Best RAM for Z68 mobo?

I'm finishing up buying the last parts for my new gaming build, and I need to get the RAM. I am most likely going to buy an Asrock z68 extreme3 gen3, but maybe a different model Z68. Either way, chances are the memory will be 240pin like most of the z68 boards. Anyways, I have heard that the best memory to get is probably 1600 and 1.5v, or 1333 and OC it. I don't know much about RAM so I don't know about the truth in this, I would just like to get the best bang for my buck, aka the cheapest yet fastest quality RAM I can find. I'm already over my budget unfortunately, so I'm trying to hopefully get a really good deal on this so I don't feel so bad about going over . All suggestions are welcome! Also I have a 10% off memory coupon for Newegg, so if it's from there then all the better.

You collected the right info : )

1.5V + 1600MHz + XMP + Low profile for large CPU aftermarket cooler : )

8GB 49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820233186
16GB 94.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820233198

I'm actually not going to be getting an aftermarket cooler . Not off the bat at least. I'm getting an i5 2500k, and I was told that the stock heatsink would allow me to do some decent OCing. I thought that's what I was told at least.

I was also told to go for 8GB. I'm just using this rig mostly for gaming so that is okay right?

Can you explain what XMP does and why it is necessary for RAM?

Lastly, are there any cheaper alternatives I know not to skimp on the RAM, but I was hoping to shave a few dollars off, even if its 10 or 2 rofl. Can you take a look at these and tell me if any of them are good?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820220570 - cheapest

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231314


http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820231428

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820145345

Thanks nikorr

XMP basically does three things:

It ensures compatibility between DDR3 modules and the motherboards they will be working in.

It allows the novice or new overclocker to have some security in their new venture into overclocking by providing a certain level of guaranteed success.

It allows the enthusiast to be able to set their DDR3 modules to a confirmed setting that the can easily and quickly switch to for maximum performance at any given time.

XMP stands to be a great help in the area of stability in overclocking DDR3 modules, and could open the door to other exciting things as it becomes mainstream on today’s motherboards.

For now, there are no plans to implement this on DDR2 modules, so if you will want to take advantage of XMP, you will have to invest in a pricey new system!

http://www.legitreviews.com/article/613/1/

The first 2 have no XMP profile and 3rd one is High profile , OK RAM that I recommend as well in many cases.

And the last one, is the same as what I linked for u, but high profile : )

And you said the low profile is used just because some people have issues with massive heatsinks and not having room right? If I got that cooler master I wouldn't have an issue though ya think? The asrock z68 is a pretty big board.

Also about the aftermarket heatsink. Do you have to have thermal paste as well or will that cooler master that you linked supply everything?

The RAM I am recommending, also have a heatsink, but it is just a marketing, 95% of the RAM don't even need any heatsink.

Yes, it should be good enough.

Would I have to buy that with the coolermaster heatsink as well?

I'm a newb just like the original person who posted this. Does "Low Profile" mean the sticks are short, meaning, they won't get in the way of the...say after market heat sink/fan?

Again, another newb question, the Corsair Vengence is good for the Asus Maximus Micro ATX Mobo?

Can you help me out here nikorr? Will those G. Skill get in the way of the cooler master? If so, could I just put them in Dimm slots 3 and 4 or something?

Also, this is more a mobo question, but what are your thoughts on the asrock z68 extreme3 gen3 that I plan on getting? I was searching the forums for information on what RAM to get for it, and one of the mods on here seemed to have a pretty low opinion of it

Ah, didn't see the voltage difference on the Patriot. Alright, well I have a quad channel question for you. Say I got those g. skills and they didn't fit under the cooler master, so I had to put them in dimms away from the cpu. Could I get different low profile RAM someday for quad channel and have them all work?

Also, will I need to buy thermal compound with the cooler master?