Crucial vs Corsair G-Skill vs Kingston

[Noughtboy]

Hi everyone,

Looking at putting a new system together with an Intel i5 2500k matched to a Biostar TZ68A http://206.108.48.60/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=546&tab=3

I want to add 8Gb of 12800 (1600Mhz) memory and I suppose it boils down to the usual triple play of performance, reliability and price.

So, essentially this Crucial Ballistix Sport for £38. Never really overclocked memory so not entirely sure how the relatively loose timings and 1.5v fare on Sandybridge.http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-132-CR&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

or this Corsair XMS at £43 with tighter timings but higher volts of 1.55v - 1.65v
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-290-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

or Kingston HyperX Genesis Grey similar to Corsair above at £44 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-094-KS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

or finally choice of two G-Skill being either the Ripjaws for £50 http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-060-GS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

or what I think may be the best option of G-Skill Sniper which is rated at 1.25V and available at a competitor for £45.

I seem to remember reading that SB setup and voltages dont always mix and that is why I am concerned with the first few ram choices being 1.5v to as high as 1.65v.

Thanks in advance for your input.

NB

 

[w00dy85]

I upgraded my CPU, mobo and ram a few weeks ago and have the G-Skill Sniper which is rated at 1.25V, I can say it's great ram. My mobo had no problem detecting the ram and setting the correct voltage and timings.

I did notice the ram is not listed in the memory support list for that board. But when I checked the G-skill website your board is listed so it should be fine.

http://www.gskill.com/products.php?index=390

 

[Plec]

Any of those sets would serve you well and there would be no discernable speed difference between the tighter timing memory and the slacker sets.

You don't have to worry too much about memory support lists - if there was a known compatibilty problem with a certain type of memory and MB the forums would be peppered with posts concerning the issue. I don't think i've ever ran a MB (from first release) with supported memory - i've always gone for the best value/quality available at the time or installed what i had to hand.

The XMS3 has a proven track record of running sub 1.58V at full timings/frequency - more often than not 1.5V or less (i have 8gb running at just under 1.5V as i type this).

Personally, you may as well go for the cheapest - i would have recommended the XMS3 at £43 but you've missed the 'this week special' so the Crucial stick out as extremely good value.

Additional: Don't expect too much in the way of overclocking (memory that is) as it's pretty hit and miss as to whether you will be able to tighten up the timings - especially when your aim is to run as close to 1.5V as possible. As mentioned there's very little gain in tighter timing...

 

[Noughtboy]

Thanks to you both for your reply. Essentially the RAM kits should work at 1.5v then. Now going to go over to Motherboard section as OCUK don't seem to stock Biostar and I will have to try and get some advice on making a choice between the Asus at £78 or Gigabyte at £82.

NB

 

[Plec]

Personally i would go for the Gigabyte option purley as their RMA procedure is UK based - it's a real bonus when you've passed the 1 year warranty. (I used buy ASUS - love their boards - but their rma process is dire).

If you can stretch your budget and if you're considering SLi in the future then the Gigabyte Z68XP-UD3 is worth a closer look. Having said that if the board you listed does all that you require save your money.