[RESOLVED] Motherboard, CPU, Memory

[Train]

Mixing ram like that can yield.

1. Will not boot
2. Cause all kinds of hair pulling errors.
3. Works like we want it to.

To quote SS.

The whole point of buying a kit is that they match the modules up so that you can be sure you are getting the ultimate performance from that RAM.

Now when I upgrade a computer's ram, I will replace whatever is on board with a kit as I do not feel like fighting problems.

[jdc2000]

You might be able to overclock the memory, but usually you overclock the CPU and then use appropriate memory. Xeon CPUs have been overclocked, but in server applications they usually aren't. They aren't normally designed to be overclocked.

[Falcon Speed]

There is no such thing as DDR3 200, it is probably 1600 OC'd to 2000. I have DDR3 1333 in my i7 rig, though the mobo runs it at DDR3 1066 on a standard clock. But because I have overclocked mine a bit it is reported as DDR3 1200.

What do you mean DDR3 200? I just got into Overclocking about 6 months ago. I noticed the same thing too where I would install DDR2 1066 but it runs at like 1000 or 800.

I wouldn't bother with a 12giog kit unless you are heavily into virtualisation, as I am. If I am not running a VM, then 80% of my 12 GB is going unused, and for most folk a 6 gig kit would be more than sufficient. That would cost you somewhere around $180 at current prices.

Actually, I do heavy virtualization too. I know you are a programmer too and you are probably using Virtual Server, Virtual PC or VMWare. You should check out VirtualBox. Although I am a Microsoft shop but I compared VirtualBox and VirtualPC, VirtualBox is much better in speed. Just my 2 cents.

You can mix and match brands, but I wouldn't advise it unless you really have to. The whole point of buying a kit is that they match the modules up so that you can be sure you are getting the ultimate performance from then RAM.

Thanks for clearing this but I think I will take Train's advice. Therefore, I am only going to buy 1 DIMM of 4gb. Good cost effective idea?

[Falcon Speed]

You might be able to overclock the memory, but usually you overclock the CPU and then use appropriate memory. Xeon CPUs have been overclocked, but in server applications they usually aren't. They aren't normally designed to be overclocked.

Thanks JDC2000. I made up my mind basing from SuperSpark's advice about don't worry so much on the max thermal design.

I am going to get this one.

Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz 4 x 256KB L2 Cache 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor BX80601930
$289.99
Free Shipping*

I need to find a 4gb memory module. Could you recommend one that is descent? I am more into cost effective so if there is a 6gb kit that is cheaper, I would take that too.

I will be getting a Gigabyte board again since you and Train said that the boot time from BIOS to Windows is normal from 1 to 2 minutes. I don't know what happened to the last Gigabyte board but I am going to give it a try again because it could have been my fault for overloading the rails.

Thanks

[jdc2000]

Decide which Gigabyte board you are getting, then download the manual for it. Check the list of supported memory modules, if there is one, and post that here. If there is no supported memory list, post the motherboard model.

[SuperSparks]

What do you mean DDR3 200?

Sorry, that is my pesky keyboard, which likes to miss out keystrokes I meant DDR3 2000.

[Falcon Speed]

Decide which Gigabyte board you are getting, then download the manual for it. Check the list of supported memory modules, if there is one, and post that here. If there is no supported memory list, post the motherboard model.

These are 3 boards from Gigabyte that support the 1366 sockets. They are so similar that I am not sure which on to pick. But lets say basing from the first one, which memory would you pick and show me how to pick it.

Thanks

Gigabyte
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128423
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128422
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813128413

[jdc2000]

There are several ways to pick memory. I usually download the motherboard manual so I can check the approved memory list first. You can also visit the web sites for Crucial, Kingston, and Corsair, and enter the motherboard manufacturer and model for recommendations. You won't always get the best price from those sites, so you can also check NewEgg.com and go to their desktop memory page. Click on the Advances search option. Select the type (DDR3), and speed you want, and then you can see the cost for the various DIMM sizes. You can also select a triple channel kit if you want. Then, check the number of reviews and the ratings.

6GB DDR3 1333
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145220
CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1333C9 - $145

[Falcon Speed]

Greatly appreciated that you did this and thank you for the tips.

[SuperSparks]

I have a very similar mobo to those 3 (X58-UD4P), and I'm using Corsair XMS3. It works flawlessly

[jdc2000]

Limited time shell shocker deal:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820145198

[Falcon Speed]

I have a very similar mobo to those 3 (X58-UD4P), and I'm using Corsair XMS3. It works flawlessly

I did a comparison among those 3 and still could not tell the difference among them. I don't think they carry UD4P or at least not for a 1366 socket.

[SuperSparks]

The UD4P may well have been superseded by now, it was fairly long in the tooth for an X58 board when I bought it 9 months ago, and motherboards rarely stay around for long. I had the same problem as you, there were several models of board with near identical features.

The last one of the three that you linked to has had some excellent reviews, but it is very expensive.

[Falcon Speed]

There is no such thing as DDR3 2000, it is probably 1600 OC'd to 2000.

Nick, you said there is no such thing as DDR3 2000.

Here it is: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820227571

If you go to the following page and scroll down to the middle, it will show all the type of RAM.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/PowerS...147&GASearch=3

Otherwise, I might be missing something.

BTW... Is G.Skill or Patriot good? I think I read one of your posts a long time ago that you prefer Crucial or Cosair right?

[SuperSparks]

Oh well, I have to stand corrected that it doesn't exist. It is not a JDEC standard, however, so I was sort of right:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR3_SDRAM

I have no experience of G.Skill or Patriot, but I can't say that I've seen many complaints about either. My preferred brands are Corsair, OCZ, Crucial, Kingston.