Does RAM speed affect rendering speed significantly? I mean - let’s say running your system with the same CPU speed but with different RAM speeds (like DDR3@1333mhz ; DDR3@1600mhz ; DDR3@1866mhz).

I’m asking, because i’m going to put together a new system just for rendering purposes and i wonder if i can stick to the cheaper DDR3 1333mhz modules.

@chrisg,

He’s asking if it would help rendering times if he has faster RAM modules. 

@c0cllc,

I doubt there would be a significant change with the rendering speed.  I would invest in a faster CPU before I went crazy on the RAM speed.  But as with anything, don’t necessarily go for the slowest (cheapest).  Give yourself a little bump if you can.

3DS Max Design 2011 64-bit - Advantage Pack
Dell Precision T5500, Dual Six Core Xeon X5650 @ 2.67GHz, nVidia Quadro 5000, 24 GB RAM, Win 7 Enterprise 64-bit
Minneapolis, MN, USA

RAM speed will only make a difference when your processor is made for higher speeds than the RAM you are using now.

For example, an i7 920 processor running @ stock 2,66 Ghz only requires 1066 Mhz RAM. If you would put in 1600 Mhz RAM, it wouldn’t make a difference because the processor is designed for a slower speed and will thus not use the higher RAM clock speed. (You don’t harm the RAM by running it slower though so if you buy the fast one you won’t break anything.)
That being said, there’s no harm in purchasing slightly faster RAM than needed if you are planning to upgrade the CPU in a year or two.

Other than that, check out the specs for the CPU you plan to buy and purchase RAM accordingly.

Hope that helped,

Midge

i7-2600K, 16GB RAM, GeForce 560 Ti - Win7 SP1 - Max 2011 SP2 / 2012 SP2