X58 memory upgrade help

[anindrew]

Hi all,

For about the last four years, I've been running an OCed i7 920 on a Gigabyte GA-EX58-UD5 mobo with 3x2GB G.Skill DDR3 1600 8-8-8-21 running in triple channel mode. I recently put in an OCZ Vertex 4 128GB drive in it, which gave it a really nice speed boost. A while ago, I won a 2x2GB kit of Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600 from an online giveaway. The CAS is not as good as the G.Skill as I believe it's 9-9-9-24. Would it be worth it to remove one of my G.Skill DIMMS, put in both Kingston DIMMS, and run the 8GB in dual-channel memory mode? Would I notice any increase in performance?

I play some games (FPS, Starcraft 2, Batman: Arkham City), do some audio recording/editing, watch HD content, and basic tasks.

Another option I see would be to spend a little money (about $45) on three of these: Samsung low profile memory. I've read they are GREAT at OCing and can easily run at 1600 with 8-8-8-21 T1 (same as my G.Skill kit run).

The third option is not to do anything with the memory.

So, what are your thoughts?

Thanks, all!

 

[DominionSeraph]

You should be fine no matter what you do. If you need more than 6GB RAM, 2x4GB would be fine, as would 3x4GB. As you probably don't need more than 6GB you're fine doing nothing.
Intel's architecture makes RAM speed mean little.

 

[WaitingForNehalem]

Ideally, you should be running your memory in triple-channel. So, either leave the 6GB or upgrade to 12GB, as I did. CAS latency and speed don't matter too much, especially since the IMC maxes out at 1066MHz without overclocking. If you do get a new kit, make sure it operates at less than or equal to 1.5V.

 

[I.M.Weasel]

Maybe sell the 2x2GB kit of Kingston HyperX DDR3 1600 and get another 3x2GB G.Skill DDR3 1600 8-8-8-21. It should work with the 3x2GB G.Skill DDR3 1600 8-8-8-21 at 9-9-9-24 settings and voltage however a little performance loss seems obvious that way.

 

[RaistlinZ]

You'll get better performance from triple channel. You should keep your 3x2 unless your system is running low on RAM from the programs/games you use.

 

[billyb0b]

sell both and get 6 sticks to do 2x triple channel. memory is super cheap

 

[Gillbot]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=34410040&posted=1#post34410040

Just grab six 4gb sticks or if you are bold and can use it, opt for 8gb sticks.
And for the naysayers that will tell you that 8gb sticks won't work on x58, I can confirm it will depending on the mobo:

 

[tweakboy]

Ideally, you should be running your memory in triple-channel. So, either leave the 6GB or upgrade to 12GB, as I did. CAS latency and speed don't matter too much, especially since the IMC maxes out at 1066MHz without overclocking. If you do get a new kit, make sure it operates at less than or equal to 1.5V.

Hey your my little brother!!!

 

[tweakboy]

Just make it 12GB of ram like gurus said.

 

[anindrew]

Thanks for all the replies!

Wow, 48GB of RAM! That is a LOT!

I can't say I notice my system slowing down or not handling what I'm trying to do. 6GB is probably fine for me. The only thing that slows my system down are some of the newer games. I'm sure that has more to do with running a GTX 260 than anything else. I'm planning to upgrade to a GTX 670 or 680 very soon.

I'll probably hold off on upgrading to more memory for now. It is great that memory is so cheap now! I paid a TON for the 6GB kit 4+ years ago. Plus, I'm planning to build a new system next year once the next Intel CPU series is released. Maybe I'll get some nice giftcards for the holidays to help get all of this!

 

[dawp]

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?p=34410040&posted=1#post34410040

Just grab six 4gb sticks or if you are bold and can use it, opt for 8gb sticks.
And for the naysayers that will tell you that 8gb sticks won't work on x58, I can confirm it will depending on the mobo:

it also depends on which OS you're running, if it's W7 home, which I have, max is 16gb.

 

[tweakboy]

Save your money for a SSD. What do you do that you need 12GB RAM ???

Video Editor, DAW... then I understand........ if not then you will never use up all that ram....... gl

 

[anindrew]

I'm on a dual boot system with Win7 and Win8. I've been using Win8 since installing it for the most part.

 

[palladium]

OP, just wondering if you can X58 chipset drivers for Win8. I'm thinking of migrating to Win8 before the special offer runs out, but if drivers are an issue then I probably would stick with Vista.

 

[anindrew]

palladium,

I used the Win7 x64 drivers for my Gigabyte motherboard. They worked fine in Win8. I'm pretty sure Win8 comes with drivers for X58, so it wasn't 100% necessary to install them. The only driver issue I've had is with an old HDTV OnAir GT tuner from Autumwave (now out of business). That thing just does not work right/well in Win8. Otherwise, everything I have works.

 

[Gillbot]

Thanks for all the replies!

Wow, 48GB of RAM! That is a LOT!

I can't say I notice my system slowing down or not handling what I'm trying to do. 6GB is probably fine for me. The only thing that slows my system down are some of the newer games. I'm sure that has more to do with running a GTX 260 than anything else. I'm planning to upgrade to a GTX 670 or 680 very soon.

I'll probably hold off on upgrading to more memory for now. It is great that memory is so cheap now! I paid a TON for the 6GB kit 4+ years ago. Plus, I'm planning to build a new system next year once the next Intel CPU series is released. Maybe I'll get some nice giftcards for the holidays to help get all of this!

I have 64gb now. ;-)
http://valid.canardpc.com/show_oc.php?id=2613613