[dbvanhorn]

This may more properly go in "intel ram", but it's driven from the mobo so I thought here would be best.

Asus rampage IV extreme board, with I7-3960X processor.
I'd like (of course) not to bottleneck, but I'm having a hell of a time finding ram with the right numbers.
Many will "work" but the QVL only lists a handful.

A-DATA AX3U2400GC4G10(XMP)
CORSAIR CMGTX3(XMP)
G.SKILL F3-19200CL9D-4GBPIS(XMP)
Transcend TX2400KLU-4GK (381850)(XMP
Patriot PVV34G2400C9K(XMP)

Only the Transcend will go to six slots, and none to all eight.

I expect that the QVL is dated info, but how can I find the right ram for this build?

 

[SageQi]

If I may ask, why did you choose the 3960X? The 3930K can reach the same performance with a slight overclock and saves you a few hundred dollars.

 

[dbvanhorn]

I'd rather not depend on pushing the processor, and I'm unsure of the implications of using a Xeon processor.

I've built a lot of PCs, but not recently. My main system had a new MB/Ram/Proc combo three years ago, and I didn't try too hard to optimize, it was more of a "need it NOW" situation. i7 930 @ 2.8G

 

[s0d0mg0m0rrah]

:| no one mentioned using a xeon processor.
depend on pushing the processor? the 3930k, by default runs 100MHz lower than the 3960X...if 100MHz is gonna make a difference for you, then overclock.

have you bought those parts already?

the qvl lists ram that has been tested by the manufacturer to work at the rated specs (in this case, 2400)...all appropriate ram for the platform will generally work.

what's your overall budget and what's the computer going to be used for?

 

[dbvanhorn]

Haven't pushed the button on it yet.

Budget (fortunately this time) is pretty flexible. From power cord to on switch $4k
A big chunk of this will be the graphics card, gtx690 or titan.
It's much easier to find ram that will "work" than ram that doesn't hold the system back.
Hard drive/SSD is another sticky point, my main system now has a Momentus XL 750 which is good, and I'm a little worried about wearouts on the flash to go full SSD yet. I could be convinced.
Bulk storage will be conventional HD with raid, but I'm less concerned about bandwidth there.

I do some pretty intensive graphics, write code, move loads of files...
There's no one thing that I do predominantly. I may be routing a PCB, which involves 3D models and the ability to pan/tilt/zoom or in 2D mode just lots of screen redrawing. I may be raytracing some light pipe (povray)..

I'm an embedded systems developer, but not just a firmware guy, I get into all aspects.

It's rare that I have time for games.

 

[adridu59]

Yeah as others said the 3960X is rubbish, just get the 3930K.

Also out of the stick you listed I'd go with the Patriot but you'll have to do a large overclock to the CPU to be able to run the RAM at rated speeds, and it will most-likely not make any visible difference vs. 1600 MHz.

 

[dbvanhorn]

Is there any fast ram that is known to be stable in all eight slots? The patriot is two or four according to the QVL.

 

[s0d0mg0m0rrah]

what programs do you use?
...i assume you would know whether a gaming car or workstation card would be better suited for your needs.

again, depending on the programs that you use, that will essentially determine whether the ram "holds back" your system or not...and you can overclock or tighten the timings.
i think a good 1866/1600 quad channel kit would suffice.

i'd strongly recommend getting a ssd...the momentus (apart from traditional hdds) would be the slowest part of your computer and "hold it back".

in saying all that, you don't necessarily have to opt for the rampage iv extreme (which seems to be out of stock in most places).

 

[adridu59]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbvanhorn

Is there any fast ram that is known to be stable in all eight slots? The patriot is two or four according to the QVL.

The QVL is obviously not complete, they can't test every single available sticks of memory... I don't think it would be an issue.

 

[s0d0mg0m0rrah]

how much ram are you looking at getting?

 

[dbvanhorn]

I'd like to be able to max it out, 64G apparently with what's available.

I've run out of ram on my existing system with 12G on some renders.

 

[s0d0mg0m0rrah]

get 32GB (4x8GB) and see how you go with it...

i've got 24GB and only a handful of time have seen it go up to ~20GB but never ran out.

 

[dbvanhorn]

Ram: A minimum of 32G, maybe 64 if it's not too expensive.

Typically, I buy a system just a bit back from the bleeding edge, then use it for 3-6 years, so I'm looking to get long legs on this system.