Best RAM for i7 build?

[jay05]

Hello,
I'm currently in the process of building a new i7 rig. I currently have the antec 902, antec 750 watt, i7 950, 2 gtx 470s, and leaning towards an asus rampage III extreme mobo. I need to figure out what is the best RAM to get for my build. I heard that low CAS is good when choosing RAM.

I am thinking of getting the Corsair Dominator 3X2GB. What do you think of this brand? I see a lot of people getting the OCZ and G. skill brand as well through my research. I'm planning to overclock to 4.0 ghz for now and hope to future proof my computer for at least a couple years. (We all know how quickly it will become obsolete.)

When I checked newegg I came across a variety of corsair dominators. Which do you think is the best for my rig? Do I go with the lowest CAS? These are 1600mhz.
There are also 2000mhz but I wasn't sure if that was worth it.

[strike]1. CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMP6GX3M3A1600C8 $190
[/strike]
[strike]2. CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model CMP6GX3M3A1600C7 $190[/strike]

[strike]3. CORSAIR DOMINATOR 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1600C8D $190
[/strike]
4. G.SKILL PI 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6T-6GBPI $200

5. Mushkin Enhanced Redline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 998805 $180

They all have limited lifetime warranty so that's good.
What is the difference between #1, 2, and 3? They have the same prices but different model # for each. (Besides #2 has CAS 7)

Thanks for your help.

 

[tecmo34]

I would go with either one of these G.SKILL PI Series DDR3 1600 6GB (3x2GB) instead. Similar or better performance at less or equal money. Corsair makes great memory but to me they are too over priced for their performance to price.

 

[davcon]

I would take into consideration what cpu cooler you'll be using when choosing any kits mentioned so far.
They're all over 50mm tall and not air cooler friendly.
They won't present a problem if you only plan on using 3 dimms/6GB though.
Mushkins Black/Red lines are lower profile 40mm and good quality.
Mushkin Enhanced Redline 6GB (3 x 2GB)-$179.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226121
Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 6GB (3 x 2GB)-$139.99/$129.99 after mir
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226030
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 33mm tall-$159.99/$139.99 after mir
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145286
The Dominators have removable heatsinks though not sure about the Pi's.

 

[jay05]

I would go with either one of these G.SKILL PI Series DDR3 1600 6GB (3x2GB) instead. Similar or better performance at less or equal money. Corsair makes great memory but to me they are too over priced for their performance to price.

I totally agree with you. Corsair RAM does cost more than all its competitors.

I'm only planning to have 6gbs (3X 2gb) in my build.

I have a couple questions
1. CORSAIR DOMINATOR TR3X6G1600C8D [8-8-8-24] < G.Skill F3-12800CL6T-6GBPI [6-8-6-24]????
2. Corsair 7-8-7-20 vs. Mushkin 6-8-6-24 ???

 

[tecmo34]

1) The G.SKILL is a Cas6, which is the faster RAM over the Cas8. This is the reason for the price difference and recommendation to use.

2) The Mushkin has the tighter timings meaning it is the faster RAM. Depending on price, the Mushkin is the better route to take.

 

[jay05]

1) The G.SKILL is a Cas6, which is the faster RAM over the Cas8. This is the reason for the price difference and recommendation to use.

2) The Mushkin has the tighter timings meaning it is the faster RAM. Depending on price, the Mushkin is the better route to take.

G Skill 6-8-6-20 vs. OCZ Reaper 6-8-6-24. Am I looking for a lower number for the last number as well? Thank you

 

[tecmo34]

The lower number across the board is what you are looking for... The G.SKILL would be better but not if they are differently priced. Meaning, there would be such a little difference, it wouldn't justify the cost difference.

Here are few sites to read about memory:
Memory Timings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_timings
CAS Latency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAS_latency

 

[jay05]

Best answer selected by jay05.

 

[badge]

The lower number across the board is what you are looking for... The G.SKILL would be better but not if they are differently priced. Meaning, there would be such a little difference, it wouldn't justify the cost difference.

Here are few sites to read about memory:
Memory Timings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_timings
CAS Latency: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAS_latency

tecmo34 recommends G. Skill Micron D9's. So pay close attention to his boss RAM recommendations when He's using his good eye. [:badge:1]

G. Skill Micron chips