Understanding Memory

[NakedG4m3r]

I am looking for information about memory for an...

ASUS Rampage IV Formula LGA 2011
Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0
ATX Intel Motherboard

Primary use will be gaming and some photo editing (Adobe Apps) and I would like to know more about what memory I should be looking to add. The board specs state that the motherboard supports DDR3 memory that features data transfer rates of 2400(O.C.)/2133(O.C.)/1866(O.C.)/1600/1333 MHz. Now here comes the question... If I go with the 2400 (oc) memory but don't overclock the CPU will the memory function properly? Meaning will the hertz come down to match the clock speed or will the memory flip out and not function properly? Reason I ask is I don't plan on overclocking right away and would like to know if the higher end memory would work until I decide to OC.

Please be gentle with the replies, as you will hurt my feelings... 😛

-G4m3r

[Zka17]

Regarding the memory question - I had good experience with GSkill's RipjawsZ series, and Corsair's Dominator GT and Dominator Platinum series on the RIVE... as others stated, get a single kit and you should be fine... 2400MHz is pretty close to the limits of the IMC, but 2133MHz should work just fine...

Regarding that push-pull config... - I would use the same fans on both sides of the rad for a proper push-pull config...

[NakedG4m3r]

It would require a little modding but nothing to crazy. Just drilling some holes I think for mounting.

[fbm211]

Here is some temp pics of my current build.I cant wait to get rid of the current board and get my proper MVF back in.Excuse the mess.You might want to get some 900rmp bitnex pro fans or whatever thay are called.Much better cfm than these weak megaflow fans.

[Arne_Saknussemm]

Yeah, it's an easy job to remove the stock fan and place another row of three fans on the top for a good push pull setup....which would be a good idea with that radiator I think, because it looks like it has a high fin density. The haf X works great if you use the top for intake....

The memory, I too would say go with 2133 and G.Skill Z series or Dominators from Corsair.

This is some info pulled from around the site into one place....all applicable to your board more or less...

http://rog.asus.com/forum/showthread.php?25510-Rampage-IV-Extreme-RAM-Guide&country=&status=

[NakedG4m3r]

Awesome link Arne that is great info concerning the RIVE's Ram. What is your personal opinion on the RIVE itself? I've been reading that a lot of people are receiving the board DOA or having to RMA after a couple of days.

[Arne_Saknussemm]

I love mine and always have....I had the misfortune of losing onboard sound on mine...not really a big deal and I was very close to doing nothing about it (simply bought a sound card) but Amazon here in Europe made an exchange for a new one pretty painless.

It is a great board but then so is the RIVF and choosing between them might just be a case of what offers you find out there on the day etc. The RIVE can run a bit more RAM at maximum but if your going to be running a normal 16 or even 32 GB the RIVF has you covered.

Unfortunately horror stories and reports of failure are typically what you find on a support forum and very few, unfortunately, post up "no problem" threads so impressions can be skewed that way. I'm sure the majority of boards go out and work their useful life without a hitch. The worst part is the fact that RMAs, if you have problems in the states, seem to end in refurbished boards, (though this depends on the seller too Amazon for example will exchange no questions for 30 days etc.) though refurbished boards are tested as working which can be a good thing. This and some dubious customer service in some parts can make you think but as I say the majority is definitely silent on this.

ASUS make some really good kit and I wouldn't let some bad stories put you off