More memory for i7 machine

[nombrecinq]

I think I might be due for some more memory, since I keep getting really close to 6GB and have to be careful about what programs are open.

It doesn't look like the OCZ memory I bought is available anymore, so instead of trying to get another identical kit of that should I just get something new like a 12GB or 24GB triple channel kit? What would be a good option?

And should I make sure to only have a single set of 3 to take advantage of triple channel, or could I still have triple channel with 2 sets of memory?

Here's what I have for the proc, mobo and memory:

ASUS P6T Deluxe
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131365

Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66GHz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819115202

OCZ Platinum 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227381

 

[abekl]

A new 12 GB matched set of modules would be my move.

 

[Joseph F]

I'm pretty sure that you can still have a triple-channel configuration with six sticks of DDR3, but I'm not the most knowledgeable person on here about the i7 9xx/X58. Also, I'd sell you a new 8GB (4GB/stick) set of G.Skill DDR3-1600, 9-9-9-24, 1.5V RAM (F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL) for $67. Of course, if you wanted to retain triple-channel capability you'd have to buy another stick.

 

[nombrecinq]

I think I'll probably do the 12GB set. Will any triple channel DDR3 set do, or should I make sure to get a certain speed?

 

[Makaveli]

I'm pretty sure that you can still have a triple-channel configuration with six sticks of DDR3, but I'm not the most knowledgeable person on here about the i7 9xx/X58. Also, I'd sell you a new 8GB (4GB/stick) set of G.Skill DDR3-1600, 9-9-9-24, 1.5V RAM (F3-12800CL9D-8GBRL) for $67. Of course, if you wanted to retain triple-channel capability you'd have to buy another stick.

You will still have tripple channel with 6 sticks.

My current config is like that 6x2GB's muskin memory.

I bought one set in 2009 and the other set this year I got lucky as I even contacted muskin and they sent the same memory to a store close to me to purchase so I have a matching set. Which was important to me as I want to keep the same timings.

 

[nombrecinq]

You will still have tripple channel with 6 sticks.

My current config is like that 6x2GB's muskin memory.

I bought one set in 2009 and the other set this year I got lucky as I even contacted muskin and they sent the same memory to a store close to me to purchase so I have a matching set. Which was important to me as I want to keep the same timings.

What's the difference between DDR3 2000 and DDR3 1600 and DDR3 1333? I think my motherboard supports the 2000, so is that faster?

Everywhere I've found the platinum set online is about the same price as if I were to go with a 12GB set. What would you recommend any particular 12GB sets?

 

[Interitus]

I just snagged some of the GSkill Ripjaws X that was on NE's shell shocker the other day. I'm still on X58 too, but some things you might wanna consider if you plan on upgrading to 1155 or 2011 sometime in the not so distant future:

1.5v for RAM is probably a wiser choice than 1.65v RAM (for your target speed anyways). I didn't see you mention anything about OC'ing, but for Sandy Bridge, Intel recommends 1.5v 24/7 and 1.575v max VDimm. Sure it may not explode with more than that, but there's plenty of good 1.5v kits out there that match the 1.65v speeds and latencies.

I'm not exactly up on the new sockets, but I was pretty sure triple channel is going bye-bye. I grabbed 2 8GB kits (2x 4GB) and will probably run 3 sticks in triple, but that way I have a good 2 or 4 stick setup for dual and quad channel for Sandy/Ivy bridge in the future. Since X58 is pretty much on its way out, I saw no point in grabbing a tri-channel setup with 3 sticks that would be a little awkward to move into the new sockets. If you're really worried about matched pairs, snag a 16gb 4x4 kit and just stash the extra stick till you need it.

Just some things to think about for moving forward

 

[nombrecinq]

I don't think I want to do major upgrades to my main desktop for now. If the processor and mobo are fine, I might want to add an SSD, multiple bigger screens and more memory (for work), and new video card (for Battlefield 3).

I did buy Sandy bridge stuff for an HTPC... which I still haven't put together yet

 

[Interitus]

No biggie, just figured I'd throw some stuff out there for you to think about. DDR3 looks to be around for quite awhile so that's why I made the decision to go with a 2 or 4 stick set.

Don't forget too that if you wanted to go with a dual or 4 stick set, you can still use it on the X58 board in dual channel. Real world differences between dual and triple channel aren't much, although synthetic benches show a large difference.

