Noob’s First Build

[lilmsmaggie]

Hi,
This will be my first time build. It consists of the following components:

Motherboard: ASUS Maximus V Gene
Processor: i5 3570K 3.4GHz Ivy Bridge
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
Optical Drive: ASUS 12X DVD RW OEM
System Drive: Samsung 830 256GB SSD
GPU: EVGA GeForce GTX 570 HD
PSU: Seasonic X660 660Watts
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit


I’ve been somewhat confused about DDR3 memory selection.
I understand that Intel issues a disclaimer for their Ivy Bridge processors in terms of maximum DDR3 memory voltage:

“Intel recommends using memory that adheres to the Jedec memory specification for DDR3 memory that is 1.5 volts, plus or minus 5%. Anything over this voltage can either damage the processor or significantly reduce the processor lifespan.”

As well as maximum frequency:

“The Intel® Core™ i5-6xx processor series, the Intel® Core™ i5-7xx processor series, and the Intel® Core™ i5-2xxx processor series use DDR3 memory with supported speeds of 1066 / 1333 MHz. The Intel® Core™ i5-3xxx processor series use DDR3 memory with supported speeds of 1333 / 1600 MHz. DDR3 memory with a speed of 1066 MHz is not supported by the Intel Core i5-3xxx processors.”

The memory sticks I have in mind are these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104239

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820104255

The latter HyperX PnP DIMMS are on the ASUS qvl, while the higher frequency HyperX Genesis DIMMS are not (at least I couldn’t find them).

So, why am I confused? When I asked the salesman at the store where I purchased the majority of the components going into my build except for the case about G. Skil DIMMS, he stated that they had a tendency to buzz and suggested going with Corsair Vengeance DIMMS instead. I see that there are some here on this forum that think just the opposite (in terms of the Corsair Vengeance being problematic – don’t know about the buzzing).

I’m leaning towards the HyperX Genesis sticks but if they’re going to be a problem due to the higher 1.65 frequency, should I go with the 1.5 instead?

[Silver_Wolf]

So far as I can tell there isn't much difference between the two sets so I would stick with the 1.5v.

I have a couple questions about your build though and I may be able to advise you a little if you are interesting.

Firstly how tight is your budget on this machine and what is your pref currency. Secondly what is the main purpose of this machine? What will you be using it for mainly?

[lilmsmaggie]

Silver Wolf wrote:
So far as I can tell there isn't much difference between the two sets so I would stick with the 1.5v.

I have a couple questions about your build though and I may be able to advise you a little if you are interesting.

Firstly how tight is your budget on this machine and what is your pref currency. Secondly what is the main purpose of this machine? What will you be using it for mainly?

I've already blown the budget but I got a good combo deal on the mobo and CPU. There was a rebate offer on the GPU, so I decided to go for it. Currency is U.S.

The main purpose for this machine is photo editing with Photoshop, Lightroom and some astrophotography specific image editing software (MaxIM DL). I might want to do a bit of gaming too.

[Myk_SilentShado]

Since you are doing a fair bit of digital work, I recommend you use at least 16GB RAM...your system will appreciate it..as will those programs you are going to use 🙂

[Kipper]

I have found the G-Skill memory to be excellent with the Z77 boards.

Not to take anything away from Kingston or Corsair I have used them both in my testing.