RAM for Sandy Bridge?

JP01 · 3 Jan 2011 at 23:11

Hi guys,

What RAM is everyone considering for SandyBridge? I understand that it takes DDR3 dual channel (not triple channel RAM) so basically, as I mainly play MMO's, I'm wondering if its better to get over 4GB RAM or a 4GB ram set thats faster? Have a budget of around £100-150ish for the RAM.

Also would be interested in hearing what other people are considering!

Cheers.

Hagar · 4 Jan 2011 at 13:21

I would go for 2 x 4Gb at about 1600Mhz or 1333Mhz, should fit in your budget.

Joe · 5 Jan 2011 at 14:29

Given that the Sandy bridge has a 100Mhz bus. Can the multiplier by adjusted to take the ram beyond 1800Mhz, or even to 2000Mhz?

ScarySquirrel · 5 Jan 2011 at 14:34

Is this a good choice for 8Gb?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-290-CS

jayextreme · 5 Jan 2011 at 14:55

I still don't think for gaming purpose we will need to utilise 8GB of ram.

nataku17 · 5 Jan 2011 at 15:06

ScarySquirrel said:
Is this a good choice for 8Gb?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-290-CS

i was thinking about getting that ram but my friend told me the voltage may be too high, is this true?

Edit: seems the ram is fine as it's what OcUK are using in their prebuilt sandy bridge systems

ScarySquirrel · 5 Jan 2011 at 15:17

jayextreme said:
I still don't think for gaming purpose we will need to utilise 8GB of ram.

Whilst I do game, it's certainly not my primary use of my PC.

jack21 · 5 Jan 2011 at 15:46

IMO, you should go with the RAM with low CAS and high speed, as I not so sure that RAM is limited on SB.

Broken Hope · 5 Jan 2011 at 17:10

jack21 said:
IMO, you should go with the RAM with low CAS and high speed, as I not so sure that RAM is limited on SB.

Timings make next to no difference in real world performance, if you have to bench to see very small differences then it's hardly worth it.

roadie · 6 Jan 2011 at 11:40

I remember a test by bit-tech on S1156 CPUs that determined for gaming and use other than extreme benchmarking, there was no real difference between 1600Mhz C9 and the faster stuff. Here's the link. Not sure if Sandy Bridge's increased performance will make memory speed and latency a bigger factor, but it's still likely to be the least important factor in overall performance if you have at least 4Gb of it.

The new Geil Value stuff on TWO might be worth a look.

ahenners · 6 Jan 2011 at 12:17

The Patriot 4GB 1600mhz kit for the money looks bang on. Has timings of 7-7-7-20. Used some in an i3 build for a friend and it has been excellent

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-041-PA

roadie · 6 Jan 2011 at 13:25

They do look good, if as per the review on the product page they can be run at stock speed/timings with 1.5V. Shoving 1.7-1.9V through them would be a bit much! EOL on the Patriot website though.

rchads89 · 6 Jan 2011 at 14:19

I have been thinking the same. I was going for corsair GT series or muskin, but the geil value plus are not shabby at all just because they state value does not seem there ****.

Infact they would offer exactly the same performance as the corsair XMS3 classic. I would say geil is trusty ram had many ddr2 sets and the odd ddr3 set from my early 920 build, not put a foot wrong!

Link to geil 4GB 2x2GB :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-104-GL&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

Basill · 6 Jan 2011 at 17:44

Would like some Mushkin ram for my build but seems pretty hard to find in the uk.

andyr · 6 Jan 2011 at 18:18

Would two sticks from a tripple channel kit work , i.e. the profile load up aswell ?

Apem · 6 Jan 2011 at 20:03

I saw gibbo post somewhere on the site that going for 1600mhz and low timings would be a better option for the sandybridge. Taking that info onboard im looking at the following ram what do you guys think please?

G.Skill RipJaw 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C7
OCZ Reaper Low-Latency 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C6
Patriot Viper 4GB (2x2GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C7

So what do you think guys do you have any better suggestions or comments please?

Orange · 6 Jan 2011 at 20:51

The geil ones seem to be popular

Troezar · 6 Jan 2011 at 22:07

rchads89 said:
I have been thinking the same. I was going for corsair GT series or muskin, but the geil value plus are not shabby at all just because they state value does not seem there ****.

Infact they would offer exactly the same performance as the corsair XMS3 classic. I would say geil is trusty ram had many ddr2 sets and the odd ddr3 set from my early 920 build, not put a foot wrong!

Link to geil 4GB 2x2GB :

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-104-GL&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1517

Just ordered two lots of these for my future builds. Can't beat the price for my needs

rchads89 · 6 Jan 2011 at 22:17

Troezar said:
Just ordered two lots of these for my future builds. Can't beat the price for my needs

Yep, there basically Corsair XMS3 ram good price

rchads89 · 6 Jan 2011 at 22:18

Basill said:
Would like some Mushkin ram for my build but seems pretty hard to find in the uk.

They are and there not i can find retailers with them, price wise for cas 7/8 are around £80-£90 so really not that expensive!