IT_Diva Posted December 7, 2011 Share Posted December 7, 2011 Hi Gang, I'm about to order parts for a new build. The basics include: Asus, Maximus IV Gene-Z Intel i5 2500K. Force GT 120GB for the system drive Hydro H100 for CPU cooling I really need advice on what would be the best memory option for maximum overal performance for gaming and everyday tasks. I don't do much video encoding, so I'm thinking that speed over quantity would be the wiser plan . As I see it, the choices narrow down to these three: CMZ8GX3M2A1866C9 CMZ8GX3M2A1600C7R CMZ16GX3M4A1600C9 If y'all can give me some pros and cons to help me decide, I'd sure be greatful. Thanks in advance for your suggestions, Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanutz94 Posted December 8, 2011 Share Posted December 8, 2011 The I-5's dont have the greatest memory controllers, so 1866mhz may be a struggle for that processor. But you wont know that untill you try. If you are going for a gamer rig the 8gig CL7 kit will be enough. If you are rendering /video encoding/working with large files, then go for the 16 gig kit. Really any of them should be fine so it's really your choice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IT_Diva Posted December 8, 2011 Author Share Posted December 8, 2011 The I-5's dont have the greatest memory controllers, so 1866mhz may be a struggle for that processor. But you wont know that untill you try. If you are going for a gamer rig the 8gig CL7 kit will be enough. If you are rendering /video encoding/working with large files, then go for the 16 gig kit. Really any of them should be fine so it's really your choice. Thanks for the feedback. I take it then, that the i7's memory controller is a bit more robust than the i5's, or do you not consider it to be the greatest either? I have an 8G kit, CMT8GX3M2A1866C9, running happily (XMP & 1.5V) on my i7 2600K Maximus IV Extreme-Z rig. This new build will be my first i5 rig. I'd hate to try for 1866 and have it not work, and then be stuck with what ends up being expensive 1600C9. Think I'll go with the 1600C7and be as sure as it's reasonable to be, that it'll work as advertised. Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanutz94 Posted December 9, 2011 Share Posted December 9, 2011 I take it then, that the i7's memory controller is a bit more robust than the i5's, or do you not consider it to be the greatest either? Yeah, the I-7's do seem to be more robust or maybe efficient is the word. But we have seen alot of the I-5's come through that would struggle with 1600mhz let alone 1866 or 2000mhz. Now the second generation seem to be alittle more tolerant and wont have any trouble at 1600mhz. Think I'll go with the 1600C7and be as sure as it's reasonable to be, that it'll work as advertised. I think this is a safe/smart move. The difference between 1866mhz isn't going to be noticeable with out a benchmark anyway. You wouldn't see any real world performance boost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IT_Diva Posted December 9, 2011 Author Share Posted December 9, 2011 Thanks for the input. I just can't stretch the budget enough in time for December 25th to go the i7 path, without sacrificing something significant. I'll be living on grilled cheese sandwiches 'till Valentines day as it is. :eek: Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted December 10, 2011 Corsair Employees Share Posted December 10, 2011 Wow been there done that so many times, if I am lucky might get a piece of Ham to through in the Grilled Cheese. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IT_Diva Posted December 10, 2011 Author Share Posted December 10, 2011 Thanks again guys, I ordered all my new parts yesterday: Asus, Maximus IV Gene-Z Intel i5 2500K. Hydro H100 for CPU cooling CMZ8GX3M2A1600C7R Force GT 120GB for the system drive Force GT 60GB for the cache drive for the spinner Already on hand: WD 1.5TB sata 6G, for storage PCP&C 750W PSU multiple optical drives Going into a customized "Lanbox Lite", for which I'll build a new window for the left side to mount the water cooling kit on. Should be pretty unique..... :cool: Ain't holliday excitement grand! Darlene Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsair Employees RAM GUY Posted December 12, 2011 Corsair Employees Share Posted December 12, 2011 Sounds like a rockin system. Let us know if you have any question and how you make out! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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