New PC Build... Processor & Channel memory choice

[Furtwangler]

So I'm making a build for a friend, I'm torn between the following:

6gb of Tri-Channel RAM (3x2) with an i7-950 ($512)

or

8gb of Dual Channel RAM (2x4) with an i7-2600 ($577)

The 2600 obviously has better benchmarks, but in addition to it being more expensive, you lose the benefit of tri-channel RAM, which also better benchmarks than dual channel.

He's going to be using the comp for video editing and some gaming, and I've left out other components just for simplicity.

wat do?

edit also:

some more pros with the tri-channel build; he can always upgrade to 9, or 12 gb of ram in the future if it isn't enough, whereas he's stuck with the 8gb in the dual channel. Ironically enough adding more ram to the tri channel build is cheaper than moving to the dual channel build on its own.

[Jojimbo]

Why would he be stuck with 8GB forever? Get 2*4GB sticks so you still have room for more afterwards.

I would say go with the i7-2600k, were the benchmarks for RAM comparing it to dual channel on a 1155 board because I wasn't aware that the difference that *that* huge, especially compared to getting a newer/better cpu instead.

[Isiolia]

i7-2600K and dual channel. Difference between dual and triple channel is almost nothing in real world tests (as they usually are for memory in general). If money is a real issue, get an i5 2500K instead. From Microcenter if you live near one.

[Toxictaru]

I'd be more interested in the 2600 if video editing is involved.

[Gryffes]

2600k.

Triple channel is garbage wank that offers no performance gain.

[Arkanna]

Stay away from LGA1366. It is a dead platform with no upgrade path going forward.

[Tymon]

i7 2600k, 100%, positive, get this.

Triple channel is a gimmick.

[Furtwangler]

sounds good, thanks!