October 14, 2015 at 12:19[Guide] Tips for choosing the type of RAM for your desktop computer
Hello Giktayms! The modern computer industry offers a very wide selection of platforms for work and games. It is important not only to correctly navigate the needs of the processor or video card, but also to choose the right RAM. This is not only about physical compatibility, but also about the correct spending of funds for the purchase. Under the cut, we will understand what is relevant and what Kingston has for users (the server direction will not be considered in this post).
So, from simple to complex.
Perhaps the simplest is the AMD platform - I deliberately do not divide it into sockets, because modern generations work with the DDR3 memory type and are limited (according to the JEDEC standard) to a frequency of 1600 MHz. When choosing a memory for AMD, it should be noted that all high-frequency modules for enthusiasts, as a rule, are created for the Intel platform, and therefore do not necessarily work on the frequencies stated on the box without any serious interference with the settings. At the same time, when working with integrated graphics in A-series hybrid processors, a high frequency of RAM will give a performance boost, so I recommend choosing sets with a frequency of 2133 MHz - this is the optimal mark for Socket FM2 / FM2 +. To work with top-end AMD FX processors, it is best to purchase memory with frequencies of 2400 MHz and higher, but, I repeat,
In other cases: Socket AM1, AMD Athlon Socket FM2 / FM2 +, younger AMD FX Socket AM3 / AM3 +, the “regular” DDR3-1600 MHz RAM will suffice and an increase in volume will give a greater effect than the operating frequency.
Intel currently has three socket platforms and a number of integrated offerings for desktop compact computers.
For SO-DIMM, everything is quite simple - modern Intel NUC and similar systems work correctly with DDR3L memory with a standard supply voltage of 1.35V. Attempting to install a classic SO-DIMM with a 1.5 V power supply will most likely fail. This fact refers to generations of processors with code names Haswell, Broadwell, Braswell.
DDR4 SO-DIMM has not yet entered the market in the proper volumes, but deserves mentioning - it is the near future of compact systems.
The first socket platform - Intel Socket 1150 - is no longer the latest product from the point of view of ideology of tick-tack from Intel, but still remains the best-selling segment.
Two main areas can be distinguished here: the first is the N and B series chipsets - these are corporate chipsets, which are usually used with integrated graphics and for which the frequency of RAM is important, but not critical. Products that are on the market and which are even aimed at gamers often do not have serious overclocking capabilities, and budget processors will not allow you to do much. For such computers, it is best to choose a RAM with a frequency of 1600 MHz and just buy it more - for example, not 4, but 8 gigabytes or even 16.
The Z series - Z97 chipsets in particular are capable of overclocking RAM very well. Many overclocking records were set on this platform - automatic overclocking and XMP profiles will optimally work with this particular chipset and Intel Core i5 or i7 K series processor, so here the user's imagination is limited only by his budget. Practice shows that to get a frequency higher than 2666 MHz you will need a little more skill and luck than usual, since the load on the controller will be higher than usual. It is this frequency that I recommend for the acquisition of what collects a computer on Intel Haswell.
With the advent of Intel Socket 2011-3, DDR4 memory began to be actively sold - this is a rather expensive product, especially considering the total cost of the system and the need to purchase four memory modules at once. Why? The answer is very simple: Socket 2011-3 processors (as well as the predecessor Intel Socket 2011) have a four-channel memory controller and “make less sense” if you want to unleash the potential of your desktop.
It is highly discouraged to purchase individual modules, for stable operation in the same mode, especially if it is intended to overclock components. Memory kits are tested for joint correct operation precisely in the composition in which they are sold and precisely at the declared frequency. All of the above applies equally to the Intel Socket 1150 dual-channel platforms.
The third current platform - Intel Socket 1151 - currently released motherboards that support both types of RAM - DDR3 and DDR4. The choice is determined only by the desire of the user - to get new processor technologies here and now at the lowest price or to choose a more expensive, but the most technologically advanced option. Of course, if you buy a top-end four-channel kit and install it on a budget board for the Intel SkyLake platform, everything will work correctly, but let's leave Caesar - Caesarean. Kingston stocks special dual-channel DDR4 kits for Intel Socket 1151.
