DDR3 RAM: 1600, 1333, 1066?

[jpsenior]

Hey everyone,

Essentially, i just want to know exactly what the numbers indicate.

My understanding is that the numbers indicate the standard rated speed of the sticks. Is this so?

Also, how much of a difference is there between speeds? notable? inconsequential?

thinking about buying an ASRock P67 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157265) and,while i've put 3 or 4 computers together, i've never really bothered to learn the subtleties of RAM; not DDR3 at least.

Just wanna learn a bit and get a feel for my best options.

Thanks.

EDIT: not planning to OC

 

[undergroundtech]

you will notice a huge diffrence in speed if you were get a ddr3 compared to a ddr2, ddr2s are more expensive right now for the simple fact they dont really make them anymore, most of them anyways so they are more expensive so dont be fooled by that
as for your mobo you will be up to 2133 but if your looking to save money get at least a 1600 ddr3 and you will be solid =) hope any of this helped

 

[Dmdally]

You are right the number do indicate the speed of the RAM in Mhz. But don't be fooled, while there is a difference in speed it's minuscule at best. You will probably never notice the difference between say a 1600 and a 1887

 

[jpsenior]

fair enough, i assumed as much.

now, for the sake of argument...

Were i to desire 16gigs of RAM, would there be a noticeable difference or between these choices: going 4x4gb ram or getting two packs of 2x4gb RAM? As long as both selections are dual-channel, there should be no difference, correct?

i'm looking at perhaps 2 packs of the G.Skill Ripjaw series (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314)

or one pack of corsair vengeance 4x4gb ( problem here is newegg isn't exactly clear on what this type of RAM is compatable with; i.e. they don't have anything like LGA 1155)

 

[Dmdally]

Correct on the first question.
I would suggest the Corsair Vengeance 1600 over the RipJaw but make sure that when getting the corsair you get the 1600 not the 1887 because like I said last post there is no real difference so why not save yourself the couple bucks. As for the compatibility I know for a fact that the Corsair Vengeance work because they are in my computer right now and I have a LGA 1155 mobo for my i7 processor.

 

[jpsenior]

excellent. and you like Vengeance? working well for you?

and thanks for clarifying because newegg just says compatible wihth "intel dual core" or "intel core family".. not that specific.

 

[Dmdally]

Yeah i've had no problems with the Vengeance. Im glad I could help.

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

Those numbers are clock speed of memory but they are not real clock speed real clock speed is half of it

Example 1600mhz = 800mhz

Here's good article to help you understand easily

www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/Understanding-RAM-Timings/26

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

In 1333mhz - 1600mhz there's isnt noticeble difference it's only can see in benchmarks

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mhz
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers then some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[InvalidError]

Performance-wise, there is only a 1-2% real-world difference between 1333 and 2133 DDR3 so which RAM you pick is not a major performance concern. Simply pick the fastest RAM with lowest timing that easily fits within your budget.

If I upgrade my PC this summer, I will be considering 1600 RAM with 10-10-10 timing, maybe 9-9-9 if the price premium shrinks.

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[THE UNKNOWN]

It's always good decision to take 1600mhz over 1333mh
Mostly take sticks those are low profile it'll help you if your planing in future to getting cpu coolers some are big in size and they'll block some memory slots

 

[sharkbyte5150]

This Vengeance RAM is popular because it's low profile and allows clearance for some of the larger CPU coolers. Whether it matters to you or not, it also matches the board you chose better.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233186

I like Ripjaws myself, but they do sit a bit higher thanks to the heatsinks.
You mentioned you were thinking of getting 2 packs of the RAM (total of 16GB) but honestly the money you'd spend on doubling the RAM would be better spent on graphics card. Unless you're doing graphic art or image rendering, 8GB is PLENTY.

**NOTE: On a P67 socket 1155 board, you'll be using a Sandy Bridge CPU which has an internal memory controller with support up to 1333 RAM (unless you get the i7-3960x which supports 1600), however if you simply set the RAM settings to auto in BIOS, it should detect the stock speed and run at 1600 with no harm to system. If you go with a Z68 Gen3 or Z77 board with a new Ivy Bridge CPU, they support 1600 natively.**

 

[SimplyShane]

You are right the number do indicate the speed of the RAM in Mhz. But don't be fooled, while there is a difference in speed it's minuscule at best. You will probably never notice the difference between say a 1600 and a 1887

How about the difference between 8500 and 10600?

 

[Dmdally]

ehh like i said there is a difference but you will never really notice it except for in the benchmarks. I would just stick with a 1600 or 8500