Kingston or Corsair 8Gb for Asrock Z68 i2500k build?

blonkster · 31 Aug 2011 at 13:14

I'm going to build a 2500k based rig, with an Asrock z68 MOBO (unless Bulldozer turns out to be better).

I'm going to overclock the CPU, but I don't believe the RAM overclocks with these new fangled systems, is that true?.

So, which 2x 4GB 1600Mhz RAM is going to be the most stable/reliable form people's experiences with Asrock MOBOs?

Is there any real need for those large heatsinks?

thanks

Blonkster

Surveyor · 31 Aug 2011 at 13:52

You overclock a 2500K using the unlocked multiplier so the RAM speed doesn't change.

There's no need for RAM with tall heatspreaders and these can be a disadvantage as they get in the way of the larger CPU coolers.

If you're waiting to see how Bulldozer performs then you're not going to buying for at least a few weeks.

Get whichever 1600MHz RAM with low profile heat spreaders is the best price when you order.

Kingston HyperX Blu or Grey, Corsair XMS3 and the new low profile Corsair Vengeance are all fine.

The only downside in waiting is that RAM prices may start increasing again.

blonkster · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:06

Surveyor said:
You overclock a 2500K using the unlocked multiplier so the RAM speed doesn't change.

There's no need for RAM with tall heatspreaders and these can be a disadvantage as they get in the way of the larger CPU coolers.

If you're waiting to see how Bulldozer performs then you're not going to buying for at least a few weeks.

Get whichever 1600MHz RAM with low profile heat spreaders is the best price when you order.

Kingston HyperX Blu or Grey, Corsair XMS3 and the new low profile Corsair Vengeance are all fine.

The only downside in waiting is that RAM prices may start increasing again.

Thanks for the confirmation on overclocking,

No need for low profile as I'm getting an Antec H20 920.

I may just hold out for a few weeks, as the 2500k may drop in price if the Bulldozer is competitive - or Bulldozer may be the chip to buy.

Regarding RAM prices The Reg has this to say...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/08/30/dramatic_plunge_in_ram_price/

Surveyor · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:16

blonkster said:
Regarding RAM prices The Reg has this to say...

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/08/30/dramatic_plunge_in_ram_price/

That article is all very well in theory but RAM prices at OcUK seem to have crept up from where they were a couple of weeks ago.

We'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.

blonkster · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:37

Surveyor said:
That article is all very well in theory but RAM prices at OcUK seem to have crept up from where they were a couple of weeks ago.

We'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.

Yes, but 3 weeks is long time to wait when you need to build a PC in a shiny new case ;-)

Surveyor · 31 Aug 2011 at 14:45

blonkster said:
Yes, but 3 weeks is long time to wait when you need to build a PC in a shiny new case

It's not like you don't have a choice.

You can buy Sandy Bridge now or wait and see what happens with Bulldozer.