Preferred RAM

[PicodeGallo]

Currently I'm in the market for some new RAM, either a 2x4GB or a 4x4GB set. DDR1600. They all look the same. They will go in my current system, but will be transferred over to an Intel system likely with an Asus or ASrock mobo.

I need something low profile so they will fit under my cooling fan. I'm looking at Corsair (XMS3), Kingston, and Samsung (if they are ever on sale again). They need to be mildly overclockable-nothing extreme. I don't bench. Most say RAM is RAM, and I agree, but I have some particular questions:

1. What about value ram? What's the drawback here? I haven't been looking, just thought I'd ask.

2. Do the better timings on more expensive RAM make a difference?

3. What companies have the best customer service? I make it a point to memtest every stick and if one's bad, good customer service will ensure I get them replaced quickly.

Thanks in advance!

 

[EarthDog]

1. Value ram is good for your uses. No drawbacks.
2. Nope, not outside benchmarking. Same goes with speed.
3. No idea, I never had to return ram. With any company bad things can happen, so I wouldnt worry about this personally. The 'great' ones can have bad service, and the 'bad' ones can have great service... basically Im saying roll the dice as chances are things will be painless IF you get a bad stick.

 

[ivanlabrie]

I'm really inclined towards the 30nm Samsung cl11 1600mhz 2 x 4gb...It's only $39,99 at Microcenter atm...and it overclocks to 2133mhz like nobody's bussiness!

 

[manu2b]

Agreed with EarthDoh on everything.
I know about Corsair: I killed some xms3 twice, and the complete RMA process, from creating the ticket to having my sticks back at home, took 1 week both times.

Very good indeed!

 

[PicodeGallo]

Thanks all, this is exactly what I'm looking for. I've used quite a bit of RAM from Corsair in the past with great results. I just had a Corsair PSU fry on me, so we'll see how that RMA process goes. I am inclined towards the Samsung RAM. It has that "wild hair" factor--just in case I get a 'wild hair' and want to bench my system.

 

[glazer1972]

I just ordered 8gb of the Corsair Low Pro Vengeance.

 

[EarthDog]

I just ordered 8gb of the Corsair Low Pro Vengeance.

o...k...

 

[glazer1972]

o...k...

Not sure what this is supposed to mean?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058J1Q7O/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details is what I ordered. Low pro and 8gb like stated in the op.

 

[manu2b]

Not sure what this is supposed to mean?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058J1Q7O/ref=oh_o00_s00_i00_details is what I ordered. Low pro and 8gb like stated in the op.

It means this is not much of an answer to the OP question...

 

[PicodeGallo]

How about this? GSkill Sniper DDR-1866 2x4GB. The egg has them on sale for $50.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231460

I figure I can use them now, downclocked and with tighter timings, as well as for my upcoming Ivy Bridge build @1600 (or even OC'd). I'm hoping I'll have some flexibility with the 1.5v rating rather than sticks that run 1600 @ 1.65v. Don't know if it will matter much. I figure I'll play with the timings for my own experimentation.

As long as they work in both systems, I'll be happy. I better be. Just picked up 2 sets.

 

[cheapskates]

I swear by Kingston RAM. I buy nothing else.

 

[manu2b]

I'd go with this one (free shipping):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231314