 

[jjmIII]

G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9Q-16GBRL $125

Use 3 sticks for your X58, and use all four when you upgrade.

 

[shurato]

I currently have 3x 2GB Crucial Ballistix DD3 PC3-12800 1.65v 8-8-8-24 in an ASUS P6X58D X58 motherboard.

So do you guys reccomend for reasons only for future proofing to Sandybridge that I DON'T get another 3 pieces of the same memory? I placed an order for another 6gb set for around $80 last night then I saw this thread and canceled the order for now.

What are the downsides of let's say getting 2x 4gb of the G.Skill Ripjaw series memory into my configuration?

The crucial memory is labeled performance, would I be able to decrease the voltage to 1.5 and loosen the timings to make it compatible to Sandybridge requirements?

I don't think I've any intentions of upgrading to Sandybridge in the near future however I dont want to be stuck with out of date memory either.

 

[jjmIII]

6gb set for around $80 last night

You see in my post above, 16gb is $125 (often lower). I suggest the same for you. Sell your 3x2gb kit now on ebay. You can get $50-55 shipped.

I don't think I've any intentions of upgrading to Sandybridge in the near future however I dont want to be stuck with out of date memory either.

Worst case you have a spare 4gb stick. True geeks always have extra memory laying around. It just makes you feel good .

 

[nombrecinq]

I have no intentions of overclocking, but I leave my computer on 24/7. For the X58 system should I stick with 1.65v, or does it not matter if the sticks are 1.5v?

 

[nombrecinq]

What should I be looking at in terms of timings, and also which one of these DDR3 1066/1333/1600/1866/2133 should I consider?

 

[shurato]

You see in my post above, 16gb is $125 (often lower). I suggest the same for you. Sell your 3x2gb kit now on ebay. You can get $50-55 shipped.



Worst case you have a spare 4gb stick. True geeks always have extra memory laying around. It just makes you feel good .

Very good advice. Dangit, Amazon didn't take my cancellation even though I canceled 2 hours after I ordered last night. Damn their quick service. I guess I'll have to ship it back on my own dime. Still worth it to sell my current sticks and get the 16gb kit. Thanks man!

 

[Interitus]

Keep an eye out for Ripjaws deals at the egg.

They're frequently in the Shell Shocker deals lately and are also in the email "Guerilla Deals" and special sales.

Just as a benchmark for what the prices can be, I grabbed my 2 8gb kits @ 49.99 each. Anything close to that I'd say jump on it. The 16gb matched kits are a little more, but I've personally never seen the need to grab matched kits unless you plan on OC'ing the RAM. It comes a little more into play there, but there's no reason to worry about it if say you're buying to run at a specific speed the RAM is rated for. If you're shooting for DDR3-1600, 2 8gb kits of 1600 should be fine working together since they're designed to run at that particular speed anyways.

 

[shurato]

You see in my post above, 16gb is $125 (often lower). I suggest the same for you. Sell your 3x2gb kit now on ebay. You can get $50-55 shipped.



Worst case you have a spare 4gb stick. True geeks always have extra memory laying around. It just makes you feel good .

This is very unlike Newegg, but I didn't recieve my order until after 12 days of my order.
After tinkering with the memory and my motherboard for about an hour, I got them in and it's working nicely.

 

[Emulex]

don't worry about speed - just get the matching 3 channels mode. 3 channel @ 1066 is the same speed as 2 channel at 1600

 

[nombrecinq]

If I were to get a 3 channel kit, which one of these would be best for my mobo (ASUS P6T Deluxe)? They're all 1.5V except for the last Mushkin.

Mushkin Enhanced Radioactive 12GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820226220

Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 12GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820226096

CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...l-_-20-145-347

Mushkin Enhanced Blackline 12GB (1.65V)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820226100

 

[abekl]

either of the ddr3 1600 kits will be fine.

 

[nombrecinq]

either of the ddr3 1600 kits will be fine.

Does it not matter whether it's 1.65V or 1.5V?

 

[abekl]

1.5 volts is preferable because that is the JDEC standard, but your motherboard is fully capable of handling the 1.65 V memory as well.

 

[nombrecinq]

Here's one that Crucial recommends: http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartsp...979029A5CA7304