Best combination: X6 1090T / 890FX Mobo / 8GB and 16GB RAM

[OptionTrader]

I really appreciate the fact that a forum like this exists.

I need to build 2 machines: One with 8GB RAM and another with 16GB. The AMD Phenom II X6 1090T BE will be used for both.

The intention is to have two possible boot profiles:

1. No overclocking.
2. Aggressive, but not extreme overclocking. Stability is important.

Given the experiences of those on these forums and G.Skill's own testing, I hope to find the optimum motherboard/RAM combination. If the motherboard choice is not as important, please let me know.

The motherboards:

- ASUS Crosshair IV Formula
- MSI 890FXA-GD70
- GIGABYTE GA-890FXA-UD5

It's a coin flip between the ASUS and the MSI. The GIGABYTE is listed only as a third possibility if it is best matched for the G.Skill RAM.

From my surfing about, I have been recommended the F3-16000CL8D-8GBFLS set.

It is my understanding the Flare Series of RAM is supposed to be best suited for the X6 and 890FX based motherboards.

Thanks in advance.

[VoXPCS]

I'm biased, but I can vouch for the unrelenting performance from my Flare series CL7 @2000Mhz on the Crosshair IV.

Fastest most stable RAM I've ever owned. It WILL work w/o problems on this board.

The 8GB runs @ CL8 which is not that big of a deal really.. pricey but you'll see why.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-391-_-Product

[Schwanke78]

I am not an AMD owner, but I have owned three ASUS boards their products and RMA services are excellent! ASUS has my vote they tend to support their legacy products for good durations with BIOS and decent drivers.

[OptionTrader]

@Schwanke78,

Thanks for your input. In my OP I listed the motherboards I was considering in order of preference with the Crosshair IV first, the MSI 890FXA-GD70 a very close second and the Gigabyte third. Your recommendation for the Asus has confirmed my research so far. I wonder if G.Skill has tested all three of these boards and determined which allows the best optimization of overclock settings for their Flare memory.

@VoxPCS,

Thank you as well. You have confirmed my selection of the F3-16000CL8D-8GBFLS set for an 8GB installation.

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Will I need to do anything special when 4 modules are installed for a 16GB installation?

Will there will be enough clearance for the memory heat-spreaders and my CPU cooler (Noctua NH-D14). I know I could slide the second fan up a bit but I am not sure if the heat sink itself will clear the nearest memory module. This is another reason for the question of which motherboard. Is it correct for me to assume the clearance from CPU socket to the nearest RAM socket is the same on all three motherboards?

[VoXPCS]

The kit comes with a RAM fan to keep them cool, while it's not really necessary it's very aesthetically pleasing to look at. See my post below

http://gskill.us/forum/showthread.php?t=6012

You'll notice that my Thermal-right Venomous X only has on fan on it and it's pulling no less.

There is an issue with cooler clearance, it's a tight fit. The heat spreaders can be removed, however I'm not sure if that will void the warranty. I wouldn't do it.

Also, here is some food for thought...

A NEW CROSSHAIR IV EXTREME MOTHERBOARD is coming out September 20th from Asus.

I'm going to be getting that board, as it has the hybrid graphics chip to run BOTH ATI and Nvidia cards together in one machine. See below.. - I would wait for this board

http://www.asusrog.com/forums/showth...air-IV-Extreme

[OptionTrader]

Thanks for the heads-up on the Crosshair IV Extreme which could easily qualify as mobo-**** for the AMD set. Regretfully, that board may very well be massive overkill for the workstation lifestyle the two machines I need will see.

The higher-end Thermalright coolers have piqued my interest and will be serious competition for the Noctua NH-D14 cooler I chose so far. Clearance for motherboard components and RAM will likely be the deciding factor as both are at the top of the heap as far as cooling performance is concerned.

What I still need to know from G.Skill is how tall the Flare modules are so I can determine which cooler fits better. Noctua's site has a compatibility matrix for motherboards and RAM. However, the G.Skill Flare Series has not yet made it into that matrix. 44mm seems to be the magic maximum height. Beyond that, either a different cooler or moving the memory side fan up a bit on the Noctua will be required. I haven't yet found a comparable matrix for the Thermalright coolers. Any ideas?

The other question that remains is what do I need to do to properly run 4 modules (16GB) either stock or aggressively overclocked on a 890FX motherboard.

[OptionTrader]

Bump.

The only question I have left for someone from G.Skill is how tall the Flare Ram modules are.

I'm trying to work out some CPU cooler fit issues.

[GSKILL TECH]

The Flare series is 56mm tall.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[OptionTrader]

Thanks for your speedy response!

[mrcmtl]

I have the 8GB flare series and they rock. 2000Mhz 8-9-8-24 2T at 1.65V with my Northbridge at 3Ghz on 1.28V. It is rare that I even pass 4GB of usage but I bought them for a bit of futureproof.



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[GSKILL TECH]

Can you post BIOS settings? Many people have issues reaching DDR3-2000, so this information could help them greatly.

Thank you
GSKILL TECH

[mrcmtl]

I have a Crosshair IV Formula so the motherboard specific settings are:
AI Overclock Tuner : D.O.C.P
DRAM O.C Profile: Profile #1 (from the RAM)
You also need to set CPU/NB Voltage mode to Auto and this will allow you to set manually the CPU/NB voltage.

For everyone, I think that you need to set CPU/NB voltage to 1.25V(or maybe more) to be able to stabilize DDR3-2000. For X6, DDR3-2000 is pretty much guaranteed, but for X4 C3 revision, I'm not so sure.

I'll post a screenshot when I get home.

[OptionTrader]

I have a colleague that has the MSI 890FXA-GD70 motherboard in 4 machines being used for CAD and rendering. If anyone can confirm the Flare memory functions as well in it as for the C4F and post BIOS settings for it, it would be greatly appreciated.

You guys have been a great help so far!

[mrcmtl]

Here's my BIOS shot



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