Sandbridge Build

chrismelling · 10 Jan 2011 at 00:45

Looking to update from my Q6600 to a new I5, just wondering if this looks ok?

cmndr_andi · 10 Jan 2011 at 00:48

Looks good - however I would suggest having a look at this RAM and this motherboard (with a 20% cashback offer).

chrismelling · 10 Jan 2011 at 00:53

Also, if I can put the cash up, would this ram be a good upgrade?

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=MY-279-CS&groupid=701&catid=8&subcat=1392

cmndr_andi · 10 Jan 2011 at 00:56

No - not really.

First, it won't work properly as it is a triple channel kit and the P67 (and all s1155 sandy bridge CPUs) are dual channel. So if you install it, then it will most likely default to single channel mode. This means you have paid almost double for less capacity, slower running RAM that looks nice.

chrismelling · 10 Jan 2011 at 01:01

Thanks for the heads up about not taking triple channel, could have waste abit of money there!

I've seen these,

http://www.corsair.com/cmt8gx3m4a1866c9.html

Is it really good ram or have they just made it look pretty so idiots like me want to buy it.

cmndr_andi · 10 Jan 2011 at 01:06

chrismelling said:
I've seen these,

http://www.corsair.com/cmt8gx3m4a1866c9.html

Is it really good ram or have they just made it look pretty so idiots like me want to buy it.

It's good RAM, but it is also overpriced and low density (only 2GB per module) - so I would not suggest buying it.

Instead - a good value, high density (less strain on the memory controller for the same capacity) 2x4GB kit like this would be the way to go imho. The real-world performance difference between dual channel DDR3 1600MHz CL8 and 1866MHz CL8 is tiny - but the price gap isn't. You would be much better off spending the extra money on a better GPU or monitor than on fancy RAM.