Building a new (i7) PC - need RAM advice

Phyre · 23 May 2010 at 14:29

So I've already ordered an i7 920, along with a GA-X58A-UD3R, but I don't know what RAM to go with it.

I'll be using the system more for programming, Photoshop, video encoding, etc, than games. I imagine I will overclock, though I'm not sure to what point I will need to take it just yet.

As for budget... hmm.. not a huge amount really. I was going to just go straight with the 3x2GB OCZ Obsidian, but is there a reason it's so cheap? Is it worth spending an extra £20 for something better? If so, what? What about the speed? Go for the 10600 or 12800 (16000 is a bit out of price range)?

Thanks.

stulid · 23 May 2010 at 14:33

the obsidian will do fine with your setup.

Cookeh · 23 May 2010 at 14:34

I think that the amount of RAM you get will have more effect than the speed.
i.e. 2gb of 12800 will perform a lot worse for what you want than 3gb of 10600

stulid · 23 May 2010 at 14:38

Cookeh said:
I think that the amount of RAM you get will have more effect than the speed.
i.e. 2gb of 12800 will perform a lot worse for what you want than 3gb of 10600

huh? for a i7 system with a triple channel memory controller why would he want 2 or 3gb?

cmndr_andi · 23 May 2010 at 14:45

I would suggest getting this stuff. For an i7/X58 system you really want a triple channel RAM kit due to the huge bandwidth available. Also, that RAM I linked to is rather good value (for RAM at today's prices) and only a few quid more than 1333MHz, CL9 stuff.

Phyre · 23 May 2010 at 15:51

I had a look at the thread about the OCZ Gold memory in the Memory forum and a lot of people are having problems with it. Sure, it's possible that they're the minority, but it does sound like it would be best to stay away from it?