Is it worth changing my RAM?

ChrisD. · 1 Nov 2011 at 15:59

Currently using G.SKILL Ripjaws X 8GB DIMM -PC3-12800 1600Mhz DDR3. If I changed it out for some Corsair stuff would I notice a difference? Currently at an OC wall of 4.5GHz, maybe the RAM is causing that?

There's a Corsair Vengeance 16GB kit on the site for £80, thought about buying this and then selling my RAM?

ChrisD. · 1 Nov 2011 at 16:09

Or maybe Crucial Ballistix Elite 8GB? I realise there will be little difference going from 8GB to 16GB?

Surveyor · 1 Nov 2011 at 16:19

If you're overclocking a Sandy Bridge CPU (or any chip with an unlocked multiplier) then the RAM makes no difference.

As you only overclock using the CPU multiplier, and don't alter the Base Clock, the RAM stays exactly the same whether you're at stock speeds or 4.5GHz or 5GHz.

If you're overclocking a locked multiplier CPU then post back for further advice.

ChrisD. · 1 Nov 2011 at 16:21

Sorry, keep forgetting my rig is not in my sig anymore.

It's a 2600K.

Surveyor · 1 Nov 2011 at 16:28

MilanoChris said:
Sorry, keep forgetting my rig is not in my sig anymore.

It's a 2600K.

In that case changing your RAM will make no difference to the overclocking potential of your CPU as long as you're only overclocking using the CPU multiplier.

minimadmotorman · 1 Nov 2011 at 16:42

Don't bother. Won't make an ounce of difference.

Surveyor · 1 Nov 2011 at 17:09

minimadmotorman said:
Don't bother. Won't make an ounce of difference.

If only I'd thought to say that :rolleyes:

ChrisD. · 1 Nov 2011 at 19:57

I guess I fancy doing it because of the cheap price? If they shoot up, I might regret it, as I'm sure over the next few years more RAM could be beneficial.

I'm also a photographer.

Surveyor · 1 Nov 2011 at 22:47

MilanoChris said:
I guess I fancy doing it because of the cheap price? If they shoot up, I might regret it, as I'm sure over the next few years more RAM could be beneficial.

I'm also a photographer.

That's really a different question than you asked.

If you need or want 16GB then it's worth swapping.

It won't improve your overclock.

If anything using all RAM slots can have a negative effect though it seems OK with Sandy Bridge.

Also will the tall Corsair Vengeance fit with whatever CPU cooler you have?

Why not just add another 8GB?

ChrisD. · 2 Nov 2011 at 00:26

I don't need it, at least I don't think so.

CPU cooler is a H70 so most RAM is fine.

Just though the Corsair stuff would be better?

Surveyor · 2 Nov 2011 at 00:50

MilanoChris said:
Just though the Corsair stuff would be better?

G.Skill RipJawsX: 9-9-9-24, 1600MHz @ ~1.5V

Corsair Vengeance: 9-9-9-24, 1600MHz @ ~1.5V

There's no difference and RAM has no effect on overclocking with Sandy Bridge.

ChrisD. · 2 Nov 2011 at 11:41

Ah okay, fair enough, might get another 8GB of mine, will keep an eye out for deals.

Is the quicker stuff worth it at all? I remember reading something though that said RAM speed above 1600MHz is useless?

Surveyor · 2 Nov 2011 at 12:12

MilanoChris said:
Ah okay, fair enough, might get another 8GB of mine, will keep an eye out for deals.

Is the quicker stuff worth it at all? I remember reading something though that said RAM speed above 1600MHz is useless?

RAM above 1600MHz makes very little difference with Sandy Bridge:

The Best Memory for Sandy Bridge

ChrisD. · 4 Nov 2011 at 11:20

Just ordered an extra 8GB of my kit, at £40 it seems rude not to.