More or Faster memory for new Z97 build

pumaz · 24 Nov 2014 at 11:40

Just built a new rig based on a MSI Z97I Gaming AC and i7 4790K. Currently I'm using the memory from my old rig - 16GB (2x8GB) Corsair DDR3 Vengeance Low Profile (CML16GX3M1A1600C9)

I mostly use my rig for gaming and surfing etc. and was wondering would I be better off with 8GB of faster new memory or Should I keep what I have?

If I do go for new memory what's best for my motherboard with a budget of up to £100?

Thanks

almighty15 · 24 Nov 2014 at 13:02

Faster memory in the real world makes bugger all difference so keep what you have.

pumaz · 24 Nov 2014 at 13:20

I was just on HUKD where someone said the same thing as you almighty15. If there's no real difference why do people buy it, is it just for benchmarking?

Not interested in benchmarking at all, just want to play games like BF4 and newer to the best of my rigs ability

troops · 24 Nov 2014 at 16:36

Just keep what you have.

pumaz · 25 Nov 2014 at 22:23

troops said:
Just keep what you have.

Think I'll do this till someone gives me a very good reason to do otherwise

MoonBoots · 27 Nov 2014 at 13:37

I was just reading this article which seems to point to fairly large benefits from fast RAM (when using a modern CPU): http://www.corsair.com/en/blog/2014/march/haswellrealworld

But then again, it was written by Corsair who are obviously going to be a tiny bit biased!

Armageus · 27 Nov 2014 at 13:41

almighty15 said:
Faster memory in the real world makes bugger all difference so keep what you have.

Even dual channel seems to make next to no difference - recently I upgraded my downstairs PC but was on a tight budget, so instead of spending another £50, just "borrowed" 1 of the 2 - 8Gb sticks from my main PC - haven't noticed any difference overall.

Ronald · 28 Nov 2014 at 14:41

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7364/memory-scaling-on-haswell

This gives the definate answer: Stick with what you have as the differences between even 1333 and 3000 are usually single digits. 1600C9 is not poor at all anyway.

biuro74 · 28 Nov 2014 at 19:13

Having 16GB of memory is worth using RamDisk. Try about 6-8GB, which use for swap with constant size (2GB), rest use for TEMPs (4 system paths). Even with SSD it will work a bit faster, and SSD will last for longer

Or PrimoCache, eventually. Check this with your favourite games (waiting time, if it counts).

Randall8686 · 28 Nov 2014 at 23:02

I just upgraded from 1600 to 2666 and there was no difference in game. Maybe 1 fps but seriously no noticable difference. Tbh gutted i spunked the dosh on it.

Save your cash