Ram timings?

[Cyalume]

I've been reading the RAM 101 topic, and I am confused about a few things:

• It's said that "CAS 2.0" is the standard for gaming computers. (I'm assuming this means the CAS timing is 2), but all the top-line memory I see on Newegg has a CAS of around 8 to 10. Why? I can't find any CAS 2.
  
  
  
• Can anyone give me some good tips to purchasing fast, great quality RAM?
  
  
• When running in dual channel, 4 sticks of 8 GB, with each pair of 8 GB sticks having its own connection to a separate and individual memory controller (This sounds wrong to me, but it is how I interpreted it, please correct me if I'm wrong), the total amount of memory available would still be 32GB, correct?
  
  
• Does it matter if I buy sticks individually, or can I buy them in packages/sets? (I'm asking because I read something on RAM "overclocking kits" in the RAM 101 topic)

Thanks in advance!

 

[salvage-this]

I've been reading the RAM 101 topic, and I am confused about a few things:

• It's said that "CAS 2.0" is the standard for gaming computers. (I'm assuming this means the CAS timing is 2), but all the top-line memory I see on Newegg has a CAS of around 8 to 10. Why? I can't find any CAS 2.

• 
  
  The RAM 101 is a bit outdated. For each level of DDR that is produced DDR/DDR2/DDR3 there are different CAS levels that are standard. When the guide was written, there was a different standard in place.
  
  
  

  [*]Can anyone give me some good tips to purchasing fast, great quality RAM?

  
  Far gaming I would go with 8gb of either DDR3 1600 or 1866. Once you get over those speeds you might need coolers for the RAM and it gets too expensive for the benefit.
  
  Look for a CAS rating of 7/8 for DDR3 1600 or CAS 9/10 DDR3 1866
  
  Most RAM will operate at 1.5v and 1.65v. Try to get one that runs off of 1.5v. not for any other reason other than lower power draw and less excess heat in the system.
  
  

  [*]When running in dual channel, 4 sticks of 8 GB, with each pair of 8 GB sticks having its own connection to a separate and individual memory controller (This sounds wrong to me, but it is how I interpreted it, please correct me if I'm wrong), the total amount of memory available would still be 32GB, correct?

  
  in current generation CPUs the memory controller is on the CPU itself. The dual/triple/quad channel is hard to explain but here is what you really need to know about it...
  
  You memory has a bandwidth that it it capable of on its own. Running in a multi channel mode will help raise the bandwidth of the system.
  
  So...
  2 sticks in dual channel can operate at 2 times the bandwidth of the individual module.
  
  3 sticks in triple channel can operate at 3 times the bandwidth of the individual module.
  
  4 sticks in quad channel can operate at 4 times the bandwidth of the individual module.
  
  the total memory in the system will not change whether or not you are running in some sort of multi channel mode. Installed memory will show up in windows as long as you have the 64 bit version (for systems with over 4gb installed)
  
  

  [*]Does it matter if I buy sticks individually, or can I buy them in packages/sets? (I'm asking because I read something on RAM "overclocking kits" in the RAM 101 topic)

Thanks in advance!

I would buy packages. You will get a better deal and it will ensure compatibility with the other modules.

 

[Cyalume]

I'm trying to choose between this, which has tRCD of 11 but an effective clock rate of 1866... :

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...na&AID=10446076&PID=4169961&SID=1k2oftyj8r3sl


And this, which has a tRCD of 10, but has an effective clock rate of 1600:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-G.SKILL-_-20231507


Which of the two would you consider the better choice?

 

[salvage-this]

Before we get into what would be better, what do you need 32 gb for? What programs are you using and what CPU and Motherboard do you have?

 

[Cyalume]

I intend to be running an i7-3770k in this motherboard:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-_-Motherboards+-+Intel-_-GIGABYTE-_-13128549

For these purposes:

Starcraft II on Ultra, 60FPS
Maplestory
Many, many browsers open at one time
Audio encoding
Programming
Gaming
Adobe Flash
Photoshop
Microsoft Office Suite
Database management
Dolphin (Gamecube/Wii) emulator at MAX settings
Might try Battlefield 3
RAM Drive usage for increased performance of certain programs
Eventual overclocking

Should generally be able to handle the latest games at 60FPS, budget for graphics cards related purchases is $550 (Not including tax or shipping, etcetc)

 

[salvage-this]

Here is my recommendation.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233299

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231528

Your motherboard supports dual channel memory so it would be best to have a dual channel kit. Start out with 16gb and if you really need the extra memory, you can get the same kit again and have 32gb. I see no need for 32gb of RAM with the programs that you want to run.

 

[claptonman]

Yeah, 16GB is more than enough. Depending really on what you plan to do with "RAM Drive usage for increased performance of certain programs". That might need the 32GB.

 

[Cyalume]

Both look great, but which is better? The lower timings, or the increased clockspeed?

 

[claptonman]

The higher timings basically cancel out the higher speed. You won't notice a difference if someone went in and switched them without you knowing. The G.Skill ones will be lower so you could fit a cooler better.

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

Cheaper, same specs as corsair.

 

[salvage-this]

I would do the G.Skill modules. It is XMP compatible so you should have no problems with setting the RAM to those speeds. I feel like you will have better performance with 1866 CAS 10 rather than 1600 CAS 9.