870A-UD3 4Gb Memory Choices

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As you can see in my pc profile, the one thing I need in my pc is some decent memory. I don't see the point in going above 4Gb because of the OS I'm using and I want 2x2Gb modules. I used the memory finder tool which gave me these results. Can anyone tell me what would be the consequence of choosing any of these over the other, eg. do I have to change settings in the bios if using the DDR3-1600. Or even is there anything faster available. I will be looking to get an SSD later on for the OS to sit on so I won't have a bottle neck created by the HDD. Any advice gratefully received.

 

TW3X4G1333C9DHX

 

DDR3-1600 (Dominator-12800C9*4GB)

DDR3-1600 (Dominator-12800C7*4GB)

 

This is in the memory section of the spec sheet on the Gigabyte site "Support for DDR3 2000(OC)/1333/1066 MHz memory modules"

[trackrat]

Any of the Corsair Phenom II approved RAM at the link below should work fine. The OE supported CPU RAM frequency on AM3 socketed CPUs is up to 1333 MHz. To run the RAM faster you would manually set the BIOS options or you might be able to use an XMP supported profile. Dolk's Phenom II OC'ing thread may help you tweak your system for best performance?

 

http://www.corsair.com/products/phenomii/default.aspx

 

http://www.overclockers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=596023

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Very many thanks for the links. Dolk's guide is very interesting and is giving me a lot to take in. I will read it a few more times I think, hopefully it will all stick in the end :)

 

The link that sends me to the 'Corsair ultra-high performance DDR3 Memory for AMD Phenom II Processors' page doesn't mention motherboards compatibility, can I assume that any board that can accommodate a Phenom II can also deal with any of the memory on this page?

 

Finally, assuming the above to be correct, would you consider the CMP4GX3M2B1600C8 to be the BEST in the list, (if I am assuming wrong please tell me why)

 

Thanks again :)

[trackrat]

Yes any of the Phenom II approved compatible Corsair RAM should work on any AMD Phenom II mobo. On the Corsair home page over on the right top is a tab to "Find Memory". There is a Memory Finder link to the left on this page. You can use this to check what RAM Corsair has specifically tested on the mobo model/series that you have. This list is not all inclusive but it shows the RAM that Corsair has actually confirmed to work on a specific mobo.

 

Everyone's definition of "best" can be different. I use the CMP4GX3M2B1600C8 and have recommended it to others who have also found it to work very well.

 

http://www.corsair.com/

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Two on the finder page:

 

CMP4GX3M2C1600C7

CMP4GX3M2A1600C9

 

and the CMP4GX3M2B1600C8 which is on the 'Corsair ultra-high performance DDR3 Memory for AMD Phenom II Processors' page but not mentioned on the finder page.

 

Please if you still have any patiance left with my questioning can you tell me the differences I am likely to see in using any of the three of these? eg. I am new to overclocking etc so what I am getting at is any one of these going to be easier to set up than the others?

 

Many thanks

[trackrat]

The difference between these RAM kits is the latency timing of the RAM. The lower the number the faster the latency settings you can use. With current CPUs and DDR3 RAM, latency has become of less importance. You might see a tiny improvement in system performance of less than 1% if you tested C7 vs. a C9 memory. I'd use the least expensive RAM as long as it's Phenom II approved.

 

The link below explains the Corsair part number system. All three of those RAM kits have been tested and confirmed to run at up to 1600 MHz. stable. If you decide to overclock the RAM you will need to set the BIOS options accordingly.

 

http://forum.corsair.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80808

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Once again, many thanks for your help trackrat. I have ordered the CMP4GX3M2A1600C9.

[trackrat]

My pleasure.