Do I really need 4.000Mhz RAM for DCS (VR)?

[Razorback]

Hi all,
I'm busy building a DCS-only, VR-ready war machine.
I already have the CPU, GPU, MB and I am currently looking for the best RAM.

I'm actually still wondering about three things:

• Is it really worth it to get 4.000Mhz RAM compared to 3.200Mhz for DCS?
• Is it really important to reduce latency and therefore take CL16 instead of CL19?
• Is there any real added value in taking 64Gb instead of 32Gb?
   

My CPU: I9-11900K
CM: Asus Rog Maximus III Hero
GPU: Nvidia RTX 3090 FE

 

Thx a lot for you advices...

Edited August 31, 2021 by Razorback

[LucShep]

 

• Is it really worth it to get 4000Mhz RAM compared to 3200Mhz for DCS?

No, it's not really worth it.

I'l start with a side note, as it may help others looking into this.... Intel is not like AMD Ryzen in regards to memory choice. 

AMD Ryzen uses Infinity-Fabric, where the latency with the intercore communication CCXs is really dependable on certain RAM speed and at the lowest latency possible, for example, 3200 CL14 and 3600 CL16 (Samsung B-Die ≡ more expensive RAM) being the best choices. 

Intel uses dual ring bus, and it doesn't suffer any of such latency penalty between cores due to its design (one of the reasons why it has been good for gaming, for so long). 

With Intel "K", and for gaming, once past 3200MHz memory speed it matters very little. And for that memory speed, CAS latency at 16 is about right.

 

If you then consider the price difference for 32GB and 64GB kits (and above), between 3200 CL16, 3200 CL14, 3600 CL16 and 4000 CL16, then you realize the cost between such kits can be quite dramatic, for what in the end are miniscule (trully imperceptible) differences in real life performance/usage.

 

That is what makes DDR4 3200 CL16 the "sweet spot" for Intel, and all that you need for an Intel 11th gen based gaming PC, really.

And while there aren't bad kits, I'd go for Crucial Ballistix (32GB or 64GB, it's Micron E-die) because it's probably the best memory for its price point.

 

But of course, if insecure and up to chase such imperceptible gains, then, by all means, go ahead and waste extra money on 3200 CL14, 3600 CL16, 4000 CL16, etc. 

 

FWIW... 

 

 

• Is it really important to reduce latency and therefore take CL16 instead of CL19? 

For gaming, yes, it's important.

For that use case, CAS latency at 16 can be noticeably better than 19.

 

• Is there any real added value in taking 64Gb instead of 32Gb? 

Yes, there is.
In DCS terms, right now multiplayer is using more than 32GB in busy missions - although very, very specific advantage with more RAM, there is that right now. And in the future...

In general terms, here more is better mainly because of future proofing. It means less chance of stutters ingame due it hitting a possible ceiling then "eating" in despair from your pagefile (instead, having plentyful room with RAM), and you also won't need to worry anytime soon about finding same exact kit to pair with yours.

Also, RAM is at reasonable prices right now (64GB kits of 2x 32GB 3200Mhz CL16 at 350,00 €ur or less). Better take it now while these prices last...

Edited September 9, 2021 by LucShep

[Razorback]

Hello LucShep,

Thank you very much for your feedback and the comprehensive analysis.

It was clear and comprehensive !

It actually confirms what I thought.
A last more practical question, in view of my Maximus II pro Hero motherboard and my i9 11900K CPU, is it better to take 2 x 32Gb or 4x16Gb (or does it play no role other than keeping slots available for future upgrade?or ist it?)

Thxxxxx

[LucShep]

Be it 2 or 4 sticks it makes no real difference with Intel.

 

Better to go with a kit of 2 sticks (2x 32Gb).  ...you'll have 2 extra free slots if ever required for more RAM later (note: then need to be same kit, to get same exact 4 sticks).  

Edited August 31, 2021 by LucShep