RAM decision for Skylake - 1.2v vs 1.35v

[GoBwah]

I've searched far and wide for an answer to my dilemma, but have only become more confused. So now I hope some clever person can help me.

I'm planning to do a gaming/all-round build using the Intel i5 6600K CPU with ASUS Z170 Pro Gaming MOBO.

RAM is the cause of my confusion. As far as I can tell, Skylake supports dual-channel, so I've been looking at 2x8GB modules. However, I can't decide whether I should get 1.2V sticks or slightly faster 1.35V.

Currently I'm deciding between the following G.Skill Ripjaw4 memory:

F4-2666C15D-16GRR ~ 2666MHz, CL15-15-15-35, 1.2V
F4-3000C15D-16GRBB ~ 3000MHz, CL15-16-16-35, 1.35V

The local price is identical.
Would going for lower voltage memory be more stable, put less strain on the CPU, and leave more room for future O.C.? If so that would be preferable to me. Or is it just down to preference (red vs blue)?

Bonus RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 2800 MHz, CL14-16-16-36, 1.35V - Are these any better or just the same? They're about 5£ cheaper than the Ripjaws.

Help me Tom's, you're my only hope.

 

[Mr Kagouris]

Get the 3000MHz Ripjaws. The voltage of the RAM doesn't really affect anything beyond RAM stability (which is why the manufacturers need the extra .15V to keep the RAM stable at higher clocks).

 

[Tradesman1]

I'd go the 3000 or can save the 5 and get the 2800 Corsair, the performance will be near equal, probably not noticible in anything but BMs (benchmarks 😉 )

 

[GoBwah]

Get the 3000MHz Ripjaws. The voltage of the RAM doesn't really affect anything beyond RAM stability (which is why the manufacturers need the extra .15V to keep the RAM stable at higher clocks).

But wouldn't that mean I could be able to overclock the the 1.2V sticks more? Or will they likely not be able to reach 3000MHz?

Otherwise I'll just go for looks

 

[Tradesman1]

Generally sticks and chips are binned, then set to the advertised ratings, you can often OC them up a level or two, but for the most part that's about it, some don't even want to OC up a level without a two click change to the CL which can drop performance below that of the sticks specs i.e. 2666/16 might need a 17 CL to run at 2800, so the 2666/15 would be better performance wise

 

[Mr Kagouris]

You could potentially overclock the 1.2V to 3000MHz if you push 1.35V to them. I say potentially because the binning process means the chips might not be capable of that speed. The manufacturer takes the headache out of all this by giving you pre-overclocked, pre-optimized, stable sticks that require you to just enable XMP.

 

[GoBwah]

Great thanks to both of you!