Want 32GB in new build on MSI Z77A-GD65

[DarthW]

I'm putting together a new system based around a MSI Z77A-GD65 and a i5-3570k running Windows 8. I'll have a single GTX660ti graphics card, one Samsung 830 SSD for the OS and essentials and one 2TB platter. It will be powered by a Corsair 650 watt PSU and stuffed into a Corsair 650D case.

 

Please don't tell me that it is overkill. I *know* 32 GB is overkill, but I also want to build this machine and run it for a very long time without wishing I had put in more RAM and without having to sell the RAM out of it at a loss so I can upgrade later.

 

Other than "overkill", is there any down side to running the board's max of 32GB when I'm not overclocking anything? Will RAM performance suffer because I will have to relax the timings, etc?

 

That said, the memory configurator is no help here. I don't see anything listed for 32GB, even though the board supports it, and the only 16 GB kits with 2 modules are Dominator Platinum which is far more expensive that I can/should go.

 

I have no plans to overclock the system, but I would like everything to run at its full rated speed.

 

I tried calling Corsair support, but after 10 minutes or so of holding, it kicks me to voicemail without letting me continue to hold. I really would like an answer today if possible since I'm putting this beast together tomorrow.

 

 

If I buy 2 sets of XMS3 CMX16GX3M2A1600C11 for 32GB total and keep the pairs together will that work well?

 

Alternatively, what if I buy four Vengeance CMZ8GX3M1A1600C10 individual sticks? Fry's doesn't have the dual versions of these in stock. I prefer the idea of at least keeping the RAM in pairs since I can't find a 4 module 32GB set.

 

I'm building this weekend an an urgent bid to replace a dead PC, so I really don't have time to wait for shipping, which means Fry's or some place like Best Buy would have to stock what I'm going to use.

 

 

Thanks!

[DarthW]

I just spotted this 32GB Vengeance kit at Fry's. What about it?

 

CMZ32GX3M4X1866C10

[peanutz94]

Yes, that kit would be just fine on that MB!

 

If I buy 2 sets of XMS3 CMX16GX3M2A1600C11 for 32GB total and keep the pairs together will that work well?

Corsair does not sugget or support mixing/combining memory even if it is the same part number because there is no way to tell if any two random kits would work together or not. For guaranteed compatibility and rated speeds all your memory must come from one single matched kit.