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Another DDR3 selection thread (my apologies).

R

Redshirt #24

2[H]4U
Joined
Jan 29, 2006
Messages
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So I'm looking for a 6GB pack of RAM for an incoming i7/920 and MSI x58 Pro (not immediately planning to OC, but considering a modest attempt later). And, after sifting through way too many threads, I finally get that in general latency isn't an issue with DDR3 unless you're doing mad OCing. Okay, fine. I start looking at voltage (the general sentiment being that it's probably better to stay as far away from the 1.65v wall as possible), and I wind up with two choices at the same price (rebates notwithstanding):

1. the ever-popular G.Skill DDR3-1600 set (9-9-9-24), and
2. a Mushkin set with identical specs to the G.Skill set.

(Of course there are DDR3/1333 sets with lower latencies and possibly lower voltages, but the prices are so friggin' close together at this point I figured why bother with that?)

I know the G.Skills are considered beyond reproach around here, but I have to wonder about those Mushkins...

EDIT: taking the voltage out of the equation for just a minute, this OCZ set is kind of tempting.
 
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I have that OCZ set you're speaking of and it works wonderfully. As far as overclocking, I played a bit and was able to get the ram to overclock without issues (as in the ram temps were fine and everything seemed to run stable until I ran Prime 95). Also it's important to note that if you have an XMP compatible board, then the OCZ set will automatically set voltages and timings even when you're overclocking. 1.65volts is the wall for the i7, however I run right @ 1.65 with no issues with a 'dummy overclock'.
 
That set doesn't fall under the voltage restriction I was initially trying to adhere to, though it certainly isn't bad; the OCZ set I linked upthread is cheaper, though, and has similar timings.
 
jmorel33 said:
Why get the G.Skill 9-9-9-24 when you can get the PI model at 8-8-8-21 for barely the same price?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231247
Click to expand...

1. Because there is no real-world difference between the timings
2. Because the 9-9-9-24 kit runs at a lower voltage (1.5v) which means less heat and more overclocking headroom

That being said, I'd go with the G.Skill. I'm using that kit and am very happy. Runs perfectly stable at 1.52v.
 
PC_User said:
1. Because there is no real-world difference between the timings
2. Because the 9-9-9-24 kit runs at a lower voltage (1.5v) which means less heat and more overclocking headroom
Click to expand...

Between 8-8-8-21 and 9-9-9-24, there is a solid 1 gigabyte or more per second difference in READ / WRITE / COPY.
 
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Redshirt #24 said:
That set doesn't fall under the voltage restriction I was initially trying to adhere to, though it certainly isn't bad; the OCZ set I linked upthread is cheaper, though, and has similar timings.
Click to expand...

I don't undertsand the need to get 1.5v or 1.6v ram when you can get a good set that takes 1.65v. Yes of course you're at the suggested limit of what the processor is capable of dealing with, but that's a limit that Intel imposed. The ram is definately good to go at 1.65v or else they wouldn't be selling them as i7 tripple channel kits like they are doing atm.
 
I just built a rig with the OCZ kit you linked. Haven't had a chance to overclock them yet, but I'll get back to you after tonight...
 
Somewhat ironically, since I completely forgot to order some new RAM last week, I ended up scoring that package (Corsair, at least) from Fry's on the way home from work tonight. We'll see what happens...
 
Redshirt #24 said:
Somewhat ironically, since I completely forgot to order some new RAM last week, I ended up scoring that package (Corsair, at least) from Fry's on the way home from work tonight. We'll see what happens...
Click to expand...

It's a good kit.
 
paco16 said:
I have that OCZ set you're speaking of and it works wonderfully. As far as overclocking, I played a bit and was able to get the ram to overclock without issues (as in the ram temps were fine and everything seemed to run stable until I ran Prime 95). Also it's important to note that if you have an XMP compatible board, then the OCZ set will automatically set voltages and timings even when you're overclocking. 1.65volts is the wall for the i7, however I run right @ 1.65 with no issues with a 'dummy overclock'.
Click to expand...

As do I, I runs @ 1800 fine with 1.64v, as well as 1600 w/ cas 8
 
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