G.SKILL vs. Kingston HyperX - Which to get? & How to run 2133 RAM?

[Dsella]

I am looking to upgrade my 4GB kit of HyperX to 16GB - and I just want suggestions on which of the following kits to get!

What I currently have - Kingston HyperX 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 1600 Blue

Now, these are the two I am looking at purchasing and replacing what I currently have with:

2x Kingston HyperX Blu Red Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600

2x G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600

Apart from those two - I have a question regarding this kit: G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 2133. Now, how does 2133 RAM work on a motherboard where 1600 is the highest speed "natively" supported? I never understood/cared to understand what the (O.C.) meant next to higher memory speeds when looking at the memory standard for a motherboard. For reference, THIS is the motherboard I have. So, as you can see, the highest speed under "Memory Standard" is 1600 before it says OC. What does OC mean? What would I have to do in order to make that 2133 RAM run at full speed? The only reason I'm curious is because it's $84.99 per 8GB kit, but there's currently a code you can use for 10% off at checkout. So, if I can make it run at 2133 pretty easily, I am obviously going to get that instead of either of the 1600 kits I posted!

To sum the post up - What would I have to do (if anything) to make that 2133MHz RAM run at full speed? And if it's not possible, or pretty difficult, which of those two 1600 kits should I buy?

Thank you in advance!

 

[veladem]

OC = Over Clock, also, what is this going to be used for?

If this will be used for gaming then might I suggest getting 1600Mhz RAM such as the well priced kingston you posted OR

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $139.98
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-02-13 05:22 EST-0500)

 

[sweenytodd]

Its better to have two 8GB sticks http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231661

You must enable XMP in the BIOS to run the RAM at full speeds.

 

[gskill support]

If you need 16GB, a 16GB kit is best as they are pre-matched, tested, and guaranteed from factory. I found a great deal for you:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231609

Must be a price mistake because it is ~$15 cheaper than most 2 x 8GB

DDR3-1600 is the highest "native" frequency meaning if you plug in any high performance RAM, it will run at DDR3-1600 max with AUTO settings. When using RAM better than DDR3-1600 CL11 (standard), you must manually input settings or enable XMP Profile. Even the kits you are looking at, you have to manually input settings or enable XMP since the timings are CL9. If you only plug in the memory, they will detect as DDR3-1600 CL11. The motherboard can not recognize performance RAM if XMP is not enabled.

For high frequency like DDR3-2133, you must have a capable CPU and motherboard. If you are unsure, ask and we can confirm it. If you have a compatible motherboard and CPU, all you need to do is enable XMP and the system can run at full speed like DDR3-2133. For others not as compatible, or AMD, you will have to manually input settings in BIOS.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

 

[Eric Joh]

I really like this deal here:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104381
OR
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104338

Although the G-skill is pretty solid too. I just wish it was more low profile.

 

[Dsella]

Okay, so basically I should go with one of the 1600 kits. Now, the Red HyperX or the G.SKILL Ares kits?

 

[Eric Joh]

As far as G.skill Ares vs hyperx red, I think it is an issue of overclockability vs longevity/reliability. G.skill over clocks better, but hyperx tends to be more reliable. Thats what I've heard in forums, never tested it out myself. I can tell you that I have two hyperx blue in my system that I push to the limit all of the time and it has never failed. I will be buying hyperx black 4x8GB in the next few days to replace my current 4x4GB

Edit: Actually, now that I compare the options, it seems as thought the G.SKILL Ares runs at a lower CAS x Voltage (a good thing)

G.Skill Ares: 1.5V and CAS 9
KyperX: Either 1.5V and CAS 10 ~OR~ 1.65V and and CAS 9

G.Skill wins that comparison

 

[gskill support]

Okay, so basically I should go with one of the 1600 kits. Now, the Red HyperX or the G.SKILL Ares kits?

Is there is reason you don't want a 2 x 8GB kit?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231606

It is possible to encounter issues with 2 separate kits that are not pre-matched from factory.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

 

[veladem]

Yes, either go with 2x 4GB 1600, or with 2x 8GB 1600 or with 4x 2GB 1600 or 4x 4GB 1600 of the same brand and same model. Else you might/likely will run into some strange issues.

 

[Dsella]

Okay, so basically I should go with one of the 1600 kits. Now, the Red HyperX or the G.SKILL Ares kits?

Is there is reason you don't want a 2 x 8GB kit?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231606

It is possible to encounter issues with 2 separate kits that are not pre-matched from factory.

Thank you
GSKILL SUPPORT

That kit is awesome! Thanks for the link.

As far as you asking why I don't want a 2x8GB kit - No reason! I just hadn't refreshed my page for a while so when I posted what you quoted, I didn't see your first post prior to that! Thank you for the recommendation.

Also - I have an MSI Z87-G41 LGA 1150 Motherboard and a Core i5 4670K. The motherboard shows 2133 for OC and that is the newest i5 out, so I would have to imagine running 2133 wouldn't be a problem. However, I think I am just going to stick with 1600 since it will do everything I need it to and I won't have to worry about changing anything in BIOS just to make it work.