Rebuild w/ 2600k and Maximus V Forumla

[hoonu]

Hey guys. Just picked up a Maximus V Formula board after my P8P67 Pro finally kicked the bucket. Rather than wait on an RMA, I took the plunge and picked up this board but I'm desperate need of some new memory. I currently have:

CPU: i7 2600k @ 4.6 (Unstable ATM. Had it up to 4.8 on the P8P67 Pro)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i
Motherboard: Asus Maximus V Formula
Memory: G. Skill F3-12800CL8D-4GBRM (x 2) for 8GB total.
GPU: MSI GTX 680
PSU: Corsair AX-850

I realize that my CPU wont take advantage of the higher memory but I'm looking to stable my overclock and get it back to 4.8 if possible. The overclock became a little unstable when I added the 2nd set of 4GB memory so I'm guessing my problems started there.

What I'm basically looking for is a 16GB kit (Dont think I'll ever need to go to 32 w/o first moving to DDR4). I may upgrade to a Ivy Bridge CPU down the line but I'm still on the fence if my 2600k is clocking well.

Any recommendations would be great as I have been out of the high end build scene for a few years. Thanks.

[Chino]

Welcome to the Republic of Gamers forums, hoonu.

Is this gaming build? Or will you do other things on it? And what is your budget for the 16GB kit?

[hoonu]

Thanks. This is a gaming build primarily. I don't really have a budget as I'm open to spending the dough as long as it overclocks well. I was eyeing the Dominator GT Series but it looks like I can only get 32GB and 8GB. I'd prefer not to mix 8GB packs since I feel like this is where my last OC started going wrong.

[Chino]

I asked because the sweet spot for gaming is around 1600MHz. Anything faster gives minimal gains and doesn't justify the extra cost. But if you want to get faster RAM just for bragging rights, you can find the G.SKILL Trident X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3 2400 for $139.99. You don't be able to run those at that speed with your Sandy Bridge i7 2600k though. Not until you upgrade to an Ivy Bridge CPU.

[hoonu]

I appreciate the suggestion. I like that its red too! (Yes... I'm vain). I might have to see if I can get these locally at Frys or the like.