Corsair Memory for Asus P6X58D Premium

[Joe Johnson]

I am planning on building a new computer this month. The motherboard that I am planning on using is the Asus P6X58D Premium, and the CPU that I plan to use is the Intel i7 950. I would like to know what would be the best Corsair memory to use with this motherboard and CPU.

 

The memory amount that I want to use is 6 gigs, and the memory frequency that I want to use is 1600mhz. I would like to get as low/tight timings as possible.

 

Also, I would like your input as to what would be the advantage of using 2000mhz memory now. I know that the i7 950 will not support it, but if I want to upgrade processors in the future to an Extreme version, then I would have the higher frequency memory now. Also, in considering buying the 2000mhz memory now, do you think that there would be any significant performance improvement (over the 1600mhz memory) with the Extreme processor?

 

Also, if I want to upgrade the memory to 12GB in the future (either 1600mhz or 2000mhz), would there be any problems?

 

Thank you very much for your help!!!

[trackrat]

The Corsair memory at the link below has been tested and approved for the Asus P6X58 Deluxe.

 

http://www.corsair.com/configurator/product_results.aspx?id=1047236#other_modules

 

Increased memory frequency may or may not make an appreciable performance improvement depending on the applications you run. memory that has been tested to run at a higher frequency may allow you to OC higher - but there is no guarantee.

 

Upgrading to 12 GB. in the future most definitely can be a problem and there is only a slim chance that you would be successful with two different memory kits purchased separately. If you need 12 GB. you'd be better off to buy slower RAM now in a matched 12 GB. set. that has been tested and is guaranteed to function.

[Joe Johnson]

Thanks. I really appreciate your input.

 

How much of a performance increase, in general, would there be with 12GB (as compared to 6GB)?

 

Also, from the listing of approved memory that you referred me to, what would be the fastest for the 6GB, and what would be the fastest for the 12GB?

 

Thanks again!!

[trackrat]

Unless you are running photo/video editing or CAD it's unlikely you would need or see much advantage to 12 GB. over 6 GB.

 

There are two primary aspects to memory: frequency and latency or timings. Corsair memory tells you both via the part number, typically frequencies are 800, 1066, 1333, 1600, 1833 or 2000 MHz. Timings are denoted by the last two digits, for DDR3 typically C7-C8 or C9.

 

Faster memory frequency and timings are usually desirable for those looking to overclock as they offer more potential - if everything else in the PC is capable of being overclocked and running stable. Unfortunately many times the CPU/Mobo/PSU etc. does not want to be OC'd so even with fast memory the PC still will not run stable beyond the CPU guaranteed memory data bus speed.

 

Some applications respond to faster memory frequency and timings, but when you get into 6GB. or more not so much. So if you want the fastest 6 GB. Corsair memory then you'd be looking for 2000 MHz. and C7 - though there is no guarantee your PC can run at the 2000 MHz. speed as Intel only guarantees 1066 MHz. max memory speed on the i7-950.

 

http://ark.intel.com/Product.aspx?id=37150

[Joe Johnson]

Thanks for your responses and input. I have decided to go with 6GB of Corsair memory at 1600mhz. I am now trying to decide with memory set to get. Corsair offers the high end CMG6GX3M3A1600C7, and the lower TR3X6G1600C8D. Would there be a significant difference in performance between these two memory sets? Also, what would be the best program to run to test the memory, and where can I get this program from? Thanks again!!!

[Wired]

1-3% difference depending on what you're doing. MemTest86+ link is on the left.