Monday, June 3, 2013

Guide: Choosing RAM

Choosing RAM is probably going to be one of the fastest choices you will make in your build as beyond amount and speed, there isn't much else to examine when determining your choice

1) Compatability

Ensure whatever RAM you choose is compatible with your motherboard and CPU. All modern CPU's and motherboards will use DDR3. If you are using an Intel CPU you may have to ensure that the RAM does not have a voltage greater than 1.5v

2) Amount

In general 8GB of RAM is more than adequate for heavy gaming and most tasks, greater amounts are only needed in certain professional applications such as video editing and rendering

3) Speed and Timings

Performance gains for ram faster than 1600 MHz is negligible in most systems. The exception is with AMD APU's as faster RAM pairs well with the integrated graphics.

Timings are generally close enough between manufacturers that you can safely ignore them so long as you are buying from a reputable brand and don't care about the very small performance differences.

4) Part suggestions

Corsair Vengance Blue 8GB Kit

Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB Kit

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