RAM speed Intel / gaming

[varis]

Which speed RAM should you aim to get for core i5 (7500 or 7600) that is primarily intended for gaming? Is DDR4 2133 MHz sensible / a good performance? Should you pay much attention to CAS latency?

For details http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3406839/decisions-mid-range-intel-gaming-low-noise.html

 

[ObelixThe]

DDR4-3200 is a good baseline speed for RAM.

 

[Rexper]

Since you're using the H270/i5 7500, all ram with frequencies above 2400Mhz will be downclocked to 2400Mhz. There is noticeable difference between 2133 and 2400mhz ram when the CPU is causing the boundary at any one time. Read here for more about performance between different frequencies.
CAS latencies aren't to be worried to much, I suggest 16 CAS or below.
Other than that it's just aesthetics, pricing, capacity, and dimm count.

To wrap it up, I suggest 2400Mhz with 16 or less CAS timing, and fits in with your pricing, desired capacity, and desired dimm count (amount of sticks).

 

[CRO5513Y]

DDR4-3200 is a good baseline speed for RAM.

Not for locked Intel CPUs on non-Z sockets. Agreed with above, 2400 MHz it the best for your Motherboard/CPU.

 

[ObelixThe]

DDR4-3200 is a good baseline speed for RAM.

Not for locked Intel CPUs on non-Z sockets. Agreed with above, 2400 MHz it the best for your Motherboard/CPU.

Hmm I didn't know that. Thanks for the clarification. Incidentally why would anyone buy a "non-Z" motherboard if they're planning to use it for gaming?

 

[CRO5513Y]

DDR4-3200 is a good baseline speed for RAM.

Not for locked Intel CPUs on non-Z sockets. Agreed with above, 2400 MHz it the best for your Motherboard/CPU.

Hmm I didn't know that. Thanks for the clarification. Incidentally why would anyone buy a "non-Z" motherboard if they're planning to use it for gaming?

No real reason why you should. Z boards are directed for Overclockers since they are the only ones which support it on the consumer lines. If your buying a locked CPU a B250 or H270 is fine. H270 is more if you want the more "premium" features found on most Z boards like better audio, more ports, etc.

 

[varis]

Asus PRIME Z270-P costs the same as Asus PRIME PRIME H270-PRO - what would I lose if I go with the former?

Even if I go with 7600K, overclocking is not necessary. Is there any sense to overclock if your RAM is rated 2400 MHz or should I consider something with a higher clock rate (and marginally higher price tag)?

 

[CRO5513Y]

If they are the same price i don't see why not then. Other than OC capabilities the Z board likely has better quality components, more ports and better features like integrated sound and what not. But going th H270 won't lose you mush valuable except the Overclocking ability. If you are getting a 7600K i would get the Z270 anyway, maybe sometime down the line you will get interested in Overclocking and thus will have the ability to do so.

For the RAM, 2400 MHz is fine for the i5. If you are Overclocking faster can be better but honestly your not going to get huge gains in performance especially in just Gaming. If you want faster go for it but i wouldn't spend a huge premium just to do so. Overclocking RAM isn't really worth it imo, you should be able to get a couple 100 MHz out of the kit but again, not much gains can be expected.