How much difference IS really there? I got a good deal from a shop, but they only have Corsair XMS3 Dominator 1600 CL8 6GB, not the CL7 - I would have to drive about 60km for that one. Does it really pay off or is it more benchmark thingie? Notice I want to OC the system a lot...

The difference is only measurable in synthetic benchmark utilities. All else being equal, go for the RAM with lower timings, but driving 40mi is probably not worth it for a 1% difference (if even).

How much difference IS really there? I got a good deal from a shop, but they only have Corsair XMS3 Dominator 1600 CL8 6GB, not the CL7 - I would have to drive about 60km for that one. Does it really pay off or is it more benchmark thingie? Notice I want to OC the system a lot...

Though FSX benefits from a well tuned memory-sub-system you probably wont notice much difference.Since the i7 has an integrated memory controler as a general rule If you are O/C Look for the best timings at the least amount of voltageFor example in my case I wanted some decent premium performance out of my setup as FSX does benefit from good memory sub-system tuning, yet for other purposes I need 12 gigs. All dims full just likes to fry the IMC and will hold the cpu back from a higher Over Clock.Since intgerated memory controlers generate added heat on a cpu you are trying to keep cool while overclocking, faster memory usually allows for running comparitive timings on much less voltage = less heat=higher dependable O/C.The patriot 2000 and others like it have a spd of 2000 -8-8-8-24 at 1.65v but also >a spd of 1600 - 7-7-7-20 at just 1.5v, nice, tight and cool. :)

OK, no real world diff in speed.FlyingBits, you say CL7 for more O/C potential, if I understand correctly?

CL7 *may* have more clock headroom *if* you loosen timings to CL8 or 9, but again we're talking about single-digit percentage differences. It also varies from DIMM to DIMM. One batch of CL7 1600 RAM may hit 1700 with CL8 or 9 and another may not OC at all.

OK, no real world diff in speed.FlyingBits, you say CL7 for more O/C potential, if I understand correctly?

Edit: I didnt see MAX hads already answered in a much more simple way, but I hope this still helps.I'll do my best, highly medicated at the moment...lets say we have 5 to chose from all from the same brand as advertized tripple ch 6 gig kits all with comparitive passive heatsinks, not just a cover or open design(all specs and prices just theoretical:A - 1600 8-8-8-24 1.65v $140B - 1600 8-8-8-24 1.5v $160 C - 1600 7-7-7-24 1.65v $220 (advertized as "Low Latency")D - 1800 8-8-8-24 1.65v $240E - 2000 8-8-8-24 1.65v $280F - 2000 9-9-9-28 1.65v $260Spot the better values? It might be a little hard at this point until you get into it a bit.First a helper, grab the Latest CPU-z, run it and open the "SPD tab" that tab is a reading of the values programed in the "Serial Presence Detect" header of a small EEPROM on the chip. In simple terms It gives you and the mother board some basic starting points at which various timmings can work at certain speeds and voltages and will also usually contain a "XMP" for more expensive ram (XPM = Xtreme Mem Profile)Does not mean that you cant change settings beyond these, just reccomended, already worked out settings that you can change once it is up and running.So?If we could look at the programed SPD in these different examples you start to see a patern and that will help you find the real value.Lets look at A-C again. Spot the best Value?Probably B trumps CWhy? If B can run 1600-8-8-8-24 at 1.5v it can no doubt run the same timings as C as long as you increase the voltage to 1.65v (also must have comparitive heatsink) but for $60 lessStarting to see the patern? Yields and Marketing at playC may also perform exactly the same as D once you lossen up the timings.At the high end the slightly more expensive E is going to yeld a better value than F once you enter into those xtremes.If you think you have found some modules you like google for some reviews and look to online shopping for some personal reviews. Try to find the most current info and You'll get a good feel for some good value.Hope this wasnt too confusing, atleast try the using CPU-Z and read your current spds from your memory so you understand more.

OK, I get it.So basically, I have a RAM at 1600 doing 8-8-8-24 @ 1.65. So I could probably expect this one to go 1700 or so...? Since it's not low volt.

How much difference IS really there? I got a good deal from a shop, but they only have Corsair XMS3 Dominator 1600 CL8 6GB, not the CL7 - I would have to drive about 60km for that one. Does it really pay off or is it more benchmark thingie? Notice I want to OC the system a lot...

Just another thought, there are interference issues with different combinations of CPU Heatsinks, tall Ram heatsinks and Motherbaord layouts. I had to mod my Megahalems for my previous build, the current would just squeeze by as there is more room on the p6x58d than most. So be prepaired to grab the dremel if you have to.If I can get to it i'll post some pix for ya.

OK, I get it.So basically, I have a RAM at 1600 doing 8-8-8-24 @ 1.65. So I could probably expect this one to go 1700 or so...? Since it's not low volt.

I could be reading you wrong, but I think you might have it backwards, If your memory is xxx timing at 1.5v it can no doubt reach faster speeds with additional voltage than a module with identical timings rated for 1.65v (you don

OK, so basically CL7 would be better, that would mean I could run it at CL8 if I had to bump up to 1700...My experience with my current DDR2 dominator is very good, I could up the speed a bit (due to specific clock on the FSB) without changing latencies or voltage...

OK, so basically CL7 would be better, that would mean I could run it at CL8 if I had to bump up to 1700...My experience with my current DDR2 dominator is very good, I could up the speed a bit (due to specific clock on the FSB) without changing latencies or voltage...

R I G H T! now yer catching on.Sorry if I made it incoherant<---me on cloud numbAlso dont forget to run CPU-Z and the check the "spd tab", it is just a small ap that only runs when you want to run it, its simple and its free. :)

I could be reading you wrong, but I think you might have it backwards, If your memory is xxx timing at 1.5v it can no doubt reach faster speeds with additional voltage than a module with identical timings rated for 1.65v (you don

OK, so I got me the CL7 - I was actually driving into the city for other reasons, so I picked it up. Build is following next week, when the board arrives!