Hi Everyone,
 
I am building a new DAW, a friend is selling me PC1333 (16GB) memory.  Should I be concerned it is not PC1600 or does it not make much of a difference?
 
Thank You,
Adam

Running at 1333MHz won't slow things down too much...
But, I wouldn't skimp on the core hardware of your machine.
16GB of decent quality RAM should cost you about $100.
 
Do you know what you're getting?
ie:  The voltage, timing, etc

You also want to know what memory the CPU and mobo support.
 

Hello... The difference between 16gig of 1333 and 1600 memory speed is measured in nano seconds, in the Past, Quantity was the main concern for performance, when used in a Windows operating system.
 
But further thoughts on the subject...
1) Current I5 and I7 Cpu's are rated at 1600 1.5 volts and the I3 at 1333 1.5 volts.
2) Current DDR3 prices have more than doubled since the 2012 holiday season.
3) A SSD Drive will give you the biggest precieved speed/performance boost, when compared to 1333 vs 1600 of DDR3
 
My current Spec/Standard for Buying/Building with 16gig of new DDR3 memory is that be... two 8gig sticks, dual channel at 1600 1.5 volts.
 
 

If buying new, I wouldn't buy DDR3-1333 instead of DDR3-1600.
The cost difference is minimal... especially when considered over the life of the machine.
16GB of Quality DDR3/1600 1.5v Cas-9 RAM can be had for $100.
 
Regarding SSD (as boot drive), the machine will boot faster... and the OS will be a little more snappy.
A fast SSD is roughly three times the speed of a conventional HD... but don't expect the OS to respond three times as fast.
Where SSD makes the biggest impact is when used to stream large sample libraries.  The libraries load much faster... and you can pull massive polyphony.
 
 
 

+1 to Jim's advice.
No need to skimp on RAM especially since it's so damn cheap now a day's.
 
Mike

I would politely pass.  RAM problems are one of the most difficult things to troubleshoot.  Also did your friend follow all the ESD procedures when handling the RAM? 
 
-JJ