'm looking at reviews, and it seems a lot of people stick 1.6-1.65v DDR3 memory into their X58 boards.

I'm a tad hesitant to buy "OC'ed" RAM due to issues on my P45 board that wouldn't take a second set of "OC'ed" RAM.

If I were to buy say G.Skil Ripsaw 3x2 kits at 1.6v, would I be able to add a second set down the road if I wish? Or would the X58 throw a fit?

Just trying to avoid having to buy a different set of RAM when I want to add more to the board, thanks again.
 
railven said:
Alternative RAM I'm looking at:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820231335

Same questions, doesn't state XMP, is DDR3 1600, and has a lower CAS all at the same 1.5v.

Hard to believe, at a lower cost too...

That's how I got suckered and not doing my research caused me to buy 2x2GBs of DDR2 "800" at 2.1 volts, which turned out to be factory OC'ed DD2 667 haha.
Click to expand...
I have that exact ram. I'm currently running it a 1440MHz 7-7-7-21 @ 1.5v on the Asrock X58 Extreme. (I can't run it at full 1600MHz because My i7's OC messes up the multi. I have to choose either 1440mhz or 1800MHz)

It is rock-stable at 1600MHz, though. I'd really recommend it. I haven't had any issues so far.
 
I would stick to ADATA or GSkill. The OCZ kit I have is atrocious, makes overclocking difficult, and in general makes the system unstable. But when I have my Gskill tridents in there, it runs like a dream.

So yeah, I stole the Tridents out of my LAN rig 😛
 
Yeah, I ordered the G.Skill Pi 1600mhz tri-kit. I look forward to tinkering with it.

In the ASrock reviews over at Newegg, users said they had to manually set the timings but that it worked perfect once that was set.

I look forward to slapping the pieces together. Thanks again for the recommendations!
 
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