Ripjaws X vs Ripjaws Z for gaming

[Dwood1968]

Hey guys,
Im in the process of building a gaming rig and am trying to decide between these two sets of RAM.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231666 for about $68

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231585 for about $80

The 4670k CPU and ASUS maximus IV hero that I will be using only support dual channel memory but the timings on that quad channel kit are faster so I'm wondering if it's worth the extra few bucks. I intend to use this for gaming and regular internet browsing and movie streaming and most likely will not play around with the RAM speeds and timings ( aside from setting then to their XMP profile). Just hoping someone can give me some advice. Thanks in advance!

 

[photonboy]

There's a point at which any faster RAM makes very little difference. It varies between games but about the most you'll benefit from currently is:

1866MHz CAS9

If you LOWER the CAS the memory is faster. If you raise the frequency, the memory is faster. However anything faster than this makes little difference.

I don't recommend either. The Z series reviews are lower than the X, and the X has CAS11. My advice is get 1866MHz CAS9 with the best reviews.

I would get the following RAM:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

Why?
- been around longer so BIOS compatibility is more likely
- don't need faster
- high number of 5/5 reviews indicating stability
- not pushing the limits of frequency so likely more stable

 

[Calculatron]

http://anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell/10

 

[Tradesman1]

Was going to cite the same article Calculatron cited, and add the Ripjaws Z would be the best choice, with the CL10 they are faster than the X model and much faster than the 1866 Snipers cited by Photonboy, if equated to to 1866 DRAM they equate to a 1866/8 set, but of course have much wider bandwidth than 1866 (19,200 M/Ts vs 14,900 M/Ts)...and they are great on the Hero. You'll pick up a few FPS w/ the 2400 sticks, but the freq will really show when doing other things on the computer

 

[photonboy]

Interesting article.
A few important points to take out of this:

1) The GAME test uses a lower-end card and high-end CPU with no frame rate cap to drive up CPU (and thus memory) usage to maximum. Something you'd NEVER encounter.

2) The other tests are worst-case as well on the computing side but more worthy of consideration.

3) Look at CUSTOMER REVIEW SCORES as a good guideline to indicate any issues. One of your kits got 80% 5/5, the other 60%, and G. Skill has other kits with close to 100% 5/5.

It may be that 2400MHz CAS10 is not nearly as stable as 2400MHz CAS11 which may be what these scores indicate, in part.

4) If you want the BEST memory that is still pretty STABLE then I would suggest 2133MHz CAS9 rather than 2400MHz CAS10/11. Again, I don't think you'd ever see the real-world benefit anyway.

This is the BEST performing kit I'm still comfortable recommending from a stability and compatibility point of view:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231476

 

[Tradesman1]

RJ X 2133/9 is a great set, the actual best set in the area is the Tridents - 2400/10 (plus they have a removable upper fin for protruding CPU heat sinks

 

[Dwood1968]

Thank you guys for the information and advice! I'm just waiting for some killer Black November deals now from Newegg and the other sites.

 

[Tradesman1]

Let us know what you decide on, may want to close the thread 😉

 

[photonboy]

Thank you guys for the information and advice! I'm just waiting for some killer Black November deals now from Newegg and the other sites.

Still take the time to make sure the customer reviews are high. Maybe have a LIST of what you want so you don't jump the gun and buy memory with lower-than-average results.

Sometimes stock goes on sale because it's NOT selling well do to poor reviews so just keep that in mind.

System Memory issues can cause all sorts of annoying problems. Err on the side of reliability.

 

[Dwood1968]

Great advice on making a list, I tend to be impulsive so that will help. When I get home I'll close the thread, with the responses you all have provided I feel confident that I can make a informed decision. Thanks again!

 

[Tradesman1]

No worries, will look forward to seeing your build 😉