To summarize: always pay attention to the compatibility of components and competently approach the choice of any part for your “iron friend” and then he will repay you a faithful and long service, coupled with high performance.
AMD platform
So, from simple to complex.
Perhaps the simplest is the AMD platform - I deliberately do not divide it into sockets, because modern generations work with the DDR3 memory type and are limited (according to the JEDEC standard) to a frequency of 1600 MHz. When choosing a memory for AMD, it should be noted that all high-frequency modules for enthusiasts, as a rule, are created for the Intel platform, and therefore do not necessarily work on the frequencies stated on the box without any serious interference with the settings. At the same time, when working with integrated graphics in A-series hybrid processors, a high frequency of RAM will give a performance boost, so I recommend choosing sets with a frequency of 2133 MHz - this is the optimal mark for Socket FM2 / FM2 +. To work with top-end AMD FX processors, it is best to purchase memory with frequencies of 2400 MHz and higher, but, I repeat,
In other cases: Socket AM1, AMD Athlon Socket FM2 / FM2 +, younger AMD FX Socket AM3 / AM3 +, the “regular” DDR3-1600 MHz RAM will suffice and an increase in volume will give a greater effect than the operating frequency.
Intel platform
DDR3 memory
Intel currently has three socket platforms and a number of integrated offerings for desktop compact computers.
For SO-DIMM, everything is quite simple - modern Intel NUC and similar systems work correctly with DDR3L memory with a standard supply voltage of 1.35V. Attempting to install a classic SO-DIMM with a 1.5 V power supply will most likely fail. This fact refers to generations of processors with code names Haswell, Broadwell, Braswell.
DDR4 SO-DIMM has not yet entered the market in the proper volumes, but deserves mentioning - it is the near future of compact systems.
The first socket platform - Intel Socket 1150 - is no longer the latest product from the point of view of ideology of tick-tack from Intel, but still remains the best-selling segment.
Two main areas can be distinguished here: the first is the N and B series chipsets - these are corporate chipsets, which are usually used with integrated graphics and for which the frequency of RAM is important, but not critical. Products that are on the market and which are even aimed at gamers often do not have serious overclocking capabilities, and budget processors will not allow you to do much. For such computers, it is best to choose a RAM with a frequency of 1600 MHz and just buy it more - for example, not 4, but 8 gigabytes or even 16.
The Z series - Z97 chipsets in particular are capable of overclocking RAM very well. Many overclocking records were set on this platform - automatic overclocking and XMP profiles will optimally work with this particular chipset and Intel Core i5 or i7 K series processor, so here the user's imagination is limited only by his budget. Practice shows that to get a frequency higher than 2666 MHz you will need a little more skill and luck than usual, since the load on the controller will be higher than usual. It is this frequency that I recommend for the acquisition of what collects a computer on Intel Haswell.
Four Channel DDR4 Kits
With the advent of Intel Socket 2011-3, DDR4 memory began to be actively sold - this is a rather expensive product, especially considering the total cost of the system and the need to purchase four memory modules at once. Why? The answer is very simple: Socket 2011-3 processors (as well as the predecessor Intel Socket 2011) have a four-channel memory controller and “make less sense” if you want to unleash the potential of your desktop.
It is highly discouraged to purchase individual modules, for stable operation in the same mode, especially if it is intended to overclock components. Memory kits are tested for joint correct operation precisely in the composition in which they are sold and precisely at the declared frequency. All of the above applies equally to the Intel Socket 1150 dual-channel platforms.
Dual Channel DDR4 Kits
The third current platform - Intel Socket 1151 - currently released motherboards that support both types of RAM - DDR3 and DDR4. The choice is determined only by the desire of the user - to get new processor technologies here and now at the lowest price or to choose a more expensive, but the most technologically advanced option. Of course, if you buy a top-end four-channel kit and install it on a budget board for the Intel SkyLake platform, everything will work correctly, but let's leave Caesar - Caesarean. Kingston stocks special dual-channel DDR4 kits for Intel Socket 1151.
To summarize: always pay attention to the compatibility of components and competently approach the choice of any part for your “iron friend” and then he will repay you a faithful and long service, coupled with high performance.