X58 and 12gb of memory

[blackhawk95]

I was thinking to myself if one wanted to run 12gb of memory on a X58 I7, what would be the best way to go about it? running 6x2gb or 3x4gb chips?

What would be the difference in the two setups.

Ive read where the 4gb chips are not as easy to work with.

Thanks

 

[o1die]

Read the motherboard qvL for your board, listed on it's website page. I would go for 1.5 volt sticks, whatever you choose. Then you can bump up the voltage if needed for overclocking.

 

[rolli59]

3 x 4GB sticks = less power consumption and possibility to add more later
6 x 2GB sticks = usually cheaper, limit upgrades (all slots used)

 

[blackhawk95]

Im not really into heavy overclocking but a little bump would be nice.

the reason i ask about the 6x2gb, it seems like you can get better timings on the 2g vs 4g chips.

 

[rolli59]

Timings would be a measurable not noticeable difference! For overclocking higher speed on the ram helps more than faster latency.

 

[blackhawk95]

so your saying on benchmarking the lower timing shows better performance, but in apps the overall speed has a greater effect?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

In a 6 x 2GB setup, you can grab CAS 6 or 7 memory with numerous choices....tho demand of late has newegg outta stock or many popular modules.

In a 3 x 4GB, you can grab CAS 7 but choices will be very limited and you may not be comfy w/ vendor choices.

 

[rolli59]

so your saying on benchmarking the lower timing shows better performance, but in apps the overall speed has a greater effect?

At higher speeds it supports higher overclocks. The lower latency will in both cases give faster performance but it will barely be noticeable but measurable, difference in CPU speed will be more noticeable.

 

[blackhawk95]

your right about newegg being out of alot of kits. I did find the Patriot sector 7 3x4gb cas 7

Instead of asking what are the better brands, what brand should i avoid. Keep in mind, im the type to wait and buy the best instead of buying just anything.

 

[o1die]

All you can do is check newegg's reviews for hints of bad batches. It happens sometimes. My current ddr3 is gskill ripjaws 1600, but the qvl list is what I would check